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Chardonnay
Aubert 2017 CIX Vineyard Estate Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
$ 199.99
99 points - limited
Limited new release from cult Chardonnay producer Mark Aubert.
99 Points Robert Parker: "CIX stands for "109" as this block, planted in 2008 to Montrachet clones, was originally called "parcel 109" when they purchased it. The 2017 Chardonnay CIX Estate has an incredibly intense nose of lemon peel, green mango, fresh pears and powdered ginger with suggestions of baking bread, chopped cashews, lightly buttered popcorn and crème brûlée. The palate is full-bodied, concentrated and bold with a racy line carrying the citrus and savory layers to an incredibly long finish...
...Mark Aubert continues to set the bar incredibly high for the world-class quality of his Burgundian-styled, remarkable Chardonnays, which come from relatively cool sites spread from Rutherford in Napa Valley to the far reaches of the Sonoma Coast. As I indicated last year, Aubert is at the top of his game, and it is hard to believe any Chardonnay winemaker in the world is turning out a half-dozen Chardonnays at this qualitative level year in and year out. He has had an incredible run of great success, after being mentored by none other than the reclusive and supremely talented Helen Turley when he took over the winemaking job at Peter Michael, then proceeded on to impressive sojourns at Colgin Estate as well as Tom Futo’s winery in Oakville."
Aubert 2017 UV-SL Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
$ 199.99
Limited new release from cult Chardonnay producer Mark Aubert.
99 Points Robert Parker: "A barrel sample aging in 80% new barrels, the 2017 Chardonnay UV-SL is a little broody right now, slowly revealing notes of warm apricots, apple pie and pear tart with suggestions of crème caramel, honey toast, sassafras and lime blossoms with a hint of candied popcorn. The palate is full-bodied with a wicked backbone of freshness lifting the densely packed stone fruit and savory layers, finishing very long and yeasty...
...Mark Aubert is one of the contenders for California’s finest practitioner of Burgundian-styled, yet classic, California Chardonnays. His offerings are all made like grand cru Burgundies with full malolactic, the use of French oak and lees stirring, but the purity of fruit, the textural dimensions, and the stunning singularity of these Chardonnays can only be matched by a handful of other Chardonnay producers in the world. He’s that good. Aubert’s 2012s, which I have enjoyed multiple times out of bottle since I purchased most of them, merit the scores I gave them last year."
Aubert 2018 'Larry Hyde & Sons' Vineyard Chardonnay, Carneros
$ 199.99
98 points - limited
Limited new release from cult Chardonnay producer Mark Aubert.
99 Points Robert Parker: "One of the last vineyards picked, this section of Hyde vineyard in Carneros is planted to Corton Charlemagne clone on St. George rootstock. The 2018 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons leaps from the glass with vivacious fresh grapefruit, lemon peel, orange blossoms and lime cordial notes with nuances of fresh ginger, hay, sea spray and chalk dust. The full-bodied mouth explodes with the whole citrus-fruit flavor spectrum—lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit on steroids—complemented by loads of spicy sparks and lifted by amazing freshness, sporting a provocatively creamy texture and finishing long....
...Mark Aubert continues to set the bar incredibly high for the world-class quality of his Burgundian-styled, remarkable Chardonnays, which come from relatively cool sites spread from Rutherford in Napa Valley to the far reaches of the Sonoma Coast. As I indicated last year, Aubert is at the top of his game, and it is hard to believe any Chardonnay winemaker in the world is turning out a half-dozen Chardonnays at this qualitative level year in and year out. He has had an incredible run of great success, after being mentored by none other than the reclusive and supremely talented Helen Turley when he took over the winemaking job at Peter Michael, then proceeded on to impressive sojourns at Colgin Estate as well as Tom Futo’s winery in Oakville."
Aubert 2018 CIX Vineyard Estate Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
$ 199.99
99 points - limited
Limited new release from cult Chardonnay producer Mark Aubert.
99 Points Robert Parker: "CIX stands for 109, because this was originally called “Parcel 109” when Aubert bought the vineyard. Planted in 2008 to Montrachet clone, the 2018 Chardonnay CIX Estate slips sensuously from the glass with beguiling scents of apple blossoms, honeysuckle and orange peel over a core of ripe Bosc pears, coriander seed, white pepper and shaved almonds plus a touch of talc. Full-bodied, rich and seductive, it has seamless freshness and the most beautifully perfumed personality, finishing long and fragrant....
...Mark Aubert continues to set the bar incredibly high for the world-class quality of his Burgundian-styled, remarkable Chardonnays, which come from relatively cool sites spread from Rutherford in Napa Valley to the far reaches of the Sonoma Coast. As I indicated last year, Aubert is at the top of his game, and it is hard to believe any Chardonnay winemaker in the world is turning out a half-dozen Chardonnays at this qualitative level year in and year out. He has had an incredible run of great success, after being mentored by none other than the reclusive and supremely talented Helen Turley when he took over the winemaking job at Peter Michael, then proceeded on to impressive sojourns at Colgin Estate as well as Tom Futo’s winery in Oakville."
Aubert 2018 Eastside Vineyard Estate Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
$ 199.99
100 points - limited
Limited new release from cult Chardonnay producer Mark Aubert.
99+ Points Robert Parker: "Eastside is a warmer site in Russian River that is composed of very rocky, gravelly soils and planted to Montrachet clone. It is usually harvested second, after Sugar Shack. Wow—the 2018 Chardonnay Eastside has a truly compelling hazelnut/praline character with a core of spice cake, apple pie, peach preserves and clotted cream plus suggestions of cloves, allspice and brioche. Full-bodied, the palate is a powerhouse of savory layers, lifted by fantastic freshness and allowing the beautifully pristine apple and peach flavors to kick in on the long, long finish.
