Duckhorn Napa Valley Chardonnay 2023

Fresh orchard fruit, lemon pith, citrus peel and spicy herbs define the nose. The palate is vivid and juicy, with medium to full body and crunchy acidity. Creamy and sleek with a flavorful, fruit-driven finish. Drink now or hold. Screw cap.

If you take a sip and close your eyes you can taste the bright California sun shining down on the grapes. These Chardonnay flavors are rich, ripe and concentrated, with peaches and other stone fruits dominating the mix. The overall buttery richness is supported by oak and vanilla tempered by just enough acidity. Some tasters might find this vintage a little too assertive, but you can tame its dominatrix tendencies by serving it with food, especially richly flavored and textured dishes. When I paired it recently with veal schnitzel topped with mushroom sauce, the wine purred and wrapped itself deliciously around the dish’s complex network of taste and texture.

Ripe apple and pear zested with lime and white grapefruit join a creamy touch of caramel for plenty of flavor poised on a mouthwatering palate and crisp finish.

Notes of butterscotch and spices, along with details of toasted and grilled bread up front, give way to flavors of peach, melon and citrus on a firm and compact frame. Drink now. 84,500 cases made.