$ 27.00
93 Points
Antica Chardonnay Napa Valley is made by one of the greatest Tuscan wineries: Antinori. Known for their Super Tuscans, this California estate wine lives up to their greatly deserved reputation with this lovely Burgundian style Chardonnay.
$ 99.99
98 points - limited
Arista is one of California's leading Chardonnay and Pinot Noir producers under the helm of winemaker Matt Courtney (Marcassin, Ferren), Limited.
previous vintage 98 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "From one of the Grand Cru sites in the Russian River, the Arista Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard saw the standard 12 months in one-third new French oak followed by six months in stainless steel. Buttered pineapple, nectarines, honeyed flowers, almond paste, toasted bread, and honeysuckle notes all emerge from the glass, and this beauty is full-bodied on the palate and flawlessly balanced. The purity of fruit is just about off the charts, and it has good acidity as well as a great mid-palate. This quintessential Russian River Chardonnay shows the classic power and richness of this appellation while also possessing freshness, elegance, and balance. Hats off to Matt Courtney for another tremendous wine....With the wines made by Matt Courtney, this Russian River estate continues to make some of the best wines in the vintage."
95 Points Robert Parker: "The Arista Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is a stunning wine. It offers singular aromas of guava, grapefruit peel and musky hints with layers of tangerine, green herbs, crushed stone and hints of elderflower. The medium-bodied palate is very expressive with kaleidoscopic flavor layers and addicting juiciness, finishing long and ever-changing in the mouth. This is a flamboyant expression that can be drunk immediately or cellared for a few years."
$ 450.00
100 points - limited
* Rare Magnum (1.5L) bottle* - Limited new release from cult Chardonnay producer Mark Aubert.
100 Points Robert Parker: "Aubert noted that this is his coolest site and usually the last to be harvested. Located near the Hyde Estate winery, by virtue of chilly afternoon breezes, it is indeed among the coolest sites on the Napa side of the Los Carneros AVA. This section is planted to Corton-Charlemagne clone on St. George rootstock. A barrel sample, it is being aged in 50% new French oak barrels... Whoa—the Aubert Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons explodes from the glass with bombastic scents of sea spray, freshly shaved ginger, lemon curd and grapefruit plus emerging hints of green guava, lime cordial and coriander seed with a waft of struck flint. Full-bodied, rich and lively, the palate is remarkably fruity and yet possesses loads of mineral sparks and savory nuances, finishing very long and spicy. This vintage no doubt played to the strengths of this site beautifully in 2019, delivering a very impressive wine of amazing singularity and intensity."
...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."
$ 475.00
100 points - limited
* Rare Magnum (1.5L) bottle* - Limited new release from cult Chardonnay producer Mark Aubert.
98 Points Robert Parker: "Aubert 2019 Sugar Shack Chardonnay is produced from Montrachet clone vines grown in Rutherford AVA. It is aged in French oak barrels, 70% new. A barrel sample, the 2019 Chardonnay Sugar Shack has a fabulously flamboyant nose of juicy Bosc pears, ripe apricots and ginger cake with hints of orange blossoms, crème caramel and toasted almonds. The palate is concentrated, full-bodied and beautifully textured with loads of stone fruit and spice layers, finishing long with a chalkiness coming through on the 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."
$ 475.00
100 points - limited
* Rare Magnum (1.5L) bottle* - Limited new release from cult Chardonnay producer Mark Aubert.
98 Points Robert Parker: "Aubert 2019 Sugar Shack Chardonnay is produced from Montrachet clone vines grown in Rutherford AVA. It is aged in French oak barrels, 70% new. A barrel sample, the 2019 Chardonnay Sugar Shack has a fabulously flamboyant nose of juicy Bosc pears, ripe apricots and ginger cake with hints of orange blossoms, crème caramel and toasted almonds. The palate is concentrated, full-bodied and beautifully textured with loads of stone fruit and spice layers, finishing long with a chalkiness coming through on the 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."
$ 499.00
100 points - limited
* Rare Magnum (1.5L) bottle* - Limited new release from cult Chardonnay producer Mark Aubert.