...Mark Aubert continues to set the bar incredibly high for the world-class quality of his Burgundian-styled, remarkable Chardonnays, which come from relatively cool sites spread from Rutherford in Napa Valley to the far reaches of the Sonoma Coast. As I indicated last year, Aubert is at the top of his game, and it is hard to believe any Chardonnay winemaker in the world is turning out a half-dozen Chardonnays at this qualitative level year in and year out. He has had an incredible run of great success, after being mentored by none other than the reclusive and supremely talented Helen Turley when he took over the winemaking job at Peter Michael, then proceeded on to impressive sojourns at Colgin Estate as well as Tom Futo’s winery in Oakville."
Aubert 2018 Lauren Vineyard Estate Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
$ 224.99
100 points - limited
Limited new release from cult Chardonnay producer Mark Aubert.
100 Points Robert Parker: "Mark Aubert notes that this is a complex vineyard. It is planted to four different clones: two Old Wente clones, Mount Eden and Corton Charlemagne. The 2018 Chardonnay Lauren Estate explodes effortlessly from the glass, emitting flamboyant crystalized ginger, cinnamon stick, green tea and lime cordial notions with suggestions of applesauce, lemongrass, honey-roasted almonds and paraffin wax plus a touch of cedar chest. Full-bodied, the palate is wonderfully earthy/savory, delivering a beautiful oiliness to the texture juxtaposed by spine-tingling purity and freshness, finishing with epic length...
...Mark Aubert continues to set the bar incredibly high for the world-class quality of his Burgundian-styled, remarkable Chardonnays, which come from relatively cool sites spread from Rutherford in Napa Valley to the far reaches of the Sonoma Coast. As I indicated last year, Aubert is at the top of his game, and it is hard to believe any Chardonnay winemaker in the world is turning out a half-dozen Chardonnays at this qualitative level year in and year out. He has had an incredible run of great success, after being mentored by none other than the reclusive and supremely talented Helen Turley when he took over the winemaking job at Peter Michael, then proceeded on to impressive sojourns at Colgin Estate as well as Tom Futo’s winery in Oakville."
Aubert 2018 Powder House Estate Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
$ 199.99
100 points - limited
Limited new release from cult Chardonnay producer Mark Aubert.
99 Points Robert Parker: "The second vintage of this wine, the 2018 Chardonnay Powder House comes from eight acres of what are now estate-owned vines planted in 2013, to Hyde Old Wente and Mt. Eden clones on Goldridge soils. The vineyard is located in downtown Forestville, right across from the high school. The nose bursts from the glass with notes of lemon meringue pie, lime curd, tangerine peel and candied ginger plus touches of lightly browned toast, cashews and a waft of cedar. The full-bodied palate starts out gentle and floral, expanding into a citrus explosion on the finish, featuring a wicked backbone of freshness and loads of compelling savory sparks that will keep you coming back for more...
...Mark Aubert continues to set the bar incredibly high for the world-class quality of his Burgundian-styled, remarkable Chardonnays, which come from relatively cool sites spread from Rutherford in Napa Valley to the far reaches of the Sonoma Coast. As I indicated last year, Aubert is at the top of his game, and it is hard to believe any Chardonnay winemaker in the world is turning out a half-dozen Chardonnays at this qualitative level year in and year out. He has had an incredible run of great success, after being mentored by none other than the reclusive and supremely talented Helen Turley when he took over the winemaking job at Peter Michael, then proceeded on to impressive sojourns at Colgin Estate as well as Tom Futo’s winery in Oakville."
Aubert 2018 Powder House Estate Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast MAGNUM (1.5L)
$ 450.00
100 points - limited
* Rare Magnum (1.5L bottle* - Limited new release from cult Chardonnay producer Mark Aubert.
99 Points Robert Parker: "The second vintage of this wine, the 2018 Chardonnay Powder House comes from eight acres of what are now estate-owned vines planted in 2013, to Hyde Old Wente and Mt. Eden clones on Goldridge soils. The vineyard is located in downtown Forestville, right across from the high school. The nose bursts from the glass with notes of lemon meringue pie, lime curd, tangerine peel and candied ginger plus touches of lightly browned toast, cashews and a waft of cedar. The full-bodied palate starts out gentle and floral, expanding into a citrus explosion on the finish, featuring a wicked backbone of freshness and loads of compelling savory sparks that will keep you coming back for more...
...Mark Aubert continues to set the bar incredibly high for the world-class quality of his Burgundian-styled, remarkable Chardonnays, which come from relatively cool sites spread from Rutherford in Napa Valley to the far reaches of the Sonoma Coast. As I indicated last year, Aubert is at the top of his game, and it is hard to believe any Chardonnay winemaker in the world is turning out a half-dozen Chardonnays at this qualitative level year in and year out. He has had an incredible run of great success, after being mentored by none other than the reclusive and supremely talented Helen Turley when he took over the winemaking job at Peter Michael, then proceeded on to impressive sojourns at Colgin Estate as well as Tom Futo’s winery in Oakville."
Aubert 2018 Russian River Chardonnay
$ 109.00
99 points - limited
Limited new release from cult Chardonnay producer Mark Aubert.
Robert Parker: "...Mark Aubert continues to set the bar incredibly high for the world-class quality of his Burgundian-styled, remarkable Chardonnays, which come from relatively cool sites spread from Rutherford in Napa Valley to the far reaches of the Sonoma Coast. As I indicated last year, Aubert is at the top of his game, and it is hard to believe any Chardonnay winemaker in the world is turning out a half-dozen Chardonnays at this qualitative level year in and year out. He has had an incredible run of great success, after being mentored by none other than the reclusive and supremely talented Helen Turley when he took over the winemaking job at Peter Michael, then proceeded on to impressive sojourns at Colgin Estate as well as Tom Futo’s winery in Oakville."
