2012 Sixto "Uncovered" Washington State Chardonnay

A blend from Frenchman Hills, Moxee and Roza Hills Vineyards, the 2012 Chardonnay Uncovered (this was reviewed last year as the straight Chardonnay) was brought up all in neutral French oak and spent 15 months on lees prior to bottling. It's a gorgeous Chardonnay that offers lots of apple, white flowers and toasty notes to go with a ripe, rounded, sexy style on the palate. One of the more layered and ripe efforts here, it still stays fresh and lively, with plenty of zip and cut on the finish. Focusing on old-vine Chardonnay and higher-elevation, cool-climate sites, Sixto is made by the team at Charles Smith, with Brennon Leighton taking the lead role. They're easily the most exciting examples of Chardonnay coming out of Washington State. (JD)