I think a little oak serves Chardonnay well, and I often find that no oak versions lack depth and seem simple when compared to carefully oaked versions. Not so here, where tropical fruit joins apple and lemon on a palate with good weight and a crisp finish — I trust some time on lees helped to flesh out the mid palate and keep the flavors on the rich side of bright. Throw in the nice price here and I’m sold.
Morgan, Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County, California) Un-Oaked Chardonnay 2020
By Rich Cook
