95+ I was able to taste two Chardonnays from Failla. The 2018 Chardonnay Estate Vineyard comes from an estate vineyard in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA and spent 11 months in 10% new French oak. This medium gold-hued 2018 has a more savory bouquet of crushed citrus, white peach, dried herbs, and spice. This carries to a medium-bodied, nicely concentrated Chardonnay with a distinct marine, salty, oyster shell-like minerality, beautiful overall balance, bright acidity, and a clean finish. Think Chablis meets the Sonoma Coast. It's going to evolve for a solid decade or more.

The 2018 Chardonnay Estate Vineyard is a powerful, savory wine. Crushed rocks, sage, mint, chamomile and dried herbs give the Estate its distinctive savory character. In the glass, the Estate is marked by a distinctly phenolic feel. Readers will find a Chardonnay built mostly on structure and acid, while fruit is pushed into the background. The Estate Chardonnay is a standout. -- Antonio Galloni