2019 Chardonnay Private Reserve
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Tasting notes
The 2019 Chardonnay Private Reserve opens with notes of cedar chest and paraffin wax over a core of grapefruit and lemon tart plus wafts of ripe pears and allspice. Medium-bodied with bags of spicy apple flavors and toasty oak accents, it finishes with a citrusy lift.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2019 Chardonnay Private Reserve is certainly the richest and most opulent of the whites here, although it shows a fresher, less oaky, toasty character than older vintages (which I think is what they’re looking for). Impressive stone fruits, white flowers, orange blossom, toasted almond, and a touch of minerality all define the bouquet, and this beauty builds nicely, offering full-bodied richness, a layered, opulent texture, terrific balance, and a great finish. It should keep nicely for 3-4 years, if not longer.
The 2019 Chardonnay Private Reserve, all from Gamble Ranch, balances the natural richness of this Oakville site with the fresher style favored by Beringer today. All of that yields a wonderfully expressive, creamy Chardonnay long on class and personality. Light tropical and pastry notes linger.