Aubert 2018 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
$ 109.00
99 points - limited
Limited new release from cult Chardonnay producer Mark Aubert.
Robert Parker: "...Mark Aubert continues to set the bar incredibly high for the world-class quality of his Burgundian-styled, remarkable Chardonnays, which come from relatively cool sites spread from Rutherford in Napa Valley to the far reaches of the Sonoma Coast. As I indicated last year, Aubert is at the top of his game, and it is hard to believe any Chardonnay winemaker in the world is turning out a half-dozen Chardonnays at this qualitative level year in and year out. He has had an incredible run of great success, after being mentored by none other than the reclusive and supremely talented Helen Turley when he took over the winemaking job at Peter Michael, then proceeded on to impressive sojourns at Colgin Estate as well as Tom Futo’s winery in Oakville."
Aubert 2018 Sugar Shack Estate Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
$ 199.99
100 points - limited
Limited new release from cult Chardonnay producer Mark Aubert.
99 Points Robert Parker: "Produced from Montrachet Clone vines (what Mark Aubert calls “the citrus circus clone") grown in Rutherford AVA, the 2018 Chardonnay Sugar Shack comes bounding out of the glass with a sit-up-and-beg nose of candied lemon peel, green mango, guava and lime leaves plus hints of honeysuckle, toasted almonds, crushed stones and nutmeg. Full-bodied, the palate is electric with concentrated citrus and tropical fruits and the most amazing tension, featuring a satiny texture and very long, pristine finish...
...Mark Aubert continues to set the bar incredibly high for the world-class quality of his Burgundian-styled, remarkable Chardonnays, which come from relatively cool sites spread from Rutherford in Napa Valley to the far reaches of the Sonoma Coast. As I indicated last year, Aubert is at the top of his game, and it is hard to believe any Chardonnay winemaker in the world is turning out a half-dozen Chardonnays at this qualitative level year in and year out. He has had an incredible run of great success, after being mentored by none other than the reclusive and supremely talented Helen Turley when he took over the winemaking job at Peter Michael, then proceeded on to impressive sojourns at Colgin Estate as well as Tom Futo’s winery in Oakville."
Aubert 2018 UV-SL Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
$ 199.99
Limited new release from cult Chardonnay producer Mark Aubert.
98 Points Robert Parker: "The 2018 Chardonnay UV-SL comes across as a little shy compared to the Napa Chardonnays, slowly unfurling to reveal oyster shells, peach blossoms, honeysuckle and brine notes over a core of lemon marmalade, crème brûlée and pink grapefruit plus a touch of key lime pie. Full-bodied, the palate is like a tightly coiled spring with loads of tension between the racy acid and all the taut fruit, finishing very long and very minerally. This should be very long-lived!"...
...Mark Aubert is one of the contenders for California’s finest practitioner of Burgundian-styled, yet classic, California Chardonnays. His offerings are all made like grand cru Burgundies with full malolactic, the use of French oak and lees stirring, but the purity of fruit, the textural dimensions, and the stunning singularity of these Chardonnays can only be matched by a handful of other Chardonnay producers in the world. He’s that good. Aubert’s 2012s, which I have enjoyed multiple times out of bottle since I purchased most of them, merit the scores I gave them last year."
Babcock 2014 Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills
$ 29.99
A great new Chardonnay discovery from the Santa Rita Hills that strikes a great balance between fruit and crisp acidity thats not overoaked! Get it before the new ratings come out.
80 % of the Chardonnay grapes for this wine come from Babcock's Estate Vineyard. You get the brisk acidity and minerality from this fruit and the varietal character and flesh from the Loma Verde fruit. With a nose of pineapple and lemon meringue, it’s hard to resist. There’s a pinch of clove and maybe a little tapioca thing going on in there as well. The mouth is beautifully rich without being over the top.
Barnett Vineyards 2014 Sangiacomo Vineyard Chardonnay, Carneros
$ 33.00
A great small-produyction Napa Chardonnay from Barnett Vineyards on Spring Mountain.
Hal Barnett told us he has contracted the same parcels, same rows for years so the flavor profile and style would have an estate character. Using two Dijon clones and a Wente clone of Chardonnay, then going 22% through malolactic fermentation, winemaker David Tate has produced a delicious Chardonnay. The wine is made in a style that Chardonnay lovers could sip alone, but has the backbone and structure to succeed at the table. There are interesting layers of flavor to savor, with a floral element buried in there. Very attractive. Rich and layered, with a mix of tangerine, nectarine, spice and honeysuckle. Full-bodied, ending with a spicy, citrus- and cedar-laced finish.
Barnett Vineyards is located off of the narrow windy Spring Mountain Road which connects Napa and Sonoma Counties – about 1.5 miles in. This is a small estate winery (founded in 1983 by Hal & Fiona Barnett) located on very steep hillsides with slopes up to 35%! Their original intent was never to build a winery but rather to have a weekend private getaway location from San Francisco. For a fairly small production they make a wide variety of wines – as of our latest visit, 11 different wines are made here. They are strong believers in unique terroir sites and will source fruit from a variety of locations (not necessarily within Napa) based on where specific varietals grow best.
Beringer 2016 Private Reserve Chardonnay, Napa Valley
$ 44.00
92 Points Parker - Limited
Beringer's top Chardonnay from the Gamble Ranch vineyard.
