2010 Nicholas Allen Carte Blanche Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

(Luc Morlet has made these wines since 2008; this chardonnay comes from the same vineyard as Morlet's own Ma Douce bottling): Slightly hazy full yellow. Strong oak notes of vanilla and clove dominate the nose. Fat, round and broad but quite dry, with a slightly bitter edge and a hint of licorice to the ripe citrus and spice flavors. Conveys very good subtle intensity but I wanted a bit more fruit to buffer the alcohol.