Thomas Fogarty Vida Bella Chardonnay 2021 (750ml) *

Chardonnay grown in California takes many forms, and this Vida Bella bottling from Thomas Fogarty lands on the more textured side of the spectrum. It is a 2021, a still white built with weight in mind rather than lean austerity, the kind of Chardonnay that fills the glass without tipping into heaviness.

The nose leads with lightly toasted almond, lemon zest and a gentle creaminess. On the palate there is real body, with that same citrus brightness cut by a note of white pepper that adds a sharp bit of spice against a subtly buttered core. It shows well now and has the structure to hold for years.