($40): I had no familiarity with Stewart Cellars until I tasted this Chardonnay.  The winery is clearly now on my radar screen.  It should be on yours.  This is a show-stopping Chardonnay — not because of its power, but because of its stylish elegance.  A combination of flinty smokiness intertwined with a delicate creaminess enlivens the palate in waves.  Fresh and alive, its subtle complexity makes each sip a joy.  It is beautifully balanced and refined.  You feel the effect of oak without tasting a hint of wood.  It finishes with an uplifting citrus tang.  I hate to say it, but it’s a steal at $40.
95 Michael Apstein May 23, 2017