I call this a loud Chardonnay — loud in the way a perfectly executed trumpet fanfare from a few yards away is loud. This has huge energy, showing apple, pear, soft spice, moderate oak influence and singing acidity that provides real drive. It is crowd pleasing and complex at once. The 2021 wines from the Central Coast of California continue to impress.
Calera, Central Coast (California) Chardonnay 2021
By Rich Cook