100 Points Robert Parker: "Lauren Vineyard (named after Mark Aubert's daughter) is the first vineyard Mark Aubert ever bought. It is composed of gravel mixed with Goldrich soils and was planted in 1999 to four different clones: two Old Wente clones, Mount Eden and Corton-Charlemagne. The Chardonnay Lauren Estate (a barrel sample) was fermented and aged in 100% new French oak. Unlike the other 2019 Aubert Chardonnays, this one needs a little swirling and coaxing to reveal the youthfully mute nuances of sea spray, crushed cashews, beeswax and allspice over a core of fresh pineapple, passion fruit, lemon meringue pie and toast. The full-bodied palate delivers the most gorgeous silken texture with tons of opulent spice-laced tropical fruit flavors and a refreshing line, finishing with incredible length and energy. Singularly stunning."
...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."
$ 499.00
100 points - limited
* Rare Magnum (1.5L) bottle* - Limited new release from cult Chardonnay producer Mark Aubert.
100 Points Robert Parker: "Park Avenue is a brand new, single-vineyard label for Aubert. This site was purchased by Mark Aubert in 2013. It had previously been an apple orchard but has since been planted to mostly Hyde Clone Chardonnay with a little Montrachet clone. It is located on the Sonoma Coast, conveniently situated right in between Aubert's Lauren and CIX vineyards. The vineyard has a long road leading up to the property, hence the name "Park Avenue." Note that the previous two vintages from this vineyard were declassified into the AVA wine. A barrel sample, the Chardonnay Park Avenue leaps out of the glass with provocative notes of white peaches, fresh pears, lemon curd and chalk dust plus spicy hints of coriander seed, nutmeg and white pepper. The full-bodied palate is super intense with wonderful tension and lots of mineral accents to the concentrated flavors, finishing with epic length and long-lingering spicy kick."
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
e."$ 199.99
100 points - limited
Limited new release from cult Chardonnay producer Mark Aubert.
99 Points Robert Parker: "A relatively new vineyard label for Aubert (the third vintage to be produced), the 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. It prances out of the glass with showy scents of fresh nectarines, pink grapefruit, lime leaves and preserved lemons plus hints of struck flint and wet pebbles. The full-bodied palate possesses an almost electric intensity with bags of nervy citrusy flavors and a very lively backbone, finishing with great length and oodles of minerals. This should age fantastically!"
...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."
$ 159.99
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."
$ 39.99
A great small-production Chardonnay from Barnett Vineyards on Spring Mountain.
93+ Points Robert Parker: "The Barnett Chardonnay Sangiacomo Vineyard opens with a gorgeous nose of spice cake, candied ginger, lemon butter and marzipan over a core of apricots, Bosc pears and apple pie. Medium-bodied, the palate bursts with intense citrus and apple flavors plus loads of spicy accents with a racy backbone and satiny texture, finishing long with beautiful savoriness."
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.
$ 79.99
Rare Chardonnay release from Beaux-Freres owner Mike Etzel. Tiny production.
The Beaux Freres Willamette Valley Chardonnay comes from the Star Mooring vineyard (planted by Mike D. Etzel in 2014), along with a few carefully selected parcels tucked in other ideal corners of the Willamette Valley. As if directed by Leonard Bernstein, this harmonious wine delivers orchestral balance despite its youth. An Old World-esque depth of flavor and low alcohol ensure graceful aging for 7 - 10 more years. Just 268 cases produced.
Tasting Notes: Meadowfoam honey and Lemon verbena aromatics are followed by bees wax and a waft of citrus flower. This is truly a nectar of sunlight across the palate, with bright, energetic freshness.
$ 79.99
Rare Chardonnay release from Beaux-Freres owner Mike Etzel. Tiny production.
The Beaux Freres Willamette Valley Chardonnay comes from the Star Mooring vineyard (planted by Mike D. Etzel in 2014), along with a few carefully selected parcels tucked in other ideal corners of the Willamette Valley. As if directed by Leonard Bernstein, this harmonious wine delivers orchestral balance despite its youth. An Old World-esque depth of flavor and low alcohol ensure graceful aging for 7 - 10 more years. Just 268 cases produced.
Tasting Notes: Meadowfoam honey and Lemon verbena aromatics are followed by bees wax and a waft of citrus flower. This is truly a nectar of sunlight across the palate, with bright, energetic freshness.
$ 44.99
97 Points - Limited
Beringer's top Chardonnay from the Gamble Ranch vineyard. Limited.
97 Points James Suckling: "This is a really solid white with so much structure and depth, as well as a border-less, encompassing palate. Full-bodied and polished with lots of length. Shows complex flavors, from cooked apples and lemons to stones and hints of flowers. Still tight. Needs time to come together."
