From the Gamble Ranch in Oakville and barrel fermented at relatively warm temperatures to build mouthfeel, the 2021 Chardonnay Private Reserve boasts a smoky, mocha-tinged note on the nose, plus hints of crème br?lée and pineapple custard. It's medium to full-bodied, velvety and ripe, a bit open-knit texturally on the finish, but it's authoritatively flavored and true to form. About 80% new French oak is used, but a healthy 20% of the barrels are larger puncheons (500 liters), so while oaky, it's not unbalanced.

Although not labeled as such, Beringer's Private Reserve Chardonnay has been sourced for decades from the Gamble Ranch in Oakville. Planted around 1976 to Clone 4, the grapes are picked ripe and barrel fermented at relatively warm temperatures to build mouthfeel. The 2020 Chardonnay Private Reserve (along with all the other white varieties) was picked prior to any risk of smoke taint. Marked by scents of mango, guava and pineapple, it doesn't come across as that oaky, despite being barrel fermented and aged in approximately 80% new French oak. It's full-bodied and slightly buttery, with an appealing custardy richness and a long finish.

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.

The 2018 Chardonnay Private Reserve features scents of lemon marmalade, green mango, nectarines and lime leaves with touches of cedar chest, ginger and cloves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate fills the mouth with oak-laced citrus flavors and a refreshing backbone, finishing with a spicy lift. 15,619 cases were made.

The 2017 Chardonnay Private Reserve aged for ten months in 100% new French oak. It opens with beautiful crème br?lée 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.