2019 Protege Chardonnay Napa Valley

San Francisco Wine Panel Score 94+ Points

This is a complex and distinctive Chardonnay that combines notable minerality with pristine varietal fruit. The fruit rises above strong slate/flint undercurrents as a focused medley of fresh Pippin apple, lemon sorbet, pineapple core and orange blossom scents. Fruit takes center-stage in the mouth where apple, lemon zest and slate notes bring a racy, sophisticated mouth-feel that reminds of Saar Riesling in its medley of elegantly fruity and sharply mineral flavors. Stony dry at the end, it seems custom made for service with shellfish, sashimi and the like. 167 cases made.