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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 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."
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 2012 Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills
$ 34.99
New limited Chardonnay release from the famed Brewer-Clifton label in Santa Barbara!
For the first time, Brewer-Clifton releases a Sta. Rita Hills appellation-based Chardonnay. 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.
91 Points Antonio Galloni: "The 2012 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills is beautiful. Dried pear, almonds, orange peel and spices meld together in a textured, resonant Chardonnay laced with gorgeous depth and balance. "
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 2015 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."
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.
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 2014 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 2014, 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 2015 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 Chardonnay release from Frank Family 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!
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
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 2014 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 2014 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."
Hyde de Villaine 2016 Chardonnay, Carneros
$ 69.99
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.
95 Points James Suckling: "This is very dense and serious with freshness and powerful acidity that gives it intensity and focus. Goes on and on with so much floral and sliced-lime flavor and hints of white flowers, pear blossom and minerals. So beautiful to drink now, but will improve with age."
JAM Cellars 2016 "Butter" Chardonnay
$ 15.99
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.
Jax 2016 Y3 Chardonnay, Napa Valley
$ 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.
Jordan 2016 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
$ 29.00
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 2015 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.
Joseph Phelps 2017 Freestone Vineyards Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
$ 39.99
95 Points - new release
Fantastic new Sonoma Coast Chardonnay release from the legendary Joseph Phelps.
95 Points Wine Enthusiast *Editor's Choice*: "This 100% varietal wine from the cooler outpost of Freestone is so deliciously crisp, bright in minerally lemon and fresh pear. It lingers on the palate in complex ways, elusive one moment, then exuberant the next - a celebration of ideal vintage and place."
92+ Points Robert Parker: "Aged 13 months in 42% new French oak puncheons and barrels, the 2017 Chardonnay Freestone Vineyard has an open nose of lush white peach, apricot, baked quince and poached pears with nuances of acacia blossom, wet stone and lemon zest. Medium-bodied, it’s very lively in the mouth with layers of citrus and stone fruit with mineral accents, framed by great tangy acidity, finishing long and clean."
...Joseph Phelps has a whopping 102 acres on the Sonoma Coast called the Freestone Vineyard, 82 acres of which is planted in Pinot Noir and the balance Chardonnay. The interesting thing about this site is the bud break can occur as early as February, and the hang time often exceeds the European model of “100 days,” often lasting as long as 120 to140+ days. All of the wines that follow, even in a great vintage such as 2012, rarely exceed 14.2% alcohol, with most coming in under 14%. Their flavor intensity and richness make them fascinating, and I suspect this relatively new operation will get better and better as the vines age, and the Phelps team in Napa continues to fine tune the vineyards and the winemaking."
Kanzler 2014 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
$ 40.00
Limited new Chardonnay from the owners of the legenday Kanzler Vineyard in the Russian River Valley.
Kanzler Vineyard’s 2014 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.
Keenan 2015 Chardonnay Spring Mountain District Napa Valley
$ 33.99
Great new Chardonnay release from Keenan! One of our favorite wineries on Napa's Spring Mountain.
Keenan's 2015 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.
Kendall-Jackson 2016 Grande Reserve Chardonnay
$ 22.00
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.
Kesner 2015 Rockbreak Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
$ 59.99
From Kistler winemaker
Jason Kesner, winemaker at Kistler Vineyards, has created another amazing wine. Limited.
Owner/Winemaker Jason Kesner makes Kistler-esque, non-intervention, “Burgundian” Chardonnays. The Kesner 2015 Rockbreak Chardonnay is sourced from the Idell Vineyard, a site planted by Steve Matthiasson in the cool Petaluma Gap in Southern Sonoma County. It deftly marries the rich, exotic, vibrant and complex. Smell & taste lemon chiffon, peach pie, pineapple, and buttery toast. Crisp acidity keeps everything focused and harmonious. For Chardonnay lovers this producer should be on your short list of top producers!
Kistler 2016 Cuvee Catheleen Chardonnay
$ 199.99
Kistler 2016 Cuvee Cathleen Chardonnay - rare new release.
98+ Points Robert Parker: "
The 2016 Chardonnay Cuvee Cathleen is quite reticent at this youthful stage, slowly revealing notes of lemon meringue pie, lime cordial, spiced pears and apple tart with touches of chalk dust, marzipan, brioche and acacia honey. Full-bodied, rich and decadent in the mouth, it has oodles of freshness lifting the tightly packed flavors with a very long, wonderfully layered finish...
...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.."
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