The 2021 Chardonnay Point Rouge is a barrel selection that matured in 40% new French oak for 15 months, and I tasted it as a finished tank sample the day before it was bottled. The nose is layered and inviting, featuring a core of white peach and tones of nutmeg, panna cotta, bread dough and jasmine. Medium-bodied and silky in texture, it offers focused acidity to counter its concentrated, spicy fruit, and it has a long, mouth-coating finish. It's wearing a touch more youthful oak than the other Chardonnays in this lineup and will require more time in bottle to show at its best. Only 275 cases were made and will be released in July of 2023.

The best barrels from Belle Cote and Ma Belle Fille went into the 2019 Chardonnay Point Rouge—11 of them all told, for a total production of 229 cases. Scents of honeyed white peaches and piercing grapefruit appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate comes across as decadent but balanced, with surging waves of luxurious fruit that somehow manage to finish lively and refreshing. It's a tour de force that should still be drinking well in a decade's time.

The best barrels from Belle Cote and Ma Belle Fille went into the 2019 Chardonnay Point Rouge—11 of them all told, for a total production of 229 cases. Scents of honeyed white peaches and piercing grapefruit appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate comes across as decadent but balanced, with surging waves of luxurious fruit that somehow manage to finish lively and refreshing. It's a tour de force that should still be drinking well in a decade's time.

The 2018 Chardonnay Point Rouge is composed of the best barrels from the entire estate. Floral notes of citron blossoms and honeysuckle leap from the glass, over a core of grapefruit, yuzu and ripe pears with hints of struck match, almond croissant and lime zest. The medium to full-bodied palate has a racy backbone supporting the tightly wound citrus and pear flavors with a lovely creaminess to the texture and a very long finish packed with tension and bursting with fruit. While it is tempting to drink now, it’s going to really impress with another 2-3 years in bottle and drink for a further 15 years+. 268 cases were made.

The 2017 Chardonnay Point Rouge slowly releases scents of candied ginger and citrus peel before being coaxed into giving up loads of savory suggestions of pie crust, shaved almonds and bread dough with a core of peach preserves, honey-drizzled pears and lemon tart plus a hint of crème caramel. Medium to full-bodied, the satiny palate possesses bags of poise and finesse with softly spoken freshness and loads of savory/toasty layers, finishing long with compelling mineral notes coming through. Already a WOW wine, I can't wait to see this after 3-4 years in bottle. 270 cases were made.