93+pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2019 Chardonnay Hope’s Cuvée needs a little coaxing to reveal scents of ripe apricots, green guava, pineapple upside-down cake and spice cake with an undercurrent of cedar chest, honeycomb and almond croissant. The medium-bodied palate has a gorgeous satiny texture with gentle, well-knit acidity and lots of spice and toast accents to the intense tropical flavors, finishing long and layered.  Rating: 93+

92pts James Suckling
A medium-to full-bodied, creamy white with lots of nectarines and toast. Lemon peel. Distinct praline and lingering toffee notes. Ripe and nutty style. Nice salty undertone to it.

92pts Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Chardonnay Hope's Cuvee is a beautiful, rich, yet also fresh Chardonnay that gives up classic stone fruit, honeyed white flowers, and subtle toasted brioche-like nuances. These all carry over to the palate, where the wine is medium to full-bodied and beautifully balanced, with a solid spine of acidity and a great finish. It’s drinking beautifully today, but it will pick up slightly more complexity with another 6-12 months of bottle age and should have a gradual evolution over the coming 7-8 years.

92pts Decanter
The nose is distinctly smoky and toasty, but it's not overblown. The attack is fresh and suave, with good if not exceptional acidity, and the oak is evident on the finish too. This has zest and backbone, and it's well balanced and long. The style is neither fat and broad, nor is it exaggeratedly skinny in search of a more European style.

90pts Wine Spectator
Crisp and contoured, with a pure and savory edge to the fresh-cut apple and Asian pear flavors. Hints of tarragon linger on the lively finish.

90pts Wine Enthusiast
This is a heady, small-production white, fruity, substantial and well made, with highlights of lemon cookie, unctuous apple and stone. The oak is supportive and helps to emphasize the full-bodied intensity and concentration.

Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Hope’s Cuvee Chardonnay is a stellar expression of the Chardonnay fruit from our oldest estate block. Rich and generous, the wine has a vibrant energy with balanced acidity. The opulent yet fresh bouquet of orange blossoms, citrus oils, lemon meringue and white florals offer a striking interplay with the honey like texture which integrates the oak profile perfectly. This textural richness should take this wine a long way, as it opens further in your glass.

A wonderful accompaniment to food, or on its own, this wine is intriguing and charming.