2015 White Bones Chardonnay

(from vines adjacent to those used for the White Stones bottling, but on calcareous soil richer in marine fossils): Bright, light yellow. Currently a bit muted on the nose by resiny vanillin oak, but aeration brought hints of white orchard fruits, minerals and eucalyptus. Then creamy-rich, concentrated and classically dry on the palate, more filled in today than the 2015 White Stones bottling. Harmonious acidity frames the wine's fruit and carries the very long, strong finish.

I had two vintages to taste from the two whites from Adrianna Vineyard, which provided a fascinating comparison. Like all the rest, the 2015 White Bones Chardonnay had a long fermentation with wild yeasts and aged in French barriques for some 12 to 16 months, depending on the lot. It's fascinating to compare this with the 2016 and with both years from the White Stones. This is the more exuberant, open, aromatic and balsamic of the four wines, while it is still very young and fresh. The palate is also very expressive and combines power with elegance and freshness. It's long, tasty and mineral, with a salty finish. 4,500 bottles were filled in July 2016. Jun 2018, www.robertparker.com