Michael Sullberg Reserve Chardonnay 2018, California

For more than 3 decades, Michael Sullberg has worked to create a line of high quality wines at everyday prices. Following in her father’s footsteps, Leah Sullberg carries on the brand today, nurturing her father’s relationships with growers across California to deliver on her family’s commitment to Michael Sullberg wines. Vintage 2016 showed great quality in California, with El Niño rains nourishing vines and bringing in a bountiful yield. Grapes for this Chardonnay were sourced from some of California’s premium cool-climate regions, from the North Coast to the Delta Region of the Sacramento River. The micro-climate of this region produces ultra-ripe Chardonnay grapes that display fruit-forward characteristics. The winemaking team used traditional viticulture techniques to preserve the bright, fruit forward flavors of this wine while allowing the quality of 2017 to shine through. Perfumed floral aromas mingle with citrus, apple, and beeswax notes. The entry is juicy, showing notes of Golden Delicious apple and white peach. Grapefruit notes underscore the pleasant acidity, followed by a hint of creaminess and dried grass.