Morgan Highland Chardonnay 2023

White melon, crisp nectarine and apple slice aromas mare cut by sea salt on the cohesive nose of this bottling. There's a sharper, crystalline focus to the palate, where citrus edges cut into the warmer cantaloupe and tropical touches, with lively acidity throughout.

Fragrant and juicy, with flavors of salted, preserved lemons, ripe melon, peach preserves and orange blossoms. Pineapple, toffee, nutmeg and lime zest notes linger, with plenty of intensity on the finish. Drink now. 7,854 cases made.

The 2023 Chardonnay Highland is ample and lively, opening with an uncomplicated nose of golden apple, nectarine and savory herbs. A nicely measured inner sweetness makes this approachable and easy to like. The 25% new oak is skillfully integrated, adding a spicy kick through the focused finish. Well done.

The 2023 Chardonnay Highland offers the same fruit sources as the Metallico bottling, but it aged eight months in 25% new French oak. Yellow apples, breakfast cereal and popcorn kernel aromas lead to a ripe, glossy palate that borders on sweetness before pulling back and concluding with a straightforward, toasty finish.