At a recent Chardonnay Expo of 2019 wines, this was one of the star bottles – I’ve tasted (and reviewed) this wine before but it had probably flown under my radar – this was the first time they’ve really stood out for me. A pale green-gold in the glass, with scents of citrus, cashew, oatmeal and freshly sliced fennel on the nose. The palate artfully balances a briney acidity with well-integrated oak, giving energy and a linear focus. That concentrated core shows a pithy touch of grapefruit and lemon peel, with savoury notes of tarragon and green olive. Finishes long and dry. 95pts
Black Barn Vineyards ‘Block 191’ Chardonnay 2019
