Millbrook Chardonnay Grand Reserve Vista Verde Vineyard

Aromas of lemon zest and heavy oak. This is just a blitzkrieg of oak and not much else. 13% alcohol but I get the impression it's probably 15%. Way out of balance. The previous note is right on the money, although it's too bad because I can detect an underling wine with impressive body.

Deep yellow color, the nose is not very powerful but butter and toast prevail, with hints of honey, minerals, white fruits (peach and pear) and floral scents. The flavor, however, is indeed powerful and it is an overwhelming shock of over-the-top oak excess, with a persistent, acrid backbite. That same flavor that we love in great Chardonnay, and especially in aged ones, is in this case overwhelming the wine. At $30 this is a big disappointment - too big and …