Lion's Tooth Chardonnay, Pyramid Valley Vineyards 2022

The 2022 Chardonnay from the high-density Lion's Tooth parcel is an arresting wine that sucks you in but doesn’t spit you out. It’s not a wine you'll want to spit out either. This 2022 draws you in with its harmony, expansive nature, silken texture and sense of tranquility. It is subtle in its flavors - this is Chardonnay, after all – with flinty characters giving way to toasted nuts and oatmeal, lemon curd and nectarine. This is not a fruity but savory, restrained style that focused on texture over aromatics. Meditation for the mouth. 2024-2034

The 2022 Lion's Tooth Chardonnay is nutty, complex, wide and concentrated, with a stream of yellow fruits and briney acidity. It's a gorgeous wine, one that I recall with great fondness when I think of it. It has beeswax, lemongrass, yellow peach, mustard leaf/greens, curry leaf and saline threads woven through the finish. This is another great wine from this vineyard this year. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. 2024 - 2032

Botanicals collection. Waikari vineyard. Cask sample.Serious line to this wine with beautiful balance. Firm and fruity at the same time. Real presence in the mouth. (JR)