Williams Selyem Chardonnay Drake Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley 2018 750ml

Williams Selyem is famous for Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, but its Chardonnay from the Drake Estate Vineyard, the winery's own estate planting, has become a quiet star of the portfolio. The site's cool climate and morning fog let the grapes ripen slowly, building flavor while keeping bright acidity. The 2018 vintage in Sonoma was long, mild and even, with a generous crop and an unhurried harvest that produced some of the decade's most balanced whites, and Wine Enthusiast rated this one highly. Expect lemon, pear and golden apple with hazelnut, brioche and a long, mineral finish. Lovely now, it should continue to drink well through about 2028.