The 2012 Chardonnay Recolte Grand Cru comes from the finest selected fruit from Domaine Serene's vineyards and is aged for 17 months in 71.5% new French oak. It has quite a potent bouquet with the new oak in control at the moment, although it is certainly in sync with the fruit - touches of honeysuckle, jasmine and a touch of ginger. The palate is medium-bodied with touches of nougat and nutmeg infusing the citrus fruit; the acidity is nicely judged, although I find that the Evanstad Reserve Chardonnay displays more delineation and tension on the finish.