A combination of Old Wente and Clone 95, Hendry's 2020 Chardonnay Barrel Fermented spent 11 months in French oak, approximately one-third new. The malolactic fermentation is blocked, but it still has a slightly custardy, leesy note that nicely complements the white peach, Bartlett pear and melon fruit, plus a classy note of pencil shavings. It's full-bodied and generous in the mouth, but the wine's modest citrus flavors do fall away a bit quickly on the finish.

Not many wineries hold Chardonnay for nearly four years, but Hendry did. Unfortunately, the wine is losing fruit fast. It’s dry, acidic and earthy, with mushroom and pineapple flavors. Drink up.——S.H.(8/1/2011)—— 84

Here’s an oaky, ripe Chardonnay. It has pleasant pineapple, peach and lemon flavors and crisp acidity, and while it’s not especially complex, it’s a nice Chard for drinking now. ——S.H.(12/1/2008)—— 85