The 2021 Ernest Vineyard Freestone Valley Estate Chardonnay, with its well-deserved 96-point score, is a wine that truly captures the essence of its terroir. Hailing from the cool, maritime-influenced Freestone Valley, this Chardonnay showcases a carefully balanced interplay between crisp apple and pear notes, contrasted with nuanced hints of creamy vanilla. Its character is further enriched by an undercurrent of minerality, a testament to the vineyard’s unique soil composition. This wine’s elegant complexity makes it an ideal companion for a sophisticated seafood dinner, maybe a lobster bisque or grilled scallops. Considering the outstanding quality of this Chardonnay, it’s a smart buy and a shining example of the stunning wines the Freestone Valley has to offer.