Franciscan Estate 2015 Chardonnay

Napa Valley, California, United States

$24.95 (496125)

This is an unabashedly rich and ripe style of Chardonnay that's big on flavour (butterscotch, poached pear and honeyed notes abound) and texture (barrel-fermentation, full malolatic conversion and aging on lees all amplify things nicely). Fans of opulent white wines take note. This is as American as apple pie, which is also one of my flavour descriptors. There's brightness and acidity to balance the creamy texture and richness, which makes for a well-made, crowd-pleasing Chardonnay. Recommended.