Domaine de Baronarques Chardonnay 2016

Crafted in the high-altitude Limoux region of Languedoc-Roussillon, France, Domaine de Baronarques Chardonnay 2016 is a rare, world-class white wine produced under the ownership of Baron Philippe de Rothschild (owners of First Growth Château Mouton Rothschild). Acquired in 1998 by Baroness Philippine de Rothschild and her sons, the estate produces white wine of exceptional prestige in an region historically famed for pioneering barrel-fermented Chardonnay in Southern France. Sourced from south-facing, high-elevation hillside vineyards benefiting from cool Atlantic wind currents and Mediterranean sunshine, the old Chardonnay vines are rooted in limestone-clay soils that impart remarkable freshness and chalky minerality. Hand-harvested and rigorously sorted, the 2016 fruit was whole-bunch pressed and fermented in fine French oak barrels. Maturation took place in oak barriques (approximately 30% to 50% new) sourced directly from the estate's cooperage at Château Mouton Rothschild, with regular lees stirring (bâtonnage) to build luxurious textural weight while preserving electric acidity.

Food Pairing: Butter-poached lobster, pan-seared sea scallops with brown butter, roast Bresse chicken with wild mushroom sauce, grilled turbot, veal piccata, and artisanal French cheeses such as Comté, Époisses, or aged Gruyère.

94 Points - James Suckling

A layered, fruity chardonnay with creamy, polished tannins, showing beautiful ripe-apple and lemon undertones, as well as hints of toasted oak and vanilla. It’s full-bodied with round, creamy texture and a delicious, complete finish. Minerally undertone. Best white yet from here. This still needs some time to come together. Try in 2022.

91 Points - Wine Spectator

Fresh and elegant, this medium- to full-bodied white offers pear and peach flavors, with a honey-tinged edge. Details of floral and baking spice emerge on the crisp, minerally finish. Chardonnay. Drink now through 2021. 3,554 cases made, 400 cases imported.