Au Bon Climat Nuits-Blanches au Bouge Chardonnay 2019 (750ML)

95 Points, Wine Enthusiast: "Lovely and inviting aromas of sea salt, light butter, lemon zest and toasted almond conspire for slyly rich rose on this bottling. Those warm elements are cut by a pithy tension on the palate, which frames blanched almond, butter-glazed nectarine and salted citrus flavors."

91 Points, Stephen Brook, Decanter: "This Napa-style Chardonnay shows lush, oaky apricot aromas. Broad, ripe and fleshy, it also has a slight softness. It's concentrated but the acidity is modest and the wine overall lacks some drive, though it is quite long." 05/22

93 Points, Patrick J. Comiskey, Wine & Spirits: "This blend focuses on fruit from Bien Nacido K Block, planted in the early seventies, along with a small contribution from the Clendenen Family Vineyard. The wine lumbers out of the gate with heady caramel and cracked wheat scents, the stuff of 100 percent new François Frères barrels. Two days later, the fruit begins to come forward, with elements of pear and corn silk, a green apple freshness lining the richer fruits. Cellar it to serve with sweet corn and mushrooms." 04/22

94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com: "Another gem, the 2019 Chardonnay Nuits-Blanches Au Bouge comes from a mix of Bien Nacido and Le Bon Climat vineyards (it’s mostly Bien Nacido) and was fermented and aged all in new French oak. It sports a medium gold hue to go with textbook Chardonnay notes of ripe stone fruits, caramelized lemons, chalky minerality, and toasted spice. Brought up in new barrels, it's medium-bodied and balanced, with a great mid-palate as well as impressive length. A brilliant Chardonnay from this team, it’s well worth seeking out." 08/22