Byron Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Bien Nacido Vineyard 2018

95 points/’Editors’ Choice,’ Wine Enthusiast: “[$40 list] Expertly layered aromas of toast, fine-grained oak, smoked apple, nectarine, crushed limestone and light butterscotch make for a nose that should please all types of Chardonnay lovers. The palate is immediately hit with chalky and fresh acidity, leading into lively flavors of sliced Asian pear and finishing with an intriguing hint of spearmint. Alcohol 13.3%. (Dec 2020)”

Producer notes: “This Chardonnay from the famed Bien Nacido Vineyard is a blend of Pommard clones 4 and 95. Clone 4 offers aromas of lemon curd and key lime pie. Clone 95 delivers honey, fruit blossoms and red apple. This rich and multilayered wine displays wonderful acidity with a hint of wet stone on the finish.”