Aromas of sliced red apple with heather, lilac, and dried pineapple, as well as peach skin. Full-bodied with a rich, layered palate and lots of dried fruit. Its flavorful and delicious now. Hints of pralines, light toffee and cream. Drink or hold.

Although not labeled as such, Beringer's Private Reserve Chardonnay has been sourced for decades from the Gamble Ranch in Oakville. Planted around 1976 to Clone 4, the grapes are picked ripe and barrel fermented at relatively warm temperatures to build mouthfeel. The 2020 Chardonnay Private Reserve (along with all the other white varieties) was picked prior to any risk of smoke taint. Marked by scents of mango, guava and pineapple, it doesn't come across as that oaky, despite being barrel fermented and aged in approximately 80% new French oak. It's full-bodied and slightly buttery, with an appealing custardy richness and a long finish.- JC

Peach, apricot and mango flavors are juicy and fleshy at the core of this white, with honeyed overtones. Salted butter, spice and toasted pastry notes emerge on the finish, as does a touch of dried ginger. Drink now. 8,714 cases made.

The 2020 Chardonnay Private Reserve is creamy, open-knit and expressive. Lemon confit, spice, vanillin and light tropical notes all grace the 2020. As always, the Private Reserve is done in a richer, creamier style than the Luminus Chardonnay. That approach worked well in 2020. By Antonio Galloni on October 2021