Barrel-fermented and aged nine months in 50% new French oak, the 2020 Chardonnay Carsi Vineyard—sourced from a 27-acre estate parcel in Yountville—reveals some exotic floral lacings on the nose, followed by bright citrus and pear notes. Suggestions of pencil shavings frame the medium-bodied palate, gaining momentum on the lingering finish and adding hints of toasted coconut and caramel.

An amazing wine, so rich and unctuous it’s like a late harvest dessert wine. May even have a little botrytis in the intense pear, banana and tropical fruit flavors, but it’s really very dry. A whole lot of sweet oak pushes the volume even higher.——S.H.(8/1/2003)—— 89

Very ripe and extracted, with an almost late-harvest bouquet of unctuously sweet tropical fruits. Smoky, vanilla-tinged oak is laid on thick. Lacks delicacy, a big, rich wine that smothers with excess. ——S.H.(12/15/2002)—— 84

Toasty oak frames the citrus-like core here. Hints of pear and apple are also in evidence, finishing moderately. —J.M.——J.M.(5/1/2002)—— 84