Belle Vigne Napa Valley Chardonnay 2016

We can’t wait for you to taste this opulent, new Napa Chardonnay from the talented Richard Shelton. It was crafted in the stellar 2016 vintage – California’s fifth superb harvest in a row – with premium grapes from a special, very cool, corner of Napa Valley.

Crisp San Pablo Bay breezes flow up from the water, eventually combing over the hilltop vines. This maritime influence brings an unprecedented verve and concentration to the wines. To add further complexity to the pure fruit flavors, Richard barrel-fermented nearly all of the Chardonnay grapes, then aged the wine for nine months in fine oak – imparting notes of hazelnut and vanilla, plus a creamy texture.

Belle Vigne has a brilliant straw yellow hue, and unfurls in the glass with aromas of ripe peach, mango, golden apple, lemon, honeysuckle, and toasted nuts. The palate brims with luscious peach, apricot, guava, and vanilla – culminating in a clean and pleasingly long finish. Although there is marked fruit sweetness (thanks to the amazing vintage), the wine is bone dry. Rich, full-bodied Chardonnay like this tastes delicious with creamy pastas and roasted poultry (rosemary chicken or maple-glazed turkey are ideal). Or sip it alongside a soft-rind cheese (our go-to is Brie).

Stunning vintage. Premium Napa fruit. Top winemaker. But just a handful of cases. You know what to do.