Saintsbury Chardonnay Reserve 1998, from Napa Valley’s Carneros, is a 100% Chardonnay sourced from select vineyard sites. The nose reveals an evolved bouquet of baked apple, caramelized pear, and toasted almond, layered with butterscotch, vanilla, and a subtle minerality. The palate is full-bodied, with softened acidity and a creamy texture, delivering flavors of stone fruit, citrus, and a hint of oak spice. Aged for 10 months in French oak, it offers a smooth, lingering finish with a touch of oxidative complexity, showcasing its graceful evolution. Perfect for pairing with lobster, creamy risottos, or aged cheeses, this Chardonnay reflects Saintsbury’s commitment to crafting structured, terroir-driven wines. The 1998 vintage, known for its richness, produced a wine of remarkable depth, offering a sophisticated Carneros white for enthusiasts seeking a mature, complex expression. Its nuanced flavor profile and evolved finesse make it a collector’s gem.