Castello di Amorosa, Napa Valley (California) Chardonnay 2021

 There are still plenty of fans of heavily oaked Chardonnay out there, so much so that some producers are leaving hints on the labels – words like “buttery” or “shortbread” abound.  Those tend to appear on the budget-friendly end of the spectrum.  Only the word “Reserve” gives any hint to there being a fair amount of oak, but that’s never a guarantee.  Here, Reserve is aptly applied, and while the oak is present, it’s not overdone and rather matches the rich fruit and adds a creaminess of texture.  Apple, pear, soft toffee and spice are round and full flavored, without any overt oaky character covering anything up.  Very nicely dialed in!