The Castello Banfi 2018 Chardonnay Fontanelle shows bright aromas of orange skin and yellow rose with pretty hints of toasted almond and even a distant hint of vanilla. The wine is on the lean side of medium-bodied with fresh acidity and some pretty mineral notes on the close. I also get distant hints of dried sage and rosemary.

The 2017 Chardonnay Fontanelle offers an extra degree of creamy consistency in this dry and sunny vintage. The wine is redolent of yellow fruit, apricot, blanched almond and saffron. The wine's naturally rich texture is enhanced by pretty layers of spice and crushed mineral at the back.

The 2013 Chardonnay Fontanelle is a rich and sophisticated expression of this popular white grape. There are evident oak influences here but they are well measure and elegant. Toasted almond and vanilla bean come on the heels of apricot, honey, orange peel and dried Mediterranean herb. The wine offers medium heft in the mouth with bright acidity and a dry mineral element.