Red Car 2019 Estate Chardonnay Fort Ross-Seaview Sonoma 95 Points

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points: “One of the standouts in the lineup, the 2019 Chardonnay Estate Vineyard displays the classic fresher, racy style of this estate yet brings beautiful depth of fruit as well as length on the palate. Notes of pear, orchard fruit, toasted bread, and just a hint of nuttiness all define the bouquet, and this medium-bodied beauty picks up a wonderful sense of minerality and saltiness on the finish. It’s terrific today yet could benefit from another year of bottle age. I wouldn’t put it past this to be drinking well in 7-8 years.”

Vinous 94 Points: “The 2019 Chardonnay Estate Vineyard captures a striking mix of textural richness and the vibrancy that is such a signature of the house style. The personality of the heavily shattered old Wente clone simply can’t be defined. Even so, there is plenty of aromatic lift to balance things out. Lemon confit, marzipan, chamomile, dried flowers and mint are some of the many notes that build into the racy, textured finish.”

Tasting Notes: Fresh and stony in texture, this lovely, light-bodied white expresses anise and oyster shell, with a touch of brine. Textured and complex, it delivers plenty of nuanced apple, pear and Meyer lemon, within a foundation of structure and grace.