Beringer, Napa Valley (California) Chardonnay 2019

 This bottling has always been meant to showcase the best of what Napa Valley has to offer.  With the 2019 vintage, winemaker Ryan Rech settled on 100% Gamble Ranch fruit from the middle of the Oakville AVA.  While the wine underwent full malolactic fermentation, a late sulphur addition served to tame the resulting diacetyl to keep any buttery aromatics and flavors in check.  The wine then spent 8 months in oak before bottling.  Though the oak used was about 85% new, it’s not present in any way other than to complement the fruit, and the acidity keeps things bright through a long finish.  If you would prefer the short version of the above, I’ll say that it’s very ripe, but perfectly balanced and showing deep varietal complexity.  Bravo!