Pahlmeyer Chardonnay Napa Valley 2018

94-97 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "Tasted from barrel, the 2018 Chardonnay is shaping up to be magnificent. Fresh, light on its feet and saline - surprisingly so - the 2018 dazzles with its energy and total class. This may be the single most elegant Chardonnay I have ever tasted from Pahlmeyer. All of the richness is there but bright lemon confit, white flowers, mint and tropical overtones all grace this exquisite Chardonnay. I can't wait to taste it from bottle. In 2018, Pahlmeyer will not bottle a Savoir-Faire selection; all of the best fruit is here. Drink: 2021-2028. (Jan 2020)"

94-96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Not yet bottled, the 2018 Chardonnay is a brilliant effort in the making, showing a rich, powerful, classic Pahlmeyer. Buttered citrus, toasted bread, honeysuckle, and brioche all flow to a full-bodied Chardonnay that has both richness and freshness. (1/31/20)"

94+ points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "The 2018 Chardonnay offers up vivacious scents of fresh grapefruit, lemon meringue pie and fresh pineapple with hints of struck match, wet pebbles and cedar plus a hint of preserved ginger. Medium to full-bodied, the palate explodes with citrus and tropical layers, supported by a lovely creamy texture and plenty of freshness, finishing long and mineral sparked. 2,347 cases were made. Drink: 2021-2027. (Feb 2021)"

Producer notes: "Blending classic Napa Valley opulence with Burgundian-style restraint, the 2018 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay opens with generous aromas of Meyer lemon curd, citron, toasted brioche and hints of delicate white florals. The palate offers richness up front and on the long finish, with mouth-watering mid-palate acidity and flinty wet stone characteristics giving the wine attractive depth and substantial texture. This Chardonnay delivers notes of crisp green apple, ripe nectarine and white peach that tantalizingly mingle with hints of cinnamon, vanilla bean and crème brûlée. Alcohol 14.9%."