Staglin – Salus 2023, Estate Chardonnay – Napa Valley

The nose is beautifully elegant, racy, beautifully buttery and offers saline notes. It reveals notes of pulpy vine peach, lychee and small notes of crushed apple associated with fine touches of ripe citrus, white flowers as well as a subtle hint of sap, star fruit and a very discreet hint of brioche/beeswax. The palate is well-built, round, gourmand and offers energy, fat, unctuosity as well as a nice acidulous character and a tangy frame. On the palate this wine expresses notes of lychee, pulpy vine peach and small notes of apple associated with touches of sweet citrus, fresh flowers (honeysuckle, jasmine…), a subtle hint of crunchy pear and pear blossom. An imperceptible hint of beeswax in the background. Good length. Good work on the good bitterness. Beautiful persistence.