Domaine Baud Les Prémices Chardonnay 2018

A characterful and good-value drop from this old family-owned winery, this 100% old-vine (90-year-old) Chardonnay is fermented in ex-Condrieu barrels, then matured for around 20 months with regular topping up. Rich and buttery, it offers tropical notes of pineapple and mango alongside yellow plum and a spicy, mineral tang. Savoury, mushroomy and floral at the end, it combines lovely texture with good acidity. Enjoy this with scallops or roast chicken. Drinking window: 2022-2028. Part of Best Laithwaites Wines to Try This Summer. Score – 91. (James Button, decanter.com, June 28, 2022)