Brendel 'Noble One' Chardonnay 2019

92 Points Wine & Spirits

This is a new winery launched by the team at Heitz, led by Carlton McCoy, Jr., whose background as a sommelier took this chardonnay in a fresh, savory direction. The wine is made by Brittany Sherwood, who sources fruit from Oak Knoll and Carneros; she ferments it in stainless steel, where it rests on the lees for a year. It sees no oak and only occasional lees stirring, presenting the fennel and anise flavors of the grape at center stage. A pale white with appealing freshness, this would be delicious with slow-roasted pork shoulder