Limpid yellow. Pungent aromas of ripe citrus and orchard fruits, honeysuckle, vanilla and candied ginger, with subtle lees and smoky mineral qualities in the background. Juicy and seamless in texture, offering fresh tangerine, Anjou pear and chamomile flavors braced by a core of tangy acidity. The silky, penetrating and persistent finish features lively citrus fruit character and lingering florality. 45% new oak.

The 2017 Chardonnay Aurora Vineyard was fermented in 45% new French oak and aged 20 months in neutral oak. It offers aromas of spring honey, cut hay, spiced apples and white peaches with a nutty undercurrent. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a silky texture, its concentrated flavors lifted by tangy acidity and finishing very long and layered. So lovely! 180 cases produced.

Aurora and Avellana, Ponzi's two top-tier Chardonnays, are fermented in a similar fashion, with 45% new French oak, wild yeasts and 20 months of aging prior to bottling. These grapes are from a 1990 planting and show generous floral aromas along with highlights of butterscotch and citrus. The core pear fruit has an appealing silky mouthfeel.