94 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The classic Napa release from this estate, the Beringer Chardonnay Private Reserve has lots of beautiful golden apple, caramelized citrus, toasted nut, and hints of acacia flowers. With a rich, textured style, it still stays beautifully fresh, balanced, and layered. It's a brilliant effort."
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.
$ 31.99
93 Points Parker - New release
Inaugural release of a beautiful new Chardonnay from Beringer.
93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The Beringer 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."
$ 37.99
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.
previous ratings 95 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "One of the great values out there, the Brewer-Clifton 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 Brewer-Clifton 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. Positively stellar. That's pretty much all there is to it."
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."
$ 19.99
Limited production new Chardonnay from Brown Estate!
House of Brown, the second label of Brown Estate. Napa's first Black-owned estate winery, established in 1996. The label is the picture of INCLUSIVITY and the belief that all are welcome. 95% Chardonnay with 5% Vermentino, Brown Estate sourced this fruit from Lodi, CA. Aged in stainless steel to retain freshness, this wine is light, crisp, elegant, and juicy with a bright yet round mouthfeel. It starts off on the nose with pineapple, starfruit, and guava with secondary notes of flowering star jasmine, orange blossoms, and traces of honeysuckle, lemon verbena, and meringue. Drink liberally with paired with crab cakes, grilled oysters, seafood carpaccio, corndogs, truffle fries, mac and cheese.
$ 44.99
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.
$ 24.99
93 pts - best buy
Carpe Diem is a fantastic value in California Chardonnay from the winemaking team at Dominus. Highly recommended.
A sleeper deal in California Chardonnay. the Carpe Diem 2019 Chardonnay is an exceptional value bottling is entirely estate grown and produced from Roederer's extensive vineyards in Anderson Valley. Made with organic / biodynamic by a world-class winemaking team...it's almost unbelievable to see this wine at this price point and score.
93 Points Wine Enthusiast: 'This dramatic wine offers a tantalizing bread-dough aroma that leads to bold flavors of toasted oak, baked apple, nutmeg and butter. Medium in body, it's wrapped in a smooth texture that also retains a tang of crisp acidity for good balance."
$ 38.99
California Chardonnay lovers rejoice! Chalk Hill's new release has it all.
91 Points Robert Parker: "The 2017 Chardonnay Estate opens with notes of toast, cream, lemon pith and hay over a core of Red Delicious apple and banana chips. The medium-bodied palate is rounded and creamy with toasty spice and honey notions, finishing long and lifted with juicy acidity."
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."
$ 64.99
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!
94 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "Chateau Montelena's Chardonnay is bright, focused and tightly wound, with tons of citrus peel, orchard fruit and floral character. Medium in body, with terrific energy underpinning the fruit, the 2019 is a winner. Picking early and blocking the malolactic fermentation yields a finely sculpted, nuanced Chardonnay long on class. I loved it."
$ 64.99
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."
$ 29.99
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 the Domaine Eden Chardonnay 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."
93 Points Wine Spectator: "Vibrant and intense, with roasted nut and toasted spice overtones to the plush peach, lemon curd and marmalade notes. Smooth and supple, but there's an elegant thread of acidity weaving in and out, plus a hint of rooibos tea on the finish. Drink now."
The Domaine Eden Chardonnay 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.
$ 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 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."
$ 36.00
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 Duckhorn 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.
$ 72.00
97 Points
DuMol make some of the best and most sought-after Chardonnays from the Russian River Valley and California. Limited single vineyard Chardonnay from the legendary Ritchie Vineyard.
97 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2020 Chardonnay Chloe is rich with aromas of mineral-rich earth, pine resin, Meyer lemon. and yellow apple. The palate is fleshy, with orange oil, a touch of savory richness, and stony mouthfeel. It is appealing and open now, but it will certainly hold on for 10 or more years."
96 Points Robert Parker: "The 2020 Chardonnay Chloe, from the El Diablo Vineyard and Lorenzo Vineyard, offers an incredible combination of concentrated flavors and energetic acidity. It has intense aromas of apricot and quince with nuances of elderflower, brioche, cashews and honey, pleasing, flinty reduction and classy new oak spices. The full-bodied palate explodes with layers of ripe fruits supported by a satiny texture and focused acidity, and it has a dynamic finish that segues from stone fruits to flowers and spicy accents. Wow! About 1,000 cases were made."
