Chardonnay Private Reserve 2023 is
. The Private Reserve tier uses the highest-grade grapes, and in 2023, those grapes were harvested late, very late, in fact. During a rainy winter, the Napa region received 51 inches of rain, more than the historical average of 31 inches, and a cold snap followed: June recorded its lowest average temperature since 1998, and budbreak in Chardonnay began in early April rather than late March. Flowering and color development were delayed by about 2 to 4 weeks. White grapes for still wine did not begin arriving at Napa cellars in small quantities until the early part of September.
Favorable weather conditions during the flowering period resulted in a high yield; however, rather than simply relying on high sugar content, the clusters were thinned to ensure that the remaining fruit could reach full physiological ripeness. The combination of leaving the grapes on the vines for an extended period during a cool year and reducing the yield per vine shaped the character of this wine. In other words, it features well-ripened Napa fruit without any roasted notes and maintains a firm acidity that holds up under the oak.
Winespectator (92)
Juicy and bold, with plenty to admire in the tangerine, pear and apricot flavors at the core, plus touches of lemon tart, caramelized sugar and nutmeg. Honeysuckle, clover honey and buttered, toasted brioche details linger.
James Suckling (96)
Aromas of lemon confit, yellow apples, baking spices and grilled pineapple. The palate is full-bodied with a creamy texture and bright acidity, giving flavors of grapefruit, lanolin, apple tart and honeysuckle. Quite a powerful wine that is carried by pure acidity and freshness.
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
A bigger, richer expression of the variety, the 2023 Chardonnay Private Reserve comes mostly from the Gamble vineyard in Oakville and spent nine months in 68% new French oak. It offers ripe stone fruits, orange blossom, spice, and honeyed white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, it's pure, balanced, and layered, with wonderfully integrated oak. It brings ample power and richness while staying light on its feet.
