97pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2018 Chardonnay Upper Barn Vineyard was aged for 10 months in French oak, 46% new. It has a very classy nose of ripe peaches, fresh yellow apples and allspice followed by fresh ginger, cashew and acacia honey plus a waft of sea spray. Full-bodied, rich, satiny and with fantastic intensity and tension, it finishes very long and chalky. YUM!

95pts Jeb Dunnuck

The flagship Chardonnay, the 2018 Chardonnay Upper Barn Vineyard comes from a high elevation block and spent 11 months in 46% new French oak. It shows the more rounded, supple style of the vintage and has beautiful depth and richness, a seamless texture, and layered notes of white currants, white flowers, crushed stone, and subtle brioche. Its oak is nicely integrated, and this rich, powerful, flawlessly balanced Chardonnay should continue drinking nicely for 7-8 years or more.

Rating: 95+

93pts Wine Spectator

Big and powerful, with buttery richness to the ripe pear and Gala apple flavors that are creamy and broad-textured. Shows concentrated spiciness and pastry accents on the textured finish. Drink now through 2026.

93pts Decanter

A precise, subtle wine with great balance between ripe pineapple and mango, crunchy saline acidity and a hint of roasted nut and vanilla oak. A youthful wine that can be drunk now but will reveal more exotic complexity and nutty character with age.

Winemaker Notes

The Upper Barn Vineyard produces our most transporting Chardonnay, delivering a truly unique wine that can only be crafted from this site 1,800ft up the mountain. The 2018 Upper Barn Vineyard Chardonnay showcases bright ripe peach and fresh ginger on the nose. The palate continues the experience with rich stone fruits, cashew, honey and ample minerality. The texture is both opulent and elegant, with a unique concentration and structure that will only improve with cellaring. This wine is perfectly balanced with a lingering, mouthwatering and round finish.