95pts Jeb Dunnuck

Aged in 20-30% new oak in 500-liter barrels, the 2021 Chardonnay Estate is a bright straw hue and takes on more depth, with aromas of jasmine, light flint, fresh pear, and lemon curd. Medium-bodied, it offers a delicate balance of pristine fruit with fresh acidity and a focused feel without feeling harsh. It’s delicious right now, but it will continue to improve over the next few years and drink well over the coming 10.

94pts Wine Enthusiast

Lingua Franca has another Chardonnay hit on their hands. The wine's aromas are a simple meal of grilled lemons rubbed with sage and butter. A tiny mineral note flutters in the background. Vigorous acidity lights up flavors ranging from Golden Delicious apples and brown butter to roasted filberts and wet rocks. Pair with a seafood salad and an Edith Piaf record. 

93pts Vinous

The 2021 Chardonnay Estate blossoms nearly smoky, with stone dust and hints of graphite complicating crushed green apples and lime zest. This impresses further with its vividly ripe stone fruits flowing across a silken core, taking on a sensation of liquid rocks as pretty inner florals resonate throughout. It's deceivingly long, seeming to drop off with hints of citrus, followed by a reprise of minerality and lemon oil. It's a gentle giant.

93pts Wine Spectator

Sleek and precise, with lovely apple and citrus flavors accented by crushed stone and lemon blossom tones as this glides on the steely finish. Drink now through 2026. 736 cases made.

Winemaker Notes

Our 2021 Estate Chardonnay is vibrant and focused, with classic acidity and structure.

2021 has a brilliant yellow color with green highlights. The entry is round while the midpalate reveals a backbone of acidity and minerality, with citrus peel, green apple, honeysuckle and river stones. The wine is richly textured with a long, balanced finish.

The round texture given the wine by the low yielding CH548 clone makes this a good match for shellfish dishes with drawn butter or sauces, and seafood pastas, poached or sautéed seafood, gumbos, paella, steamed vegetables with lemon and herbs, and roast lemon chicken. Experimentation is welcome!