Always an impressive bottling, the 2021 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch was barrel fermented in a 75% new French oak and 25% stainless steel. Boasting fabulous aromas of lemon curd, apple, pear and pencil shavings, this non-malolactic Chardonnay is full-bodied, round and generous on the palate, then crisp and refreshing on the finish. If it's not as complex or rich as the very best Chardonnays California has to offer, it's not that far behind, and the pricing and availability (6000 cases produced) remain reasonable for a wine of this quality.

The 2020 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch gallops out with bold scents of ripe yellow apple, spiced pears and beeswax, plus hints of nutmeg, orange blossoms and cedar. Full-bodied with a lively line cutting through the dense stone fruit and spicy flavors, it finishes on a toasty oak note.

The 2019 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch opens with opulent scents of pineapple upside-down cake, green mango and ripe apricots with hints of candied ginger, brioche, allspice and toasted almonds. The rich, creamy-textured palate is laden with tropical fruit and juicy peach flavors, supported by a racy backbone and finishes long and spicy. (Tasted as a barrel sample.)

The 2018 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch bursts from the glass with oak-laced apple pie, peach preserves and ripe pineapple scents plus hints of allspice, candied ginger and praline. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a gorgeous satiny texture and loads of stone fruit and tropical fruit layers, finishing on a lingering spicy note.

The 2017 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is a little closed to begin, revealing notions of warm apricots, apple tart and poached pears plus suggestions of pie crust, crystallized ginger and marzipan. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers a racy line cutting through the intense flavors, finishing long and creamy.