A bit chubby for me: densely buttered and sweet. Beautiful barky nose showing deep greenery and some etchy mineral, but it isn’t enough to save the mouthfeel. This is a big BIG chardonnay, ridiculously dense and concentrated with deep floral fruit and ripe melon extravagance. Gobs of oak and butter ride on a syrupy backbone which fades to an acid- and tannin-free finish quite watery-vaguely other than a tinge of bitter. This will undoubtedly be Dr. Pinot’s most-popular Chard, because EVERYONE seems to love a wine like this. Just not for me though. Having observed wines like this in the cellar though, it will distill itself down into smoky amber dessert-y greatness, as the sugar performs its preservational duties. Just don’t expect acid to do its part.

2018 MARITANA Chardonnay ‘La Riviere’ Russian River Valley Sonoma 14.5

https://maritanavineyards.com/