Bernier Chardonnay 2024

This lovely Chardonnay carries the Val de Loire designation but is produced in the Muscadet region. Four decades ago the owner of this estate planted Chardonnay from cuttings he purchased in Chablis, which he planted on a south-east facing slope. Originally fermented and aged in stainless steel, the next generation began aging in large, 100HL oak casks, which range from 3-10 years old. This does not add oak flavor but allow the wine to oxidize slightly, giving it a rounder texture and enhanced aromatics.

It shows notes of ripe, green melon, lemon zest, nutmeg, coriander, vanilla wafer. It is fairly plump for a brief moment, then finds a fine, but not too lean, expression of minerality. This has become a store favorite for those looking for an under $20 White Bourgogne or Macon, a category which sadly no longer exists.