2016 Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Edward James Estate Vineyard

A rich and opulent white with aromas of cooked apples and lemon rind, as well as hints of smoke. Toasted. Full body with a lovely silky phenolic texture. Juicy and savory. A bigger style but remains agile. Drink in two or three years after yeast.

The 2016 Chardonnay Edward James Estate charges forth with robust apricot preserves, guava and pineapple paste scents followed up by croissant, honey-nut and yeast extract accents plus a waft of lemongrass. Full-bodied and richly fruited, the palate provides powerful tropical and savory flavors with a racy line of freshness and a very long, toasty finish. 484 cases were made. 2018- 2026.

The 2016 Chardonnay Edward James Estate is rich, creamy and inviting, with terrific presence and length. The apricot pit, peach, chamomile and mint notes all flesh out in this supple, expansive Chardonnay. The Edward James often needs time to fully come together. I expect that will be the case here as well.

Shows off jazzy smoky, toasty oak notes with a core of citrus and pineapple, melon, fig and apricot flavors, sailing along on a long, rich aftertaste. Drink now through 2023.-J.L.