Chateau St. Jean Robert Young Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay, 1983

This wine is 100% barrel fermented and spent some time on its lees. It is unabashedly oaky but did not go through malolactic fermentation. The quality of fruit from the Robert Young Vineyard is exceptional, and the result is one of the best Chardonnays I have tasted.

Medium deep gold. Bright and clear. Exceptionally intense bouquet of lemon cream, canteloupe and flowers. Equally intense flavors. Very lively and complex; I could drink this all night with or without food. The oak influence is there, but the smells and flavors are pure Chardonnay fruit. Donna and I are fans of Chateau St. Jean Robert Young, and this 2013 Reserve may be the best we have had.