Freemark Abbey Chardonnay 2023, 750ml

100% Chardonnay sourced from multiple Napa Valley vineyards, including Huichica Hills, Keyes, Rancho Sarco, and Ahmann, with some vines dating back to 1978. The wine was fermented in a mix of vessels: 85% in oak barrels (40% new French oak) and 15% in stainless steel tanks. It was aged for 9 months, with 94% of the wine spending time in French oak and 6% remaining in stainless steel.

Tasting Note:

On the nose, it offers aromas of Honeycrisp apple, brioche, Meyer lemon zest, and white flowers. The palate is layered and balanced, showing baked Gala apple, Bosc pear, hazelnut, and vanilla, with creamy textures offset by vibrant acidity. Overall, it is a full-bodied yet deftly balanced Chardonnay that reflects a modern Napa Valley style shaped by cool-climate vineyard sites and careful oak integration.

---------------------------

Region: Napa Valley

Variety: Chardonnay

Rating: James Suckling 95