Favia Chardonnay Carbone 2020

The green and golden fruit comes from thirty-two-year-old vines, organically farmed and carefully harvested by hand. Whole-cluster pressed, the juice is fermented in barrel, with only a small percentage of new French oak. They discourage the malo-lactic fermentation to preserve the vibrant natural acidity, pulling the wine together with a narrow focus. Aging on the lees for ten months, with bâttonage, broadens the mouthfeel and adds length. n the end, this combination makes for a wine that is compelling and hard to resist.

94 Points - James Suckling

A beautiful chardonnay with cooked apple, dried mango and mineral character with a pumice undertone. It’s full-bodied with solid tension and a curated finish. Extremely polished and focused. Tensioned. No malo. Made from organic grapes. Drink now.

93 Points - Wine Spectator

Fresh and expressive, featuring Honeycrisp apple, yuzu and lemon blossom flavors and a hint of marzipan and nutmeg, this shows wonderful restraint and focus. The long, juicy finish reveals a hint of fresh-grated ginger.

90 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Carbone's 2020 Chardonnay is all Clone 4, planted in the 1980s. Barrel fermented and aged using a small proportion of new French oak (10-15%), the wine offers up subtle notes of roasted cashews, plus fruit that ranges from pineapple and melon to lemon and lime. It's medium-bodied, modestly silky and textured yet clean and refreshing, as malolactic fermentation is blocked. Best After 2022