Opening with aromas of yellow apple, white peach skin, hints of wax melon and roasted pineapple, the 2019 Chardonnay Estate is open-knit in the glass. Medium-bodied, the Chardonnay displays accessible fruit expressions with sweet citrus tones before ending with a balanced and straightforward finish. Just over 2,300 bottles were produced without any new oak.

An incredibly impressive white, Woodward Canyon’s 2014 Chardonnay was barrel fermented and aged in 20% new French oak, with partial malolactic fermentation. It has a beautifully classy, medium-bodied, refreshing, yet also textured style to go with lots of ripe apple, citrus blossom, brioche and vanilla aromas and flavors. It’s rock solid and I suspect will age gracefully for 4-5 years.

The only white presented, Woodward Canyon’s 2013 Columbia Valley Chardonnay offers lots of ripe white peach, citrus blossom, white flowers, toasted bread and hints of brioche in a medium-bodied, elegant, pure and beautifully balanced package. Fermented and aged in 20% new French oak, this is downright classy, and will offer plenty of pleasure over the coming 2-3 years.

Quite young and tight, with primary apple, melon and stone-fruit flavors, this is that rare domestic Chardonnay that surely will reward cellaring. With decanting it becomes creamier, with an aromatic lift of cinnamon and a thread of vanilla running through the toasty finish. A baby, but already delicious. ——P.G.(4/1/2012)—— 94