Winery Notes: "Our seventeenth consecutive bottling from the majestic old vines of Ritchie Vineyard is among the most memorable, as one would expect given the
incredible quality of this magical vintage. The wine walks a delicate line between
power and finesse, opulence and focus, offering a deep succulence that is typical
of this heralded vineyard, farmed with great dedication and pride by the local
legend that is Kent Ritchie himself....It’s our most “California-styled” Chardonnay each year: forward, generous and broad. Sheer deliciousness is its calling card. That’s not to say it’s overblown,however, as the loose-textured, airy, volcanic white pumice stone soils bring great vibrancy and energy to the wine’s long, expansive finish."
$ 59.99
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. 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.
$ 59.99
Jon and Lily Berlin are the stewards of this very old Napa winery, and the Chardonnay they produce on the north end of St. Helena, from the Star Vineyard in Rutherford, is simply one of the very best in the Napa Valley. Absolutely delectable!
El Molino was established back in 1871. The winery, along with the historic label, was resurrected in 1981 by Reg Oliver who focused on incomparable Chardonnay and distinctive Pinot from an appellation admittedly more famed for Cabernet Sauvignon. He left a legacy of environmental stewardship and enthusiasm for Burgundy varietals that has not been lost on his daughter Lily and her husband, Jon Berlin (Jon & Lily pictured top right). Lilly moved to the winery with the family when she was nine, and since child labor was never frowned upon, there was a lot to be learned by the age-old tradition of apprenticeship under her father. Lily uses these time-honored techniques to fashion a Chardonnay of impeccable balance that can age for decades!
$ 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.
$ 54.99
A fantastic debut vintage for newcomer Far Mountain.
94 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "Lemon oil, white flowers, chalk and mint give the 2019 a brilliant upper register that almost comes as a surprise once the wine shows its superb depth and persist ence. This highly expressive, nuanced Chardonnay has a lot going on and plenty to offer.”
94 Points Wine Enthusiast: "High-toned and floral, this wine offers a generous mouthfeel of salty oak, mineral and wet stone. The elegant fruit profile combines pear, apple and Meyer lemon with ease, complementing the body weight with ample acidity."
94 Points James Suckling: "A polished, minerally chardonnay with sliced apple, lemon rind and some stone and flint. Laurel and other herbs, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with a creamy texture and balance. Phenolic texture. Lively and stony. From mountain vineyards in Sonoma and Mount Veeder. Nice debut wine. Drink or hold."
Far Mountain is based on the belief that some of the greatest potential for wine in California – and anywhere in the world – exists in remote pockets in the mountains of the Sonoma Valley. The growers the winery works with have taken decades of risks in both planting their vineyards and the farming choices they make today. The winery’s work is to channel the drama of these surroundings into wines that dazzle with energy and stand out immediately. Wines that bring a sheer pleasure in their flavors and textures, as well as unfold slowly, with never ending detail and fascination. It is a specific vision, literally chiseled by the landscape.
$ 69.99 $ 73.00
Far Niente makes one of Napa Valley's classic Chardonnays - limited.
The Far Niente 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.
94 Points Wine Enthusiast: "Spicy oak and bright acidity complement each other in this well-made white, which shows strong tones of crisp citrus and green apple. It builds body on the midpalate, with integrated woody notes and lasting richness."
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.
$ 69.99
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
$ 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."
$ 84.99
Brand new release of Flowers's highly sought-after Camp Meeting Ridge vineyard Chardonnay! Limited time only.
95 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2018 Chardonnay Camp Meeting Ridge is a wine of pure and total class. Bright citrus, crushed rocks, white flowers, mint and a touch of slate infused the 2018 with striking layers of nuance. Light on its feet and wonderfully complex, the 2018 has so much to offer. It is also one of the most pedigreed and nuanced Chardonnays I have tasted from Flowers."
This bottling is sourced entirely from Flowers' organic and biodynamically farmed Camp Meeting Ridge Estate Vineyard. Planted in 1991, these "older" vines are producing some of their most exciting and interesting Chardonnays today. Given the extremes of this site, each small block ripens at its own pace.
With a brilliant golden hue, lively aromas of lemon verbena, lime zest, honey suckle, chamomile, and citrus blossom dominate the distinctive nose. The palate is precise and focused, driven by mouthwatering acidity and framed by flinty, coastal minerality – a vivid expression of Flowers' Estate vineyard.
$ 54.99
Brand new release of Flowers's highly sought-after Chardonnay! Limited time only.
