90pts Vinous

The 2022 Chardonnay SLH Smith & Lindley Vineyard is a potent, bold wine that’s actually quite charming in all its pomp and circumstance. It’s certainly not shy, kicking down the door with a blast of orange peel, sweet butter and toasty vanilla—toeing the line but never crossing it. Juicy and textural, this big boy of a Chardonnay has plenty of up-front appeal. Readers who like their white wines dialed up to 11 should give this a spin.

Winemaker Notes

This Chardonnay is a lovely representation of Chardonnay from the Santa Lucia Highlands. It opens with notes pineapple, peach and apricot that develop into flavors of honeydew melon and kiwi with a finish accented by vanilla and coconut. The wine is beautifully balanced with delightful acidity, mineral accents and a long, rich finish.

The layers of flavor in this wine make it an ideal pairing for a variety of foods. CRU recommends pairing it with grilled salmon or chicken. It also pairs beautifully with lobster or shrimp in a butter and garlic sauce.