Known as one of the oldest and prettiest wineries in the Napa Valley. Established in 1882, the estate features a stone castle built into the hillside overlooking a Chinese garden, lake, and vineyards that reach to the base of Mt. St. Helena.

In 1976, the 1973 Chardonnay won the Judgment of Paris; a historical tasting where 10 California wineries blind tasted against French wines. Books, documentaries, and the Bottle Shock Movie tell the story of this event.

Nose: Golden straw-colored in the glass, the wine opens with cinnamon and ripe peach, bolstered by aromas of melon, fig, and pear. More fruity than floral upon release, there’s nonetheless plenty of honeysuckle and spice, softening to green apple and vanilla.

Palate: Initially fused with lemon curd and ripe orange, there’s dynamic tension transitioning to the midpalate between the suppleness of summer stonefruit and the austere acid beneath. The citrus lingers as well, amidst a billowy texture that bolsters the bare minerality, contrasted only by the whisper-soft hint of fresh-baked bread.

Finish: Bright and fresh, ripe apricot along with orange marmalade lend a slight sweetness peppered by toasted almond and clove