Wind Gap Gap's Crown Vineyard Chardonnay, 2013

When I first opened this bottle of Wind Gap Chardonnay, I noted the energetic smells and flavors but found the wine to be overall fairly ordinary. By the end of the meal, when the wine had had time to aerate and warm in the glass, it had become extraordinary with depth and complexity.

Very deep, mature gold color. Yes, plenty of energy and acidity; this is not for those who want their Chardonnays to be fat and cuddly. But there are some rich, deep smells and flavors. Apple, citrus, hazelnuts, nuances of fruit and minerals. As a 2013 Chardonnay, this wine and some of its Wind Gap siblings were sold off at bargain bin prices by WineBid. I bought a few, and they seem to be holding their own.