A vivid, well-balanced and mineral-infused wine that punches above its weight. Flinty, stony, earthy aromas, then generous lemon curd, green apple and Bosc pear flavors lifted by lively acidity at 6.3 grams per liter. Drink now or hold.

Rich depth from this Central Coast Chardonnay made by California icons Calera. The aromatics show rich nutmeg, lemon cream, and cardamom spice, giving way to a palate that balances richness and depth with an elegant fruit profile. Grilled pineapple, honeyed apricot, and spiced pear are met with salinity-driven sea spray mineral notes.

Starting with the 2022 Chardonnay Central Coast, this comes from a mix of sites and spent 10 months in 10% new oak. Its vivid gold hue is followed by a solid nose of stone and apple-like fruits, as well as some background spicy, brioche-like nuances. This medium-bodied, concentrated, textured Chardonnay is clean, balanced, and impeccably made.

The 2022 Chardonnay Central Coast comes from a blend of Edna Valley, San Benito and Monterey sites. It’s a rich, forward white with lots of richness but also a bracing structure. Toasted hazelnut, apricot, lemon zest, petrol and slate build in the glass, pressing onward through the voluptuous, mouth-coating finish. It trails away quickly with a kiss of heat, but this is a solidly enjoyable appellation-level offering in a tough year. -- Billy Norris