Reviews

Buena Vista's top chardonnay comes from the Thornton Vineyard, an exposed site on the ridge between the town of Sonoma and Petaluma. It's clean with fresh pear and richer pear-nectar notes, the texture supple and round. The structure comes through in light touches of oak tannins, stony notes and the peppery feel of olive oil. Pour it with roasted arctic char. 

Complex aromas and flavors of red berry, sandalwood, vanilla, floral and mineral are alluring, made all the more appealing by the elegant frame and vivid structure. Silky and harmonious enough to drink now, but this should really sing in five to seven years. Offers a fine, smoky finish. Best from 2023 through 2040. 

Brian Maloney makes this wine with fruit farmed by Charles Heintz at two vineyards, Heintz and Searby. His 2015 is a gracious chardonnay with apple-blossom scents and fresh red-apple flavors, seeming to capture the fog in its honeysuckle freshness. It's round and creamy, the waxy richness supported by a fine structure of oak. Lovely to drink now, this would complement a crab and avocado salad.