2018 PEARL 94pt Chardonnay 750 ml
2018 Pearl Chardonnay
In the glass, start off with the noticeable color of light straw, moving on with a delicate aroma of marzipan, soft trace of lemon zest, whisper of wet stones and a gentle indication of vanilla and honey suckle. Bright acidity on the approach followed by a suppleness that is balanced by the charm of the fruit and minerality as it moves across the plate. This is a lovely food wine yet may be enjoyed on this own at the end of a long day or at the beginning of a beautiful meal. This chardonnay will cellar nicely for many years.
Kelly Kidneigh, Winemaker
Wine Enthusiast Winter Buying Guide 2026 | 94 Points & Editor's Choice
"What a treat to taste a wine that has had some time to rest in the bottle at the winery. Pear’s aromas are a winning blend of lemon zest, yellow apples, butter, and wet slate. There’s still a nice bit of acidity here to accompany flavors like lime, macadamia nuts, rosemary, and a trace of an icy cold lemon granita. This wine makes me want to go check out some of the older vintages of Pearl made by winemaker Kelly Kidneigh " - Michael Alberty
International Wine Report 2026 | 94 Points
"High-toned nerve defines the entry of the 2018 Dukes Family Vineyard Pearl Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills, a wine that evolves into a plush, layered texture across the tongue. Matured for 14 months in 50% new French barrels, this selection from vines reaching over two decades of age shows remarkable depth and concentration. Waves of pomelo rind and praline emerge from a core of pale flaxen gold, accented by nuances of crushed shale, linden blossom, and a trace of grated nutmeg. While its complex profile makes it a stellar partner for roasted poultry with roasted herbs right now, the structural integrity suggests this bottling will gain further character with several years in the cellar" - Jeremy Young
Paul Gregutt's Wine Guide | 94 Points
“Layers of apple, pear, peach and apricot are accented with caramel and toasted nuts” - Paul Gregutt
