(94+ points) The 2019 Chardonnay Estate comes from own-rooted vines planted in 1973. It was barrel fermented and matured for 12 months in oak and six months in stainless. It's scented of golden apples, dried hay and roasted almonds, and the palate has expansive, honeyed fruits with gently tangy acidity and glossy spices from its 40% to 45% new oak, finishing long and energetic. - Erin Brooks

Spice, flinty minerality, stone fruits, and a hint of gunpowder all emerge from the 2019 Chardonnay Bien Nacido, a medium-bodied, vibrant Chardonnay offering classic Bien Nacido minerality, salinity, and character. It has some background oak, but the balance is spot on, as is the purity of fruit. It has lots to love today, yet it’s going to continue to deliver the goods over the coming 7-8 years.

The 2019 Chardonnay Estate Bien Nacido Vineyard is a bit tightly wound at this stage, likely a reflection of its recent bottling. Bright citrus and floral accents give the 2019 an attractive upper register to match its mid-weight personality. I very much like the energy here. Let's see what time brings. -- Antonio Galloni