Bright but forward aromas of pie crust, French toast and ripe lemon peel give way to a chiselled, clean palate of green apple and wet slate. Unwinds and integrates after time in the glass, straddling a punchy, rich, classic California Chardonnay texture with a breezy, saline lift. As is standard practice, malolactic fermentation was blocked, and the wine was aged in a mixture of barrique, puncheon and stainless steel.

The 2016 Chardonnay Napa Valley reveals delicate notions of lemon drops, fresh pears, baking bread and nutmeg with hints of honeysuckle and mandarin peel. Medium-bodied, crisp, refreshing and compellingly understated, it offers great restraint and a mineral-laced finish.