Beringer's Private Reserve Chardonnay is primarily sourced from their Gamble Ranch property in the Oakville AVA of Napa Valley. Each lot was kept separate from harvest all the way through the winemaking process. The wine was aged for 9 months in 88% new French oak with full malolactic fermentation, and the lees were stirred weekly to enrich the texture and profile. Only the finest lots were then selected for inclusion in this Private Reserve bottling. From winemaker Laurie Hook: "Aromas of hazelnut and grilled pineapple are followed by flavors of lush, tropical fruits, balanced by a hint of citrus. A rich, creamy mouthfeel is rounded out by a lengthy, elegant finish."
92 Points Robert Parker : "A tank sample, the 2016 Chardonnay Private Reserve opens with peaches and cream notes and suggestions of cedar box, pink grapefruit and green mango with a touch of nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied with an appealingly oily texture, it delivers mouth-filling tropical fruit and oak flavors, finishing with great persistence."
Beringer 2017 Luminus Chardonnay, Napa Valley
$ 29.99
93 Points Parker - New release
Inaugural release of a beautiful new Chardonnay from Beringer.
93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2017 Chardonnay Luminus is done in a brighter, fresher style than the flagship Private Reserve Chardonnay. Much of that can be attributed to the cooler microclimate of the Big Ranch Road property in Oak Knoll. The Luminus is aged in equal parts French and Hungarian oak, the latter used for an accent of spice to complement the citrus and floral notes that are typical of this wine."
Robert Parker: "Beringer’s Chardonnay Luminus shows a touch of new oak, but this is meant to highlight the ripe tropical fruit of California’s Chardonnay. This wine displays tangerine and pineapple along with hints of pear, crème brûlée and citrus blossom. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity, it should drink nicely for another 3-4 years."
Brewer-Clifton 2017 Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills
$ 29.95
95 points
New limited Chardonnay release from the famed Brewer-Clifton label in Santa Barbara! The wines of Brewer-Clifton represent the essence of the best vineyards in the Santa Rita Hills area and focus on the production of single vineyard-designated Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from carefully selected vineyards in the SRH appellation.
95 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "One of the great values out there, the 2017 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills offers thrilling notes of white flowers, white peach, currants, and toasted bread. This ripe, sexy wine is unquestionably at the same level as the more expensive single vineyard releases, and it will evolve for just as long...This was another thrilling lineup from Greg Brewer, and I consistently rate these wines as some of the greatest in the Sta. Rita Hills, as well as all of Santa Barbara County. These are brilliant wines."
93 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): " The 2017 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is a gorgeous appellation-level wine from Brewer-Clifton. Creamy and ample, the 2017 is absolutely delicious. Tangerine, mint, lemon peel and sweet spice notes all meld together in a striking, nuanced Chardonnay that hits all the right notes. The 2017 is positively stellar. That's pretty much all there is to it."
93 Points Wine Enthusiast: "This appellation blend carries that aromatic hallmark of this winery's Chardonnays, with a streak of walnut oil that decorates the marmalade and toast tones. The palate is bright in acidity, giving energy to the flavors of walnut paste, dried orange peel and sun-dried honeysuckle. "
As readers will know, the Brewer-Clifton wines see no new oak at all. "I want all the expression and the decadence to come from the outside, so I use very old barrels and no stirring for Chardonnay," Greg explains. "Chardonnay is whole-cluster pressed, and the Pinot Noirs are whole-cluster fermented, from 70% to 100% for the single-vineyard designates. For me, stems are like a corset. We have so much fruit out here. I’ve spent 25 years working with stems as a means of framing and corseting, so we work with stems to shape and lift."
Buehler 2015 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
$ 16.99
Buehler makes some of the best buys in the world of wine and their Chardonnay is no exception.
The Russian River Chardonnay displays abundant floral/ stone fruit aromas lightly accented by toasty, graham cracker sur-lie qualities. The mouthfeel is creamy and full but the natural acidity of the Russian River fruit carries this velvet-textured package to a long, clean finish.
Robert Parker: "As most readers know, you don't find Russian River Chardonnay at this price point, and winemaker David Cronin has turned out a very nice one. Crisp, elegant and fruity with delicate pear, white peach and honeysuckle, medium body and a dry finish."
Buoncristiani 2015 Chardonnay, Napa Valley
$ 49.99
A fantastic new Chardonnay discovery for fans of California's best producers. Sourced from the famed Hyde & Stagecoach Vineyards as well as Pahlmeyer's Waters Ranch this exceptional fruit driven Chardonnay was handcrafted and only 350 cases produced.
95 Points Brix26: "Explosive aromas of pineapple, creme brulee, poached pear, and honeysuckle jump from the glass of the Buoncristiani 2015 Chardonnay. Its light straw/green color is followed by apricot and pineapple aromas and flavors, good acidity, lots of body, and loads of fruit, with a beautiful balance between richness, intense fruit and crisp acidity in the long finish This gorgeous Chardonnay can be enjoyed over the next several years and more
Butternut 2017 Chardonnay, California
$ 18.00
Best Buy Under $20!
Butternut is the newest offering from Tony Leonardini, whose family owns Whitehall Lane. With premium Chardonnay from Carneros and from western Napa Valley, Tony aged this wine in 100% new French oak, imparting a buttery, nutty roundness to the flavor profile. At under $20 it totally over-delivers.
The Butternut Chardonnay is a wine that lives up to its name. It has round, creamy notes, hints of hazelnut and a finish that doesn’t want to quit. Grapes from the regions of Carneros and Coombsville in Napa and Santa Lucia and Arroyo Seco in Monterey broaden the flavor profile of Butternut. The wine spent 14 months on 110 percent new French Oak.
