Ladera’s Pillow Road Chardonnay satisfies with each successive vintage, and it once again exploits partial malolactic fermentation to great effect. The practice makes the best of both worlds possible, here delivering richness and weight but remaining light on its feet in bringing apple, pear and oak spice through a plush midpalate and a crisp finish. From a solo glass to a creamy fish plate, this will fill the bill.
Ladera Vineyards, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Chardonnay 2019
By Rich Cook