Burrowing Owl 2022 Chardonnay 750ml

At BOV, the Chardonnay takes me to California, pitching ripe, tropical fruit mixed with buttery, nutty, oaky, vanilla notes and brown spices. The fermentation was an 80/20 split between wood and stainless steel. The wood is 85% French but only 11% new (yay), and 34% are neutral barrels that keep the fruit pure and fresh. The alcohol is a perfect 13.5%, helping to keep the pear, peachy, mango, and papaya fruit coming through with a modicum of buttered popcorn. It is an appealing style that many BOV fans demand. Ready to drink.

-- Anthony Gismondi, gismondionwine.com, 2024