2023 Maxem Chardonnay Lucky Well
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Tasting notes
Whole-cluster pressed into barrels to ferment with ambient yeasts slowly at low temperatures. No stirring. Some barrels are allowed to go through malolactic conversion, many are blocked. Aged for 15–18 months in 60–80% new French oak before bottling. Light gold. Aromas of lemon curd, cold cream and a hint of butterscotch. Crisp, zippy flavours of roasted nuts, lemon peel, lemon curd and toasted oak have a bright juiciness thanks to excellent acidity. A faint nut-skin bitterness lingers in the finish. (AY)
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Jancis Robinson MW
Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
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I tasted the 2023 Chardonnay Lucky Well Vineyard from barrel a couple months before it was due to be bottled. It has slowly unfurling aromas of saline, apricot, panna cotta, beeswax and hazelnut. The palate has dynamic flavors that segue from ripe fruit to flint and candle smoke. It has a silky texture, vibrant acidity and a long, shimmery finish. The wine will be released in August 2025, and 170 cases are expected.