Materra Oak Knoll Chardonnay 2022

   As subscribers to The Public Palate know, Materra Winemaker Chelsea Barrett was in town last week for a Wine Lunch. She told us that 2021 was an exceptionally bountiful harvest. Materra produced an abundant (read: far in excess of bottles needed to supply customers) amount of 2022 Chardonnay from high quality grapes. So, John said: "We'll take it!" And so we did.
  This 2022 Chardonnay is made in the award winning new style, rather what Chardonnay was before the overly oaked craze and hence, buttered up, happened. Chelsea adds a slight bit of oak for structure, but balanced the bottle with acid and crispness. With this stunning Chardonnay and her other bottled work, Chelsea Barrett has become The California Winemaker for The California WinemakerS!

  Chelsea Says: "This Chardonnay opens with vibrant aromas of lemon zest and green apple, complemented by delicate hints of brioche and beeswax. On the palate, it reveals refreshing flavors of yellow pear and nectarine, with a bright acidity that is met by a creamy texture, adding depth and richness. Without undergoing malolactic fermentation, this wine maintains a fruit-forward and refreshing profile, allowing the natural acidity and fresh fruit characteristics to shine through."