Tasted from magnum, the 2016 Chardonnay Casteel opens with intense mineral notions on the nose, aromas of pulverized stone and petrichor over lemon meringue, Red Delicious apples, hazelnuts, honey toast and clotted cream. Medium-bodied with a light creamy texture, it has beautiful white flowers in the mouth with honey nut and apple pie nuances and a streak of crushed rock running with the very bright acidity, finishing very, very long and honeyed. 225 cases produced.

Light, bright yellow. Meyer lemon, pear and smoky minerals on the deeply perfumed nose, along with hints of jasmine, vanilla and candied ginger that emerge with air. Silky in texture and well-concentrated, o!ering palate-staining citrus and orchard fruit flavors complemented by brioche, oyster shell and toasty lees nuances. The floral note repeats emphatically on the extremely long, supple finish, which is energized by a jolt of smoky minerality. Aged for 15 months in 55% new French oak.

This barrel selection is the winery's reserve, with 60% sourced from Wente clones planted in 1977 and the balance coming from the Justice Vineyard planted in 1999. Seamless threads of orange, tangerine, peach and apricot are finished with a streak of buttery caramel, and a final flourish of toasted cashews. It strikes a fine balance of fruit, acid and oak-derived flavors. Drink now through the early 2020s.