2023 Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay

Vivid, pure citrus expression with a mineral character, like the squeeze of a just-picked Meyer lemon over an oyster-shell, laced with white floral notes. Linear in its youthful exuberance, it shows a fabulous core of dense citrus and orchard fruit, with a lemon-oil richness underpinning the fruit that maintains a purely delicate edge. Crisp, crunchy acidity provides shape and drive, while enticing Marcona almond notes add some depth and texture through the finish. (JC)