Oakville Ranch Chardonnay, Napa Valley, USA

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The 2021 Chardonnay is vaguely floral, with lemony overtones. Barrel fermented and aged in 35% new French oak, with about half of the wine having gone through malolactic fermentation, it's medium to full-bodied but light on its feet, with a round but almost airy mouthfeel. It's a unique expression of Chardonnay, one that pleases without exciting, with delicate, citrusy flavors that fade quickly on the finish. I really enjoyed the more generous 2020 version, so it will be interesting to see whether this represents a wobble or a more permanent change in direction.

Chardonnay isn't common in Oakville, but the 2020 Chardonnay is a more-than-credible example. Honeyed pear and pineapple, ripe melon and a hint of custard all appear on the nose, while the palate is medium to full-bodied, plump, generous and easy to drink. With excellent balance and mouthwatering lemon-lime notes on the finish, it's a lovely wine to enjoy over the next few years.

A simple, dull wine, from a producer that has struggled with Chardonnay for years. Tastes soft and sweet, with some vegetal notes.——S.H.(12/31/2011)—— 82

Way too much oak on this wine, which is dominated by buttered toast and butterscotch aromas and flavors. Underneath all that you’ll find pineapples and guavas.——S.H.(11/1/2011)—— 86

Tastes very oaky, with vanilla and caramel flavors dominating the earthy pineapples and green apples. That earthiness shows up in the form of sage-like herbs. Ready now. ——S.H.(6/1/2010)—— 86