What can you infer if a Chardonnay-based wine has a noticeable scent of vanilla?

A noticeable scent of vanilla in a Chardonnay-based wine typically indicates that the wine has probably spent some time in a new oak barrel. The vanilla aroma is a characteristic imparted by the oak during the aging process. When wine is aged in new oak barrels, compounds such as vanillin are released, contributing to the distinctive vanilla notes.

The other choices do not directly correlate with the vanilla aroma. The age of the grapes does not influence the presence of vanilla scent, as it is tied to the aging process rather than the grape's maturity. Fermentation in stainless steel is designed to preserve the fresh fruit characteristics of the wine and typically results in a cleaner, crisper profile without the oak-derived flavors. Additionally, the climate in which the grapes are grown can affect the wine's overall profile but does not specifically lead to vanilla notes. Hence, the presence of the vanilla scent is most accurately associated with aging in new oak barrels.