EFFORT CHARDONNAY 2020, Edna Valley, CA

That lime peel and sea salt finish really sets this apart—it cuts through the richness perfectly. I opened it with grilled fish and the tropical notes made it disappear way too fast.

The gardenia and honeysuckle on the nose are really something special, and the malolactic fermentation gives it a rich, creamy finish without being too heavy. Perfectly balanced with that citrus and sea salt minerality.

The tropical palate with that lime peel salt finish makes it feel more complex than most Chardonnays in this price range. I’m sipping it with grilled fish and it’s a perfect match.