El Molino Chardonnay 2020

El Molino, a historic estate in Napa Valley, is revered for producing wines with a Burgundian influence, focusing on balance, elegance, and a true expression of terroir. The El Molino Chardonnay 2020 exemplifies the winery’s dedication to crafting refined, complex wines. Sourced from old Wente clone vines in the prestigious Rutherford AVA, this Chardonnay benefits from the cool microclimate and alluvial soils, which give the wine vibrant acidity and a mineral backbone, all while allowing the fruit to shine. The 2020 vintage saw ideal growing conditions, resulting in a wine with exceptional purity and depth.

Fermented and aged in French oak barrels, El Molino’s approach includes minimal intervention, allowing the wine’s natural acidity and terroir-driven character to remain at the forefront.

Appearance: Pale gold with a bright, clear hue, indicating freshness and vibrancy.

Aroma: The nose is expressive and layered, with aromas of ripe pear, lemon curd, and green apple, complemented by delicate floral notes and subtle hints of toasted almond and vanilla from the oak.

Taste: On the palate, the wine is elegant and well-balanced, with flavours of citrus, lemon zest, and crisp green apple, intermingling with richer notes of pear and a touch of stone fruit. The oak is finely integrated, providing nuances of vanilla and a slight creaminess, while the vibrant acidity and minerality give the wine structure and finesse.

Finish: The finish is long and refreshing, with lingering citrus and mineral notes, leaving a clean, crisp impression that reflects both its power and elegance.

Food pairing: This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with roasted poultry or pan-seared scallops, where the wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the dish. It also complements creamy risottos or buttery dishes like lobster, as its bright citrus and subtle oak notes provide balance to the richness.