The Flowers 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.
$ 37.00
95 Points
Gary Farrell makes some of the finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs coming out of the Russian RIver Valley. Highly recommended.95 Points - limited
95 Points Wine Enthusiast "Editor's Choice": "This wine offers such tremendous value and quality - it should be on everyone’s go-to list for Russian River Valley Chardonnay. Lime, fig and grapefruit rind flavors ride along a lifted character of crushed stone texture and bright acidity. This wine is impressive from the detailed start to the lengthy finish."
The Gary Farrell Russian River Ranches is a layered and complex Chardonnay that brings together fruit from several of the winery's favorite Russian River Valley vineyard sites. Anchored by the naturally balanced character of Westside Farms and intriguing floral and stone fruit notes from Bacigalupi Vineyard, the wine's great concentration and structure derive from the nearby Rochioli and Allen vineyards. Olivet Lane Vineyard, featuring the Wente clone, adds refreshing citrus tones and excellent acidity.
$ 27.00
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.
$ 34.99
$ 48.00
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.
$ 39.99
New release of a classic California Chardonnay from Groth!
This single-vineyard Napa Valley Chardonnay is sourced exclusively from the Groth family’s Hillview Estate south of Yountville. This limited-production wine highlights the beautiful fruit — with sweet peach, citrus and exotic tropical notes, along with an underlying minerality — that so often exemplifies white wines from the Oak Knoll District.
Long, cool fermentation in a mixture of old and new barrels gives the Groth Hillview Vineyard 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."
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Limited new release!
Hyde de Villaine in Calfornia's Carneros District and is a collaboration between the Hyde family (Hyde Vineyard) and the De Villaine family (DRC). They make one of the best Chardonnays in California but its limited.
96 Points Robert Parker: "The Hyde de Villaine 2019 Chardonnay comes from vines in the Hyde Vineyard that are 25-40 years old and planted to Wente (60%) and Calera (40%) selections. Aged in about 15% new French oak, the nose is perfumed and pure, with scents of quince, apricot, beeswax, river stone and citrus blossoms. The palate offers a compelling dynamic of satiny, expansive fruits and fresh, focused acidity, and it has a long, nuanced finish. It will continue to unwind in bottle over the next 2-3 years and gain savory complexity over the next decade."
96 Points Wine Spectator: "Stunning, showing a pure beam of white nectarine, mango and ripe Bartlett pear flavors that mingle with pound cake, toasted, salted hazelnut and nutmeg on a supple, rich frame, which draws focus from a bright thread of acidity. Drink now through 2030."
HdV is a joint family venture between Hyde Vineyards and their French cousins, Aubert and Pamela de Villaine. Hyde Vineyards has become renowned for their ability to capture the Carneros terroir, while the Villaines stand among the most recognized names in Burgundy. This Old-World meets New World charmer is a cool Carneros beauty of impressive energy and opulence with lively acidity balancing the creamy texture.
$ 18.00
A phenomenal buy in California Chardonnay!
One of the fastest selling Chardonnays we have ever carried. This wine always sells out waaaay before the next vintage is released. If you have purchased Butter Chardonnay in the past, stock up while you can. Made by winemaker Rob Lloyd of Romabuer fame, this delivers on it promise of a rich, tropical fruit and buttery palate with a creamy texture and lots of toasty vanilla oak spice.
Owners John and Michelle (JaM) Truchard have created quite a following in a relatively short amount of time. With the name of their wine label being called JaM, they employed the help of winemaker Rob Lloyd (who spent 8 years at Rombauer) to produce a rich, jammy style of Cabernet. Well, that wine was a huge hit, and since Rob knew a thing or two about making Chardonnays, it only made sense that this white wine should be called "Butter". As the name implies, this is a rich, buttery style of Chardonnay laced with aromas of baked lemons and mandarin oranges mingle with a hint of spice and smoke. The palate begins with crisp pineapple, bright citrus and ripe melon while a soft creaminess rounds out the finish. This Chardonnay is ready for immediate enjoyment and is suited to a wide variety of foods including white fish, smoked salmon and creamy pasta dishes.
$ 24.99
We're always on the lookout for fantastic Napa Chardonnays that sell for a song, and the Jax Y3 Chardonnay is one of the best we've found. Highly recommended.
Robert Parker: "An outstanding value is the Chardonnay Y3, which offers copious tropical fruit, orange blossom, and nectarine scents and flavors along with fresh acids and an endearing purity as well as texture. A sleeper of the vintage, it should drink nicely for several years."
