Mayacamas Mt. Veeder Chardonnay 2022

Mayacamas Vineyards is amongst the most renowned and iconic estates in the Napa Valley. Established atop Mount Veeder in 1889, the estate has remained remarkably true to its roots, with very few changes made to viticultural or winemaking styles since the 1950's. Their Chardonnay is a true classic, delighting with the vibrant intensity of California and natural restraint of mountainside fruit. 

95/100 - A bouquet of dried white wildflowers, hints of cardamom and salty sea spray and a bright whiff of lemon zest. Bright and beguiling, with savoury saline notes jumping off the palate. Briny oyster shell, fresh tarragon and thyme are given over to candied lemon peel, finishing with savoury, lemongrass intensity. Beautiful and classic. Supple, elegant and fresh from the top of Mt Veeder, this is a California Chardonnay that never goes through malolactic fermentation and does not usually see battonage – all to craft intense, mountain-grown Napa Chardonnay of verve and brilliance. The five Chardonnay blocks are found at elevations between 550 to 640 meters. The wine is 85% whole cluster in only 10% new French oak. It's a brilliant wine and has been for decades. - Clive Pursehouse, Decanter

91+/100 - Scents of lemon curd and pencil shavings appear on the nose of the 2022 Chardonnay. A lean, lithe effort that weighs in at under 14% alcohol, it's medium-bodied, crisp and clean, with a bright, refreshingly lemony finish. It adheres to the winery's hallmark non-malolactic style and should drink well and evolve nicely over time. - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

92/100 - The 2022 Chardonnay is a pretty, soft wine that offers tons of immediacy. Hints of tropical fruit, marzipan, tangerine oil, spice and chamomile show off the riper side of Chardonnay. As always, the malolactic fermentation is almost all blocked, so what comes through is the natural intensity of the year. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous