2022 Fly Rod Cellars "The Cat's Away" Chardonnay

When the cat's away...Chardonnay gets made!  Assistant Winemaker Troy Mandeville and Cellarmaster John Richardson snuck this Chardonnay into the winery while the winemaker and owner was out at vineyards.  Barrel fermented, this Chardonnay displays a brilliant lemon-gold color and floral aromas of Asian pear-apple, Crenshaw melon, pineapple, citrus, pear tree blossoms, acacia flowers and white incense. The flavors are true to variety and well delineated, with notes of pear skin, peach stone and saline minerals. The resonance continues on the back with poire and pêche liqueurs and touches of hazelnut, crème brulée, lemon zest and moderate oak (33% new French), followed by a pleasingly juicy finish. (notes courtesy of Review of Washington Wines).