Pahlmeyer Chardonnay Napa Valley 2020

97 points James Suckling: "Aromas of sliced cooked apple, pineapple and praline. Full-bodied with salted caramel. Oily and very rich at the finish. Hints of lime and peach. Wonderful length. 1,600 cases made. Drinkable now, but better in a year or two. (4/7/22)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "[$110 list] This stunning version delivers a rich, juicy and generous mix of salted caramel–covered apple, apricot pastry and ripe peach flavors on a smooth, lush frame. Details of toast, nutmeg and honeysuckle linger on the long, luxurious finish. Drink now through 2033. 1,582 cases made. (7/31/22)"

94 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "[$110 list] Almost entirely Old Wente clone (or, more properly, selection), Pahlmeyer's 2020 Chardonnay continues to be among Napa's most noteworthy efforts with the variety. All barrel fermented in all new oak from François Frères, there are overtones of smoke, mocha and popcorn, notes of honey and toast but also a deep core of pear and melon notes. Full-bodied and generous on the palate, it's also long and citrusy, with classy notes of pencil shavings on the lingering finish. Drink: 2022-2027. (May 2022)"

93+ points Jeb Dunnuck: "[$110 list] This estate makes a terrific white, and their 2020 Chardonnay reveals a medium gold hue to go with beautiful aromatics of ripe peach and stone fruits, white chocolate, spice, and a touch of minerality. Medium to full-bodied and concentrated, with outstanding balance, it needs air to show at its best and I suspect will benefit from 6-12 months of bottle age. It should keep through 2027. Drink: 2024-2027. (2/16/23)"

93 points Virginie Boone (Wine Enthusiast): "Sumptuosly inviting with its flavors of brioche and crème brûlée, this white is decadent and tropical, with enduring richness on the palate. Dried apricot, pineapple and a dusting of nutmeg and clove give it a spicy edge that works well against the prominent oak. (Aug/Sep 2022)"