2020 Peay Vineyards Chardonnay

For the first time, the 2020 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is made entirely from Chardonnay grown on Peay's estate vineyard and walks the line between two worlds; capturing the silky texture and pleasure of the New World and the structure and verve of the Old World. The result is a seductive, well-balanced Chardonnay that has intensity, nuance, and depth, and doesn’t teeter either an austere or opulent experience. This wine reminds me very much of a Chardonnay from Meursault. The nose is exotic and engaging with lemon meringue and buttered brioche aromas touched off by a hint of flint smoke. The fruit on the palate adds a little baked lemon and crème brûlée notes. The texture on the palate is silky and the various aromas are knit together and harmonious making this wine ready to enjoy now. The wine finishes with a freshness and a hint of saltiness. The next day the wine had lost some of the young, baby fat characteristics (crème brulee, brioche) and more minerality came to the fore. Drink now or hold for 3-5 years.