2013 Bernardus Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

15.4% alc., 412 cases, $40. Bottled August 2014. Vineyard owned and farmed by Gary and Rosella Franscioni. Dijon clone. Whole cluster pressed, fermented using a variety of specially selected yeasts. 100% malolactic fermentation, lees stirring every two weeks until shortly before blending and bottling. Aged in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon curd, tropical fruits and kiwi lead to a rich and creamy palate displaying ripe yellow orchard fruits with a hint of lemon and pineapple, and a tug of buttery oak that shows up for an encore on the strong finish that is flush with generous fruit concentration. Nicely done in this style. Score: 90. Reviewed September 18, 2015

Winery: Bernardus Vineyards & Winery
From article: Small Sips of Recently Tasted Chardonnay