The 2018 Chardonnay Ma Douce (which is named after winemaker Luc Morlet's wife) shows a more racy, focused style compared to the Coup de Coeur and has gorgeous notes of caramelized lemon, orange blossom, white flowers, spice, and toasted bread. Coming from the Fort Ross-Seaview region of the Sonoma Coast, it has a touch of marine-like salinity, full-bodied richness, flawless balance, and a monster of a finish. It's another riveting Chardonnay from Morlet that will evolve for 8-10+ years. This cuvée was aged 14 months in 25% to 33% new French oak.

Ma Douce comes from a vineyard in Fort Ross-Seaview—not far from Marcassin vineyard. It is planted mainly to Old Wente clone selection. The 2018 Chardonnay Ma Douce is beautifully scented of lime blossoms, grapefruit, lemon curd and sea spray with nuances of beeswax, baking bread, toasted almonds and yuzu zest. The medium to full-bodied palate bursts with intense citrus and mineral sparks, delivering fantastic tension and a satiny texture, finishing very long and invigorating. 425 cases were made.- LPB

Straw color. Aromas of mango, dried pineapple, cooked lemon, quince and smoked almonds. Salted caramel, too. It’s full-bodied, layered and flavorful with tangy acidity and a long, vivid finish. Intense and beautiful. Drink or hold.

The 2018 Chardonnay Ma Douce, from the well-known Ritchie Vineyard, captures all the magic of the Wente clone in its unctuous personality. Apricot, spice, dried flowers and lightly honeyed notes open up with a bit of coaxing. Creamy, powerful and resonant, the 2018 has a lot going on. -- Antonio Galloni