This is a dreamy creamy white founded in stony mineral and juicy acidity that shows a mix of baked apple, pineapple and melon. A tease of green olive provides a briny, salty edge to its tense balance. A lingering hint of vanilla oak figures prominently on the lengthy floral finish.

The 2014 Chardonnay from Montelena is outstanding. Coming all from the Oak Knoll region of the Valley (the southern part) and aged in French oak, it offers terrific notes of pineapple, white flowers, some exotic citrus/tangerine character, and just a hint of tropical fruits. Clean, vibrant, impeccably balanced and with a great finish, drink it anytime over the coming 8-10 years.