2013 Napa Valley Chardonnay

The 2013 Chardonnay Napa displays beautiful honeysuckle, lemon oil, and hints of nectarine and poached pear, and has a Burgundian, Bâtard-Montrachet-like texture and richness. The wine is sensationally rich and once again a great success from this winery, which has had such an incredible track record for world-class Chardonnays. This should drink well for another 5-7 years, as their record for aging is brilliant.

Sweet butterscotch nose and sweet palate entry with a hint of cloves. Good appetising finish though this seems a strange and not altogether resolved hybrid between old and new styles of California Chardonnay. (JR)

Pahlmeyer's 2013 Chardonnay is gorgeous and also a fascinating contrast to Chardonnay from the family's Wayfarer property on the Sonoma Coast. Here, though, it is the Russian River that speaks with notable eloquence. Orange blossom, butter, new French oak, apricot pit, mint and spice notes abound. The 2013 is quite extroverted in style, but less overt than in years past. The new Francois Freres barrels are evident but also very nicely integrated. The 2013 is the first vintage made exclusively from Ritchie Vineyard fruit, whereas in the past, grapes from Wayfarer were part of the blend.