2023 Post & Beam - Chardonnay Carneros (750ml)

Post & Beam is a newer, more approachable label from Far Niente Wine Estates, the family behind Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel, Dolce, EnRoute, and Bella Union. Launched in 2020 and named for the hand-hewn timber construction found throughout wine country, the project was designed to bring the same decades of Napa Valley winemaking know-how to a friendlier price point without straying from the family's polished house style.

This Chardonnay is sourced largely from Grand Sky Vineyard, a cool, fog-shrouded site straddling the Napa-Sonoma border in Carneros, where a long growing season keeps acidity bright. The grapes are hand-harvested, then fermented and aged in mostly neutral French oak. To preserve freshness, the wine skips malolactic fermentation entirely, letting the fruit's natural acidity and purity carry through rather than adding a heavier, buttery texture.

This Chardonnay opens with lemon curd, honeysuckle, and orange blossom, moving into flavors of melon, passionfruit, and ripe Anjou pear. The finish is vibrant and lifted, with a lingering note of French vanilla. It's a versatile white that pairs beautifully with seared scallops, grilled shrimp, or a light green salad.