Cakebread 2018 Chardonnay, Napa Valley
$ 42.00
New release now available!
Cakebread produces one of the most popular Chardonnays from the Napa Valley - get the new release now.
The very aromatic Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay Napa Valley offers delightfully forward aromas of ripe pears and apples, with intriguing scents of guava and banana. On the palate, the wine boasts a full, fleshy texture and rich, ripe flavors balanced by subtle, spicy oak tones and an excellent underpinning of acidity. Delicious now, this very flavorful Napa Valley Chardonnay will gain additional bouquet and complexity with 18-24 months of further bottle age. Very limited.
Cakebread Cellars 2016 Reserve Chardonnay, Napa Valley
$ 59.99 $ 64.99
Limited Reserve Chardonnay
An exclusive Reserve Chardonnay from Cakebread - Limited!
The Cakebread Reserve Chardonnay Napa Valley offers up aromas of sweet butter and oak spice, followed by waves of fresh, spiced-apple, pear and melon fruit scents. On the palate, the wine reveals a rich, mouth-filling texture with ripe, fleshy, apple-y flavors balanced by bright acidity and a refreshing minerality, with savory oak and subtle yeast tones enhancing the long, rich finish. Youthful and concentrated, with wonderful balance and depth of fruit, this superlative Napa Valley Chardonnay will continue to develop in the bottle for another 5-8 years.
Chalk Hill 2016 Estate Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
$ 39.99
California Chardonnay lovers rejoice! Chalk Hill's new release has it all.
92 Points Wine Spectator: "Strikes a balance between rich, spicy oak and an intense core of fruit, echoing pear, apple and melon flavors. Maintains equilibrium, ending with creamy, vanilla-scented oak notes. Drink now. "
Chalk Hill's potential for great Chardonnay was discovered early and it became one of the initial plantings. The oldest, Founder's Block dates back to the establishment of the winery, in 1972, and remains a keystone in the estate's Chardonnay program. the Estate Bottled Chardonnay is assembled from vineyard blocks that each provides an individual lot of finished wine— 100% Chardonnay, but from a variety of clonal selections— and from a variety of sites on the estate. Get the new release before the ratings come out!
Robert Parker: "This estate is now owned by William Foley, who purchased it from the Firth family that founded the vineyard. Chalk Hill is one of Northern California's older AVAs, established in 1985."
Chasseur 2013 Lorenzo Vineyard Chardonnay, Russian River
$ 55.00
Chasseur is a small producer down the road from Kistler that is making some of California's best Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs - discover them while they are still available! Only 323 cases produced.
This is cool-climate vineyard in the Russian River that was first made famous by John Wetlaufer and Helen Turley and subsequently by Landmark Vineyards. The Chasseur 2013 Lorenzo Chardonnay displays exquisite peach, honeyed citrus, orange rind and lemon oil notes with hints of wet rock/minerality. Medium to full-bodied, with stunning concentration, texture, and length, this is a profound Chardonnay to drink over the next 5-7 years, possibly longer.
Chateau Montelena 2016 Chardonnay, Napa Valley
$ 44.95
Chateau Montelena is one of California's historic wineries and consistent producer of some of the best Chardonnay in Napa Valley. Discover why Chateau Montelena Chardonnay beat the French at the Paris tasting in 1976!
Robert Parker: "Caramelized citrus, apple skin and a touch of tangerine oil are all present in the medium-bodied, refreshing, basically unoaked or neutral oaked style of Chardonnay that Chateau Montelena’s produced in 2013. This style is meant to show the fruit and acid of the varietal. Drink it over the next 4-5 years."
Darioush 2018 Signature Chardonnay Napa Valley
$ 49.99
Limited new Signature Chardonnay release from Darioush. Order while it's still available.
100% Chardonnay, sourced exclusively from Darioush's estate vineyards in the Napa Valley, Oak Knoll and Carneros districts, and aged for eleven months in 70% new French oak.
Tasting Notes: "Influenced by a cooler than average growing season, the Darioush Signature Chardonnay is powerful, sleek and vibrant, and was bottled unfiltered to maintain a strong sense of place and high concentration of flavor. Bright aromatics of white peach and quince entice, with layers of green apple, creamy lemon meringue, yeast and toasted wheat in the mid-palate, finishing with a pure, delicate minerality. A promising vintage that will evolve well for several years."
Domaine Eden 2016 Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mts
$ 28.99
94 Points - fantastic buy
New Chardonnay release from Mount Eden's Domaine label.
94 Points Wine Enthusiast: "This more affordable cousin to the Mt. Eden brand is just as good, though different. It presents dairy aromas of brie cheese rind and yogurt but in a deliciously approachable way, with diced chives, caramelized pear and citronella elements. The palate shows tremendous energy, with lots of lime and lemon pith, but also a sour-cream richness."
The blend this year was 60% from Mount Eden's estate vines and 40% from Domaine Eden. The grapes were picked by hand and crushed within three hours of harvest, barrel-fermented in Burgundy barrels and aged on the lees for ten months. This wine is icy clean, vibrant and mineral in style with flavors of citrus zest, quince and spring flowers. For lovers of precision and delicacy in the expression of Chardonnay, this is it.
Domaine Serene 2016 "Evenstad Reserve" Chardonnay, Oregon
$ 64.99
95 Points
Domaine Serene is one of Oregon's best wineries and their Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays Evenstad Reserve are the cream of the crop. Oregon Chardonnay at it's finest!
