This is not your aunt’s butter bomb Chardonnay. And it’s definitely not apologizing for itself.
The 2020 Reserve Chardonnay struts out of Walla Walla with confidence—golden apple, lemon curd, and ripe pear up front, followed by a wink of toasted brioche, vanilla bean, and just enough crème brûlée to make things interesting. Oak is present, well-dressed, and knows when to shut up.
On the palate, it’s rich but not sloppy. Creamy texture? Absolutely. Bright, mouth-watering acidity? Also yes. Think baked apple, Meyer lemon, and a little hazelnut, all riding a clean mineral spine that keeps the whole thing honest. The finish hangs around longer than planned, in a good way.
This is Chardonnay for people who say they don’t like Chardonnay… and then mysteriously finish the bottle.
Food Pairings (aka things this wine will flirt shamelessly with):
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Roast chicken with crispy skin and zero regrets
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Seared scallops, preferably with butter involved
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Lobster, crab, or anything that once lived a fancy life
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Creamy pastas, especially if there’s parmesan or truffle in the room
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Triple-cream cheeses that make you cancel your afternoon plans
Serve slightly chilled, pour generously, and don’t overthink it. This wine already did the thinking for you.