2020 Nuits Blanches au Bouge Chardonnay

Slightly more expensive, the 2020 Chardonnay Nuits-Blanches au Bouge - Hindsight comes entirely from Chardonnay (90% Bien Nacido and 10% Le Bon Climat vineyards) that spent 18 months in new French oak. Its similar medium gold hue is followed by stunning notes of ripe orchard fruits, honeyed melon, spicy oak, and white flowers. Slightly larger scaled and richer than the Sanford & Benedict release, it's another stunning Chardonnay from this team that's impeccably made. Drink bottles over the coming decade.

The 2020 Chardonnay Nuits-Blanches au Bouge, a selection from Bien Nacido, is remarkably fresh and vibrant. Crushed rocks, citrus peel, mint, tangerine oil and white pepper are beautifully delineated. The purity of the flavors is just striking. Aging in a combination of 350 and 228-liter barrels confers notable freshness. This is a stellar showing from Au Bon Climat.

Spends 18 months in new French oak. Aromas of butterscotch and faintly resinous lemon curd. Lemon-curd and lemon-pith flavours mix with a touch of vanilla and toasted oak. Bright acidity and a light chalky grip linger through the finish. There's a lovely minerality here, though more oak signature than I prefer. (AY)