Buena Vista Chardonnay, California (2024)
Buena Vista is California's first premium winery, founded in 1857 by the self-styled "Count" Agoston Haraszthy. This is its broad California Chardonnay - fruit drawn from coastal vineyards across the state, where cool Pacific air keeps the wine fresh under all that West Coast sun.
The cellar work aims for balance over weight: some fruit fermented in stainless steel to hold the bright citrus, the rest given time in French oak for a rounder, silkier texture. The point is freshness first, with just enough oak for shape.
In the glass it's clean and finely drawn - ripe pear and Meyer lemon, a quiet thread of vanilla, and a crisp line of acidity that carries through to a long, fresh finish. Serve well chilled, around 8-10°C.