Cambria Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay 2023

The 2023 Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard is rich yet energized, driven by taut minerality and juicy acidity. Barrel spice and ripe orchard fruit marry in harmony, with serious complexity, deep minerality and impressive finesse, especially for the price.

Lemon balm, baked apricot and macadamia nut aromas converge on the appealing nose of this bottling. There's a blast of acidity that cuts into the lightly salted core of pear, apple and citrus peel flavors, with a warm oak note carrying the finish.

Based on 100% Chardonnay, the 2023 Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard offers ripe stone and orchard fruits intermixed with honeysuckle and subtle spice. It’s medium-bodied, plush, round, and supple. Fermentation was split between 30% stainless steel and 70% barrel, and the wine was then aged seven months in French oak, 20% of which was new. This is a well-made, ready-to-drink California Chardonnay that delivers terrific value.

Shows remarkable seamlessness and complexity, with flavors of lemon blossoms, orange sherbet, papaya and marmalade. A fresh thread of acidity leaves a terrific impression on the finish, along with lemon verbena and fresh ginger notes that show a hint of marzipan.