This man was making Chardonnay when Thomas Bachelder was still in diapers … okay, maybe not that long, but Derek Barnett has been playing with Chardonnay since his days at Southbrook and making a name for himself and the winery in the process. 2021 was one of those sadly forgettable vintages, and challenged some of the best winemakers to output something good. This wine spent time aging in "neutral-ish" oak on the lees for 17 months - which has given it a rich texture; then it is lightly filtered before bottling. The result is a Chard that starts off buttery and butterscotch, but with balancing acidity and fruit that reveals itself slowly the longer it is open.  (****)