The 2013 Chardonnay Upper Barn is a stunning, mature Chardonnay from Alexander Valley with plenty of life ahead. Matured for 11 months in 49% new oak, it takes plenty of time in the glass to reveal dried apples, mixed nuts, mushroom paste, iodine and pastry scents. The medium-bodied palate is satiny, mouthwatering and loaded with honeyed flavors, and its savory notes of maturity haunt the long finish. - Erin Brooks

From the Upper Barn vineyard at over 480m in the Alexander Valley planted in 1982 to Old Wente clone Chardonnay, old vines in this part of California for Chardonnay. Aromas of roast corn husk, peach fuzz, and savoury herbs flanked with a crushed chalk mineral character. The palate is finely etched in its precision, honeyed apricot, lemon cream and candied ginger with a laser-focused minerality. This Chardonnay is evolving beautifully.