The 2020 The Judge Chardonnay is a standout, and unquestionably one of the wines of the vintage. The nose opens with striking clarity and precision, revealing layers of lemon confit, toasted marzipan, crushed stone, and subtle baking spice. While less opulent than earlier vintages, the 2020 is more refined — favoring structure and nuance over sheer richness. On the palate, the wine is tightly knit yet expansive, with exceptional balance and length. French oak is present but impeccably integrated, lending a gentle creaminess and framing the mineral core without overshadowing it. A vibrant acid line drives the wine forward, building toward a persistent, elegant finish. This is a wine of tension, purity, and restraint — poised to age gracefully over the next decade or more.