During the Cool Climate Chardonnay blind tasting this was my top scoring Chardonnay; of the over 60 wines entered this wine received 90 points from me. It just had everything I look for in good Chardonnay: lovely fruit, citrus and grapefruit rind on the nose; the 10-month barrel ageing isn’t apparent and in your face, which is nice – I like oak to play a supporting role to the fruit, not to upstage it. The palate is full of that delicious fruit: apples, pears, hint of peach and a dusting of vanilla for character. The acidity is up front and palate cleansing and the finish delivers the fruit with vanilla nuances. Lovely – but what do you expect from the winemaker who also made the best library wine in the tourney, Derek Barnett and Chardonnay go together like the proverbial horse and carriage. Price: $30.00 – Rating: *****