Varner Chardonnay Bee Block 2013 (750ML)

96 AG / 96 RP / 95 WA

The 2013 Chardonnay Bee Block is the creamiest and most expansive of the three Varner Chardonnays. Pastry, lemon oil, honey, wild flowers and mint are some of the many aromas and flavors that develop in the glass. While the Amphitheater Block and Home Block could use another year or two in bottle, the Bee Block is already quite open and expressive. There is so much to like here. 2016-2023. Antonio Galloni

Another terroir-driven, earthy, but big, rich, complex and well-balanced Chardonnay was the 2013 Varner Chardonnay Home Block from the Santa Cruz Mountains. Robert Parker,  Hedonist Gazette

A classic Chardonnay, the 2013 Chardonnay Home Block Spring Ridge Vineyard offers lots of ripe Chardonnay apple and stone fruits, white flowers, brioche and hints of minerality in its medium to full-bodied, layered and balanced profile. Slightly richer through the mid-palate than the Amphitheater, it's still clean, focused and crisp, with terrific length. It too needs a year of cellaring and will keep through 2023. Jeb Dunnuck