2017 Chardonnay Private Reserve
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Tasting notes
Freshly squeezed nectarines, dried jasmine, orange blossom, vanilla, peach flan, dried mangoes, jack fruit and plenty of bread dough. Full body, a very round and oily mouthfeel, expansive and commanding acidity and a long finish. Drink now or hold.
Critic scores
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James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
A different animal, the 2017 Chardonnay Private Reserve is richer and more opulent, with Montrachet-like caramelized lemon, tropical fruits, and brioche aromas and flavors. Nevertheless, it’s still more elegant and vibrant than past vintages, with medium body, a layered texture, and good acidity. I love its balance and it can be drunk any time over the coming 2-4 years, although there’s no need to delay gratification.
The 2017 Chardonnay Private Reserve is a classic Chardonnay from Beringer. There is a good bit of richness to the Private Reserve, but in his tenure Mark Beringer has also moved this wine towards a slightly fresher style, something that was accentuated in 2017, where the warm season led to earlier picking at lower sugars than is the norm for this wine. Lemon confit, flowers, tangerine and mint are all framed by a kiss of French oak.
The 2017 Chardonnay Private Reserve aged for ten months in 100% new French oak. It opens with beautiful crème brûlée and candied ginger notes over a core of pineapple and green mango with a waft of brioche. Medium-bodied, satiny and with fantastic freshness, it delivers loads of tropical layers and great length. 8,100 cases produced, to be released in March 2019.