The 2016 Hudson Chardonnay comes all from the Shot Wente clone and was brought up in 60% new barrels. It’s a rich, medium to full-bodied, powerful Chardonnay that has fabulous notes of buttered lemons, white flowers, toasted nuts, and hints of brioche. It’s not for the nothing-but-Chablis crowd, but it’s a brilliant effort that has both richness and freshness.

This is comprised of a blend of four different vineyards from Hudson’s Home Ranch and Henry Road Ranch, all planted to Shot Wente clone. It was barrel fermented with natural yeast in French oak, 60% new, and aged for 12 months in barrel. The 2016 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard opens with wonderfully gregarious honeyed peaches, ripe pears and candied ginger notes plus touches of almond croissant, beeswax and orange blossoms. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals the most seductive satiny texture, packed with layers of stone fruit and savory flavors, finishing very long and very spicy. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown