2016 Hudson Ranch Chardonnay Ladybug

This is one of two brand new, very impressive, single Hudson Vineyards barrel selection Chardonnays being released this year. It was barrel fermented with natural yeast in French oak, 80% new, and aged for 20 months in barrel. A little reticent to begin, with coaxing the 2016 Chardonnay Ladybug opens out to reveal beautiful white and pink grapefruit aromas with scent layers of white peaches, lemon curd, honeysuckle, jasmine and baker’s yeast plus wafts of toasted almonds, nutmeg and paraffin wax. The medium to full-bodied palate has compelling elegance and sophistication, with a quiet intensity that builds on the palate into stacks of citrus and mineral layers, framed by a silken texture and seamless freshness, finishing on a long lingering chalky note. 112 cases were made.