Garagiste - Le Stagiaire Chardonnay - 2024

If the old adage that you should judge a winery on the quality of its least expensive wines is true, then Garagiste are doing a good job of it. Anyway, I realised I misspelt the word ‘Stagiaire’ on the review of the 2023. Lucky it’s not “Vieilles Vignes” as well. Stupid French words! Complex and quite umami in character. Grapefruit, apple, saline, nutty, Japanese ginger, and a little struck match. It has bright acidity, a certain juiciness in with all that nutty almost sake-like character, creamy almond, lime rind, fine chalky texture, and a finish of excellent length. Really good Chardonnay, and all things considered, jolly good value. Charismatic, is my last word on this wine. Say no more. 94 Points Gary Walsh, The Wine Front