Daou Chardonnay 2022

The 2022 Chardonnay Estate underwent full malolactic conversion and matured for 11 months in 100% new oak. It has youthful but classy new oak aromas of toast, vanilla and spice over a core of yellow apple, quince and honeyed tones. The medium-bodied palate is luxuriously satiny, concentrated and ripe, its nuanced fruit enlivened by surprisingly fresh acidity. It has a touch of old-school, tropical malolactic character, yet streaks of matchstick keep it tethered to the ground. Lovely! Drink date: 2025-2035. Score – 94. (Erin Brooks, robertparker.com, Dec. 29, 2023)