Tyler Mae Estate Chardonnay 2020

“The 2020 Chardonnay Mae Estate Vineyard is airy and lifted, with plenty of depth and structure underpinning it all. Readers will find a Chardonnay of real precision and intrigue. Savory and mineral notes are more in evidence, while fruit lies in the background. Drinking window: 2022-2032. 94 points

Justin Willett continues to make big moves. Willett recently purchased the iconic Fiddlestix vineyard and is now setting up a new base of operations at his Mae Estate vineyard. Extreme heat, sunburn and dehydration were challenges in 2020, as they were throughout the region. Willett opted to use more new oak and a higher percentage of stems in the Pinots to balance the richness of the fruit. The wines are mostly strong across the board, but a wide range like this one is bound to reflect the shortcomings of difficult years, and that is evident in one or two of these wines.”

Antonio Galloni, Vinous (08/22)