“The El Diablo vineyard, at 900 feet of elevation, is planted to Hyde and Wente clone and is farmed by the Ulises Valdez family. The 2018 Chardonnay El Diablo Vineyard was 100% barrel fermented and went through full malolactic. It aged 11 months in 40% new Francois Freres barrels. It slowly unfurls to reveal gorgeous honey-drizzled white peaches, lemon meringue pie, mandarin peel and coriander seed scents with wafts of brioche and marzipan. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals a sultry oiliness to the texture with layers of citrus and stone fruits and a long, hedonic finish.”

“This is really tight and structured with layers of candied lemons, cooked apples and light vanilla cream. It’s full-bodied, reserved and focused. Nice tannin tension to it as well. Bright acidity gives it energy. Drink or hold.”

“From a site in the Russian Rover, the 2018 Chardonnay El Diablo Vineyard is another impeccably made Chardonnay from this team that readers should seek out. Displaying a medium gold color as well as classic notes of buttered peach, caramelized citrus, toasted bread, and lemon oil, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a rounded, sweetly fruited, sexy mouthfeel, and a great finish. This is one of those Chardonnays that marries richness and freshness beautifully. Enjoy bottles over the coming 4-6 years.”

“The 2018 Chardonnay El Diablo is an attractive wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Lemon confit, orange peel, mint, almond and tropical notes all grace this pretty, mid-weight Chardonnay with good depth that emerges with a bit of time in the glass. This is very nicely done.”