Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Napa Valley (California) Chardonnay 2017

 A youngster still integrating its oak load, yet promising to do so in style.  About a third of this wine saw new French oak, and 87 percent malolactic fermentation.  Twelve percent of the wine was done in stainless to pop some freshness into the blend.  The result here follows the technique, with pear, lemon, nut and flowers on the nose, leading to a palate where the oak is forward at present, but as it folds into the acidity and the fruit comes forward, the nose elements that are peeking on the palate will show their full profile.  I’d rest this a few years for full enjoyment.