Paul Mas Reserve Chardonnay

Sometimes we taste wines together with our oenologist and look at each other without saying a word. After savoring the first aromas to the last sip, we ask each other, "How about that?" This Paul Mas Estate Chardonnay is a sensation and excellent for its price point. This Paul Mas Estate wine is in the wine series just below its big brother, the Grande Reserve, but made with the same Chardonnay grapes from the Estate vineyards in Montagnac. The oak aging between the two wines makes all the difference. The vineyards are notorious; they are situated in the best location in the south of France and produce full, powerful bunches. This is partly due to the cooler nights, which give the Chardonnay grapes a chance to rest and ensure a longer growing season.

Wood aging for the Paul Mas Estate Chardonnay

The harvest is gathered entirely by hand and transported to the estate in small crates. A second selection follows to press only the finest bunches, after which a full sixty percent of the wine is aged in oak barrels. This period lasts a full four to six months, using batonnage techniques. This gives this white Chardonnay even deeper flavors and aromas, making it unique. As soon as the bottle is opened, you'll smell notes of ripe tropical fruits like pineapple, hazelnuts, and the fresh scent of lime blossom and quince. There are also hints of vanilla and toasted bread, along with natural oak.

The aroma and taste of the Chardonnay

Because the wine isn't fully oaked, it also has a light freshness that sets it head and shoulders above similar wines. The palate reveals hints of green and red apples, accompanied by dried stone fruit, along with a hint of vanilla and toast. The wine's thick structure makes it very pleasant to the touch, offering flavor notes of butter, tropical fruit, cedar, light roasted spices, and a touch of lime to finish. It's no wonder this white wine is Paul Mas's best-selling wine.