Sliced peach, ground nutmeg, fresh-baked apple cobbler. Poached pear, cheese rind, juicy tangerine. Perfectly pure and driving pulses of pineapple core, cantaloupe, and Meyer lemon radiate with fresh and focused intensity as subtle notes of clove, cinnamon, and vanilla reveal layers of beautifully integrated barrel spice. Hints of crème fraîche and yogurt gradually emerge to expose waves of lightly creamy complexity offset by terroir-focused impressions of sea spray, silty earth, and saline minerality. Delicate wafts of citrus blossom and baby's-breath gracefully cascade into frame in a procession of dainty floral overtones that remain understated yet thoroughly pretty. Nicely fragrant and enticing on the nose with a palate that is wonderfully tense, bright, and edgy; exhibiting palpable energy and surprising crispness within a package that carefully balances ripeness and restraint. Solidly medium in body and backed by brilliant acidity. This 2018 Estate Los Carneros Chardonnay by Cuvaison is a gorgeously clean and classic white from Napa Valley.

While Chardonnay is commonly grown in many vineyards all over Napa Valley, few experts would argue that this legendary Burgundian variety is at its best in Napa's coldest and most southerly region dubbed Carneros. This bottling, crafted by Cuvaison using Chardonnay sourced from their estate vineyards in Carneros, wonderfully showcases Napa Chardonnay and its most classic and authentic. Though it does possess noticeable new oak along with nice creamy and bready notes revealing lees influence and MLF, this wine is driven by pure and plump California fruit that is ripe while still remaining beautifully tart and crisp. This is fresh, well balanced, well made, and presents a picture-perfect representation of what Chardonnay from Napa Valley should look like. Very nice.