95 Points "Editor's Choice" Wine Enthusiast: "This is one of the finest Evenstad Reserves to date, bringing a stunningly good mix of tree fruits nuanced by barrel flavors of butterscotch and toasted hazelnut. It all leads into a sappy, cinnamon-inflected finish that lingers gracefully and promises to age well through 2025."
92 Points Robert Parker: "The 2016 Chardonnay Evenstad Reserve opens with a great streak of petrichor over fresh yellow apple and Bosc pear notes with accents of hay, crème fraîche and toast. Medium to full-bodied and creamy textured in the mouth, it gives up toasty flavors with a great core of concentrated, ripe fruit and juicy, mouthwatering acidity, finishing long and minerally."
Duckhorn 2017 Chardonnay, Napa Valley
$ 34.99
Duckhorn's new Chardonnay has arrived!
Duckhorn's Napa Valley Chardonnay draws from premium vineyards throughout the Napa Valley to create a lush, richly fruited Chardonnay that is aged in oak for an elegantly textured, complex and toasty style. According to winemaker Renee Ary, "what I like about this wine is that it is a classic. It follows in the Duckhorn style in that is elegant, balanced, bold, and has acidity that carries through to the finish. This vintage showcases layers of white peach, nectarine, and melon followed by warm notes of nougat, creme broulee, and chai.
This lush and elegant Chardonnay offers vivid aromas of white peach, lime, melon and vanilla bean, followed by undertones of praline, fresh pie dough and pistachio gelato. On the palate, flavors of Bosc pear, honeycrisp apple and Meyer lemon are underscored by beautifully balanced oak, which lends warm nuances and layers of complexity that carry through to the long, silky finish.
DuMol 2017 "Wester Reach" Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
$ 56.99
95 Points
DuMol make some of the best and most sought-after Chardonnays from the Russian River Valley and California. Limited.
95 Points Wine Spectator: "The 2017 Chardonnay Wester Reach was barrel fermented and aged 12 months on the lees in 30% new oak. It has a mineral-driven nose of petrichor, honey, toasted almonds, Golden apple, white peach and notions of nectarine and hay. Light to medium-bodied, it's intensely fruited and packs in the savory layers and expressive honeyed notions, lifted by juicy acidity and finishing long, intense and focused. Lovely!"
94 Points Wine Enthusiast: "This beautifully vibrant, fresh white is made from five vineyard sites, several of them estate, in addition to the Charles Heintz Vineyard in Occidental. Cool climate in nature and texture, it offers a whiff of matchstick and focused oak, with a lingering richness of honey, brioche and apple skin. Midpalate intensity evolves into a crisp, bright, stony finish."
93 Points James Suckling: "Impressive complexity and smoothly integrated, lemon and white-peach aromas, giving an air of composed purity. The palate has a swathe of fresh, fleshy peaches and lemons. Nicely cut finish. Really svelte and focused. Drink or hold."
Winemaker Notes: The DuMol 2017 Wester Reach Chardonnay Russian River Valley has great lines: focused, driven, mineral-laden and pithy, with a level of cool-climate fruit intensity that is very rare. This level of quality and distinctive character is hard to achieve in a larger-production blended wine, but is a testament to our pedigreed vineyards, precise farming, twenty years’ experience, and patient, sensitive craftsmanship.
Dutton-Goldfield 2014 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
$ 37.99
Fantastic new Chardonnay from Sonoma's famed Dutton Ranch!
After working closely together as winemaker and grape grower since 1990, Steve Dutton and Dan Goldfield merged their talents to create Dutton-Goldfield Winery in 1998. Their mission is to produce vineyard-designated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their home in the western Russian River Valley. The wines express the unique qualities of fruit from hand-selected vineyards and the work of an appreciative winemaker, and this brand new release certainly showcases that.
A blend of five chardonnay vineyards in the Russian River Valley. A classic Dutton Ranch Chard, with its crisp fruit, great structure and moderate alcohol. Lush pear and vivid citrus aromas lead in the nose, followed by fresh cream and toffee overtones. In the mouth, the candied lime and citrus elements shine through, supported by creamy caramel undertones and fresh acidity. This is a wine of balance, freshness and personality.
Dutton-Goldfield 2016 Rued Vineyard Chardonnay
$ 54.99
95 Points - Limited
New release of one of our favorite Russian River Chardonnays!
95 Points Wine Enthusiast: "Rued Ranch consistently is the winery's top bottling. The 2016, like its predecessors, is modest in alcohol but vast in citrus, tropical fruit, honeysuckle and mineral flavors, and enriched with smoky oak and buttery notes. It has a delicate mouthfeel that makes it a joy to savor." Only 571 cases produced.
96 points/Gold ~ North Coast Wine Competition
Warren Dutton planted this Chardonnay vineyard on an east-facing hillside west of the town of Graton in 1969. The clone planted in the vineyard, which produces exceptionally exotic, highly identifiable fruit, has since been propagated across California and is now referred to as the "Rued Clone." This vineyard's old vines produce clusters with tiny golden translucent berries with incredibly enticing flavors, floral aromatics and tropical freshness.
Failla 2014 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
$ 34.99
New Chardonnay release from the private label of Ehren Jordan, Turley's longtime winemaker. Limited.
The final blend of Failla's Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is composed of fruit from Keefer Ranch and the Floodgate Vineyard. The young vine block from the cooler Keefer Ranch site gives the wine blend verve and freshness while the Floodgate Vineyard adds depth and richness. Both vineyards are planted from the Dijon Clone 95 the "Old Wente" selection, which makes some of California's best Chardonnays. It posseses a layered texture accenting the wines natural fruit, minerality and floral character. A small-production gem to snap up while its available.
