The first Chardonnay from Cloudsley I have had a chance to try is a good bottle to get to know. It spends 18 months in 100% French oak and on lees, the oak regime includes 25% new, but it does not get in the way of all the other things going on: mineral and smoky notes kick things off, soon afterward apple and pear make an appearance, but it’s that minerality that really sings as it combines with the acidity to make a fresh Chardonnay you won’t soon forget – and for a first effort that’s impressive - there are good things to come out of Cloudsley with this grape. Price: $35.00 – Rating: ****+