Sterling's barrel-fermented 2020 Chardonnay Reserve comes from the Gamble Ranch and Star Vineyard (in Rutherford) and spent 18 months in 75% new French oak. Aromas of buttered cashew, ripe tangerine and grilled pineapple are joined by a slightly custardy note. Medium to full-bodied, this is round and generous on the mid-palate, then finishes a bit tart and edgy.

Sterling's 2019 Chardonnay Reserve ramps things up. It's a blend of Rutherford and Oakville fruit, all barrel fermented in French oak (70% new), with full malolactic fermentation. Offering scents of toasted hazelnuts, peach and lemon meringue, plus crème br?lée, it's full-bodied and generous yet balanced, with a long, clean finish.

Coming mainly from Star Ranch vineyard in Rutherford, the 2018 Chardonnay Reserve was fermented in 100% French oak, 70% new, and aged for 16 months. The nose is redolent of spiced pears, ripe peaches and lemon curd with hints of cedar, allspice and brioche. Medium to full-bodied, the palate gives up mouth-coating stone fruit and citrus layers with a satiny texture and oodles of freshness, finishing long and spicy.

The 2017 Chardonnay Reserve features scents of warm pears, ripe Bosc pears and pineapple tart with hints of spice cake, honeycomb and ginger ale. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a pleasantly oily texture and bags of expressive pears and tropical fruit flavors, finishing long and spicy. 350 cases were made.

The 2016 Chardonnay Reserve (aged 17 months in 67% new French oak) opens with understated grapefruits and lemon curd notes over notions of cedar, chalk dust and allspice. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers great intensity with a satiny texture and long spicy finish. 500 cases produced.