Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay 2021

Beringer Private Reserve represents the pinnacle of the company's portfolio. Layered, rich, creamy, and complex, this luscious Chardonnay is classically Californian with expressive aromas of citrus blossom, jasmine, and lemon curd, supported by more tropical ripe flavors of white nectarine, peach, and grilled pineapple. The well-integrated oak shows notes of brioche, vanilla, and ginger spice, leading to a long, mouth-watering finish with freshness and minerality.

Vinous: 92
The 2021 Chardonnay Private Reserve is lovely. Orchard fruit, lemon confit, hazelnut and a kiss of sweet French oak take shape. This understated, creamy Chardonnay is super-expressive in 2021.

James Suckling: 98
This has a more reductive and flinty personality with sliced pears, apples, lemons and light cream. White flowers, too. Full-bodied and very agile on the palate, staying calm until the end when it kicks in and runs long. Toasty finish with acid and phenolic structure. Old Went e clone. Goes on for minutes. A wine for aging, but so good already. Drinkable, but better in two or three years.

Jeb Dunnuck: 95
The 2021 Chardonnay Private Reserve comes all from Oakville and is a different beast, with a richer yet still vibrant style that just begs to be drunk. Orchard fruits, chalky minerality, toasted hazelnuts, and a beautiful sense of reduction all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, has perfect balance, integrated oak, and a great finish. It's the real deal.