2023 Maestro Carneros Chardonnay

The light straw color of Beaulieu Vineyard’s Maestro Collection 2023 Chardonnay belies the richness of this beautifully structured wine. Its opening salvo of orchard fruit and oak spice aromas brings a volley of fresh Golden Delicious apple, toasted hazelnut, vanilla bean, and star anise notes to the nose. Flavors of white peach, caramelized plantain, and honeycomb suffuse the juicy palate. Structure and lush fruit intertwine to bolster one another throughout, and this wine finishes with the lingering brightness and velvety texture of a delicious apricot tart. Chicken cordon bleu would make an excellent meal pairing, as would chowders and puréed vegetable soups.