Clear straw giving off flat opulence in layers of beautiful funk and floral. Round and warm with nary a hint of oak, relying on straight varietal cleanliness with an effortless injection of spice and earth.
In the mouth, an initial stillness of concentration grows to show incredible floral and peat against a backdrop of shrill acidity. A bitter, chewy center grows–rather than fades–with the Granny-Smith and banana-peel core calving off layers of shy floral fruit against roasted almond and dusty mineral.
A true Chablis-like offering from a stalwart Santa Lucia Highlands producer, it never gets bogged down in flabby Chardonnay also-rans but carves a path of brightness and elegance which wows on many levels.
2015 THE HIGHLANDS PROJECT Chardonnay Tudor Wines Santa Lucia Highlands Monterey County 14.1
Stephen McConnell 