Far Niente 2018 Estate Chardonnay, Napa Valley
$ 64.99 $ 70.00
Far Niente makes one of Napa Valley's classic Chardonnays - limited.
The Far Niente 2018 Estate Chardonnay Napa Valley offers up a bevy of aromas of melon, hazelnut, citrus, fig and spice are complimented by toasty notes in the nose. The palate offers a full entry with floral notes that lead through layers of fruit that give structure and complexity. The length and balance are impressive as they lead to a mouth watering finish.
Far Niente Chardonnay is a careful blend of estate vineyards that grow in the cooler southern areas of the Napa Valley. Once winemaker Stephanie Putnam determined when to pick each block, the grapes were hand picked, sorted, pressed and then the juice was settled. Fermentation in french oak barrels usually lasts about three weeks and then the wine is aged on its yeast for another 8-9 months before the final blend is determined.
Ferren 2015 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
$ 59.99
Ferren is one of California's hottest boutique Chardonnay producers. Limited.
Owner and winemaker Matt Courtney started Ferren after an eight-year apprenticeship with Helen Turley at Marcassin Vineyard and also currently makes the wines at Arista. The wines are made using traditional Burgundian methods without fining or filtration, and native yeasts on the grapes from the vineyards perform fermentations. Matt Courtney was featured in a full page picture in Wine Spectator for their first release and got some great attention. This is on the wine list at the French Laundry, Meadowood, and Solage. Excellent bouquet, this opens beautifully on the palate with Asian pear, stone fruits, nice energy and structure, really nice acidity on the finish, long complex. A blend of Frei, Silver Eagle and Lancel Creek vineyard and only 10% new French oak.
Winemaker Matt Courtney founded Ferren with longtime friend David Wherritt after an eight-year apprenticeship with Helen Turley at Marcassin Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast. The wines are made using traditional Burgundian methods without fining or filtration, and fermentations are carried out exclusively by native flora that arrive on the grapes from the vineyards.
"Ferren should now be at the top of your wine wish list. Courtney only made a few hundred cases to start, and I expect they'll go fast.” - Wine Spectator
Fisher 2010 Mountain Estate Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma
$ 65.00
Rare opportunity to try one of California's finest and highest-rated Chardonnays from Fisher's Mountain Estate Vineyard. Only 825 cases produced - hurry!
93 Points Robert Parker: "The Chardonnay Mountain Estate Vineyard is quite a bit fresher and more vibrant than the 2010 tasted alongside it. Lemon, white flowers and pastry all come to life. Hints of white pepper and nectarine add elements of exoticism that are highly attractive, while saline notes add lift, brightness and focus. The 2011 hadn’t quite finished its malolactic fermentation at the time of this tasting. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2019."
Flowers 2015 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
$ 45.99
Brand new release of Flowers's highly sought-after Chardonnay! Limited time only.
This Flowers 2015 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast is a blend of several of Flower's Sonoma Coast vineyards, including Camp Meeting Ridge. Showing balanced depth and complexity, light straw to golden color, aromas unfold with layers of lemon peel, green apple, orange blossom and wet stone minerality. This vintage shows weighted richness on the palate, a supple texture, long clean finish with fresh and bright acidity. Showing very well now and will continue to gain complexity for 1 - 3 years.
Fort Ross 2015 Fort Ross Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
$ 43.99
94 Points - great new release
A fantastic new Chardonnay discovery from the true Sonoma Coast! If you like Flowers, Marcassin or Kistler you should add Fort Ross to that list of great Chardonnay producers. One of our favorite new Califorina wineries.
94 Points Robert Parker: "The 2015 Chardonnay Fort Ross Vineyard sports an intensely tropical nose of pineapple and passion fruit over suggestions of honeyed peaches, ginger and baking bread. Medium-bodied and elegantly fruited in the mouth, there are a lot of understated layers to excite the palate and it finishes long and savory/yeasty. Only 239 cases were produced...
...This small operation boasts Jeff Pisoni as the winemaker and is owned by Lester and Linda Schwartz. They began planting their 55-acre vineyard in 1994, with the first vintage in 2000. The wines are all bottled unfined and unfiltered, with the Chardonnay coming from Old Hyde and Wente field selections. The Pinot Noir is generally an assemblage of clones such as Calera, Pommard, Swan and Dijon 115 and 777. These are impressive Burgundian-style Pinot Noirs that merit serious attention. These are all impressive wines sold at extremely fair prices."
Brix26 Inside Scoop: Fort Ross Winery is nestled on a sunny coastal ridge, overlooking the Pacific Ocean a mile below. Their “True Sonoma Coast” vineyard is one of the closest, if not the closest, to the ocean in all of California. This is a great Chardonnay if you are looking for a style somwhere between the over-oaked and the steely style. It's all about the gorgeous fruit in this one, Highly recommended.
Foxen 2013 Bien Nacido Vineyard Block UU Chardonnay
$ 33.99
New Chardonnay release from Foxen, one of the leading wineries of California's Central Coast. Only 800 cases were made - hurry!
92 Points Robert Parker: "A wine of significant potential, the Chardonnay Bien Nacido Block UU (from tank) is cool and beautifully focused, with lovely purity in its aromas and flavors. Flowers, lemon peel, crushed rocks and spices are layered into the energetic, polished finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016...I always look forward to tasting the Foxen wines, as they are loaded with class and personality across the board. The Chardonnays and the Pinots are the highlights among this set of new releases,"
Foxen 2014 Bien Nacido Vineyard Block UU Chardonnay
$ 33.99
New Chardonnay release from Foxen, one of the leading wineries of California's Central Coast. Only 800 cases were made - hurry!