Sourced from Atlas Peak and Oak Knoll district, the Y3 Chardonnay is fresh and floral with a light creamy accent. A melange of delicate pear, golden apple are underlied by a light vanilla oak. Complex and balanced with light malolactic fermentation.
$ 39.99
New release of Jordan's classic Russian River Valley Chardonnay now available!
The bouquet offers delicate aromas of Fuji apple, citrus, nutmeg, honey, and lightly toasted oak. The Jordan 2019 Chardonnay delivers lively and complex flavors of Asian pear, key lime, and Marcona almond. These refined notes offer a seamless expression of rich, bold flavors with a long, elegant finish. This wine is delicious now and will continue to gain honeyed richness with an additional 3 to 5 years of aging. Serve between 55 and 60 degrees to ensure the full flavor development.
$ 58.00
Limited new Chardonnay from the owners of the legenday Kanzler Vineyard in the Russian River Valley.
Kanzler Vineyard’s 2019 Russian River Valley Chardonnay has a bouquet anchored by fig and nectarine with nuances of crème brûlée, papaya and cinnamon. Neither lean nor voluptuous on the palate, the wine strikes a deft balance with a silky texture and notes of peach, apricot and a kiss of toasty French oak on the mid-palate transitioning to citrus fruits as the wine glides along to finish with a soft and creamy acid backbone and pleasing flint and river stone minerality. Only 286 cases produced.
$ 39.99
Great new Chardonnay release from Keenan! One of our favorite wineries on Napa's Spring Mountain.
91 Jeb Dunnuck: "Starting with the 2018 Chardonnay, which is all from Spring Mountain, it offers a pretty bouquet of bright citrus, tangerine, and orange blossom to go with a medium-bodied, racy style on the palate. With plenty of acidity, good ripeness of fruit, and a great finish, it's going to keep for a solid 7-8 years."
Keenan's 2018 Chardonnay was hand harvested, de-stemmed, then gently pressed. The juice was fermented and aged in French and American oak barrels. The wine was left on the lees and the barrels were stirred weekly. No secondary, or malolactic fermentation was carried out, leading to the crisp, citrus character of this wine. The wine was bottled after approximately seven months of aging in the cellar. The finished wine shows citrus, ripe pear and green apple in the nose. Hints of lush white peach are noticed as the wine opens up. The sur-lie aging has added richness and complexity, and a touch of toasty oak returns on the finish. Like all of Keenan’s wines, this Chardonnay is a food worthy wine whose crisp acidity and medium body will accompany a wide variety of food fare.
$ 23.99
The rare Reserve version of Kendall-Jackson's bestselling Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay. Limited.
Handcrafted from the top 5% of all the Kendall-Jackson lots, a delicious blend of Monterey and Santa Barbara fruit. Sur lie aged with lees stirred twice monthly to integrate fruit and oak and promote a creamy mouthfeel.
$ 209.99
Kistler Kistler Vineyard Chardonnay - rare new release.
96+ Points Robert Parker: "The 2019 Chardonnay Kistler Vineyard opens with youthful, smoky graphite and toast, offering crushed almonds and white blossoms with some time in the glass. The palate surprises with its depth of ripe, fragrant fruits and textural, expansive character balanced by mineral tones and bright acidity. It finishes long and lifted. All that intensity and lift will allow it to evolve over the next 3-5 years in bottle and hold in the cellar for 10+ years."
...the single-vineyard wines all represent much smaller quantities of wine. There have been several noticeable changes in the Kistler wines over the last few years, as they are certainly picking the Pinot Noir at an earlier date and going for less extraction, more fragrance and delicacy. The Chardonnays are still powerful wines but they have backed off the new oak to about 40%. (About 10 years ago, it was around 60%.) Other than that they are still potent and rich Chardonnays that are meant to be drunk in their first 4-6 years of life. It is my experience that aging Kistler wine has not been generally as successful as I would have hoped.."
$ 34.99
Our favorite Chardonnay from "Down Under"! Any California Chardonnay fan will love Leeuwin's Prelude Chardonnay. Limited in production and not much is imported to the US so try it while its still available!
91 Points Wine Spectator: "Fresh and lively, with vibrant acidity to balance the ripe pear and floral flavors, hinting at clotted cream as the finish lingers. Drink now through 2015. 500 cases imported."