2016 Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

Handcrafted by renowned winemaker Ed Kurtzman, the Mansfield-Dunne 2016 SLH Chardonnay was aged in a one year old French oak barrel for 15 months before bottling. The Santa Lucia Highlands influence over the Chardonnays from both the Cortada Alta and the Peterson Vineyards is apparent in the nose. Tropical fruit flavors dominate the aromas, with passion fruit, pineapple and a hint of French oak. Acidity is the key word on the palate, at least while this Chardonnay is in its youth. There's also a rich fruitiness to balance out the crisp apple tartness. Give this chardonnay until late 2018 to open up and reveal its full self. It should drink well through at least 2020.

 

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