Pale gold. Fresh melon, nectarine and pear on the highly perfumed, mineral- and lees-accented nose. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering an array of concentrated yet vibrant orchard and pit fruit flavors and suggestions of lemon pith, gingery spices and toasted grain. Shows real energy and nervy cut on the impressively long finish, which features a sexy floral nuance and an exotic touch of saffron. I'd happily match this complex Chardonnay up to most high-end (not to mention more expensive) California renditions of the variety.