100pts James Suckling

A brilliant elegant vivid wine with so much concentration but so light elegant and well balanced. Toasted almond mineral and lemon curd aromas then a creamy layered texture backed by tangy acidity. Lemon pith creme brulee cheese rind crisp pears golden apples minerals and kiwis on the palate. So long and lingering in the finish yet light in alcohol at 12.5%. All barrel-fermented in 10% to 15% new oak and it goes through full malolactic. Drink now or hold.

94pts Vinous

The 2023 Chardonnay Charles Ranch is stellar. Creamy and resonant with terrific persistence the 2023 dazzles from start to finish. White pepper slate chalk mint and crushed rocks soar from the glass. Brisk acids pull it all together on the long persistent finish. My personal preference is for a bit more mid-palate richness but this is a bit lean because of the cold late-ripening season. - By Antonio Galloni on January 2025