Harken, Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2018, California

Tasting Note: A good-quality barrel-fermented chardonnay with a medium-touch of oak that elevates the ripe, summer fruit.

Medium-intensity lemon in color, this wine has a medium-plus-intensity nose of vanilla-and-clove baking spice, quince, red apple puree, white nectarine along with lemon-citrus zest.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied chardonnay has medium-plus-intensity, fruit-and-spice flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity and completing with a long, baking-spice-infused finish.

There is midpalate complexity and body without the oak-influence overpowering the fruit.

The wine is buttery in texture with a hint of caramel.

A chardonnay for cool evenings during the summer or anytime during the fall and winter.

Bottle Note: We created Harken Chardonnay because we missed that rich, oaky taste of chardonnays gone by. At some point, someone decided that those great toasty notes and buttery finish went out of style. We think that’s crazy. So we brought it back. Welcome to Harken chardonnay. Barrel fermented – the way you like it.

This wine was submitted for review.