95 Points Antonio Galloni: "Foxen's 2014 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard Block UU is one of the quirkiest California Chardonnays readers will come across. The plant material here is Chardonnay grafted onto own-rooted Riesling rootstock that was originally planted in the early 1970s. Oddly enough, this wine often shows distinctly tropical, Riesling-inflected notes, as it does again in 2014. White peach, ash, slate, pear and crushed rocks show superb energy allied to power in a Chardonnay with searing intensity, fabulous balance and tons of personality."
Frank Family 2017 "Lewis Vineyard Reserve" Chardonnay, Carneros
$ 65.00
New Frank Family 2017 Lewis Reserve Chardonnay from the Lewis Vineyard in Napa Valley's Carneros now available!
The Frank Family Lewis Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay is a captivating wine layered with aromas reminiscent of stone fruit, apple tart and floral notes. Subtle aromas of roasted pecans and caramel toffee bond with the fruit flavors in a beautifully elegant manner. The palate is luscious and round, balanced by a fresh crisp minerality that provides a lasting impression.
Limited release
Frank Family 2017 Chardonnay, Napa Valley
$ 34.99
The New Frank Family Chardonnay now available! Limited
Named 2012 Winery of the Year from the Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine! The new Frank Family 2017 Chardonnay is sourced from the Carneros, in the southern Napa Valley, and displays its signature volume and length, with ripe peachy and tropical citrus fruit aromas and flavors, a lush and creamy mid-palate, and layers of toasty oak spice. A Napa Valley classic.
If you like Rombauer Chardonnay, try this!
Gary Farrell 2017 Russian River Selection Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
$ 34.99
95 Points - limited
Wine Enthusiast's "Wine of The Year" for 2017 - limited.
previous vintage 95 Points Wine Enthusiast (2017 #1 Wine of The Year): "A scent of French butter offers an immediate invitation to this excellent wine. Austerity on the palate gives way to a juicy core of invigorating tangerine and white peach flavors. The gravelly minerality on the midpalate finishes softly and with ease. If you love Chardonnay, this one belongs in your glass."
Girard 2014 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
$ 24.00
The best under $25 California Chardonnay we've discovered this year! A beautiful Russian River Valley Chardonnay that's a true steal while it lasts.
The Girard Chardonnay Russian River Valley is another clean, slightly crisp Chardonnay. Special malolactic fermentation techniques provide a soft, round palate without the buttery influence found in many California Chardonnays. You'll find this to be a great food wine that is also very enjoyable on its own. The majority of Chardonnay grapes come from the Dutton Ranch vineyard.
Grgich Hills 2016 Estate Chardonnay, Napa Valley
$ 43.00
Grgich Hills has always been known for its outstanding Chardonnay, and the new Estate Chardonnay Napa Valley only bolsters that reputation.
Grgich Hills Chardonnay is estate grown, meaning they control everything from the vineyard to the bottle. The grapes were grown organically at their American Canyon and Carneros vineyards, where the coolness allows the grapes to develop complex flavors while maintaining a pleasing natural acidity. They do not allow the Chardonnay to undergo malolactic fermentation. This preserves the wine's crispness and acidity to balance its concentrated fruit. The full-bodied, elegant Grgich Hills Chardonnay has fresh aromas of acacia and citrus flowers, honey and a touch of mineral.
Groth 2016 Chardonnay, Napa Valley
$ 29.00
New release of a classic California Chardonnay from Groth!
Long, cool fermentation in a mixture of old and new barrels gives the Groth 2016 Chardonnay layers of fruitiness and complexity that result in a wine that is very enjoyable when young or after several years of bottle age. This method of fermentation, in conjunction with whole cluster pressing and "sur lie" aging add layers of toastiness and creaminess to the wine. Together these components meld together harmoniously to create a balanced wine that is both lively and rich in aroma and flavor."
Hestan 2013 Chardonnay, San Francisco Bay
$ 49.99
A fantastic new Chardonnay from Hestan by winemaker Thomas Brown (Shrader, Outpost)
Hestan's first wine produced by esteemed Napa Valley winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, the Hestan Chardonnay boasts an impeccable balance of flavor and structure. Bright fruit flavors with a round, full mouthfeel, the wine offers depth and a long, elegant finish. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Tremendous richness with a whopping 14.1% Alcohol yet so balanced that you hardly feel the sheer weight of it from start to end with its long lingering finish. Barrel fermented in French oak barrels. Planted in 1997, this vineyard is located 300 yards from the San Francisco Bay, at the very southern end of Highway 29, which runs north and south through Napa Valley. A tiny 350 cases were produced so hurry!
Hudson Vineyards 2017 Chardonnay, Carneros
$ 64.99
96+ Points
Lee Hudson's vineyard in Napa Valley's Carneros region has come to be synonymous with some of the best winegrapes grown in California, going into some of the State's top Chardonnays (Kistler, Kongsgaard, Patz & Hall, Ramey). His own wine is fantastic but super-limited production. Grab some today before this delicious vintage slips away.
previous vintage 96+ Points Robert Parker: "Produced from the “Shot Wente” heritage selection clone and all naturally fermented in French oak, 85% new, where it was aged for 12 months, the Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard reveals intense grapefruit, pineapple and honeysuckle notes with hints of brioche, ginger and shaved almonds. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is bursting with spicy, tropical fruit flavors, framed by plenty of freshness and a satiny texture, finishing with great length and depth...This famous vineyard in Carneros was first started by the Hudson family in 1981. These are some of the strongest wines I have yet tasted from them, thanks to winemaker Christopher Vandendriessche and consultant John Kongsgaard."
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