Chardonnay Wine

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Spectator 89 Points | Smooth and plump, with an appealing seamlessness to the spice, melon, lemon zest and ripe peach flavors. There's a creamy, juicy quality that makes this white appealing and stylish. Lingering finish. Drink now. 253,505 cases made.

Winemaker’s notes

La Crema Monterey Chardonnay offers aromas of grilled pineapple, citrus blossom, tangerine, and papaya. On the palate, white peach, key lime, and honeydew melon are complimented by a touch of barrel spice, and a river stone minerality.

The winery's original name, La Crema Viñera, means "best of the vine," setting the standard for all the team has done since 1979. For more than 35 years, the family-owned and operated winery has focused exclusively on cool-climate appellations, from its original home in the Russian River Valley, to Monterey and, now, the Willamette Valley. La Crema is continually exploring these very special regions—passionate in the belief that they make uniquely expressive and elegant wines. Thorough vineyard site selection and boutique winemaking techniques ensure the consistently distinct, naturally balanced wines La Crema is committed to producing.

What Makes Chardonnay from La Crema Stand Out?

Chardonnay, especially from La Crema, is known for its rich and creamy texture. This 2023 Monterey vintage offers a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity. The enchanting notes of apple, pear, and citrus come together beautifully, bringing out the wine's complexity. Furthermore, the subtle hints of oak enhance its creamy mouthfeel. So, every sip delivers a delightful taste experience, making it an excellent choice for both casual sipping and food pairings.

Perfect Pairings for La Crema Chardonnay

This exceptional Chardonnay Cream is versatile when it comes to food pairings. It complements a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, seafood, and creamy pasta. The crisp acidity cuts through richer meals, while its fruity notes enhance lighter fare. Therefore, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, La Crema will elevate your dining experience significantly. Remember, a good wine enhances what you’re eating and makes for an unforgettable meal.

Louis Jadot's Mâcon-Villages is a benchmark expression of unoaked Burgundy Chardonnay — bright, pure, and effortlessly drinkable. Sourced from chalk and limestone soils across the Mâconnais, it delivers the kind of honest, food-friendly white that has made this appellation a perennial favorite.

Vineyard
Varietal: Chardonnay (100%)
Region: Mâconnais, Burgundy, France
Soil: Chalk and limestone
Viticulture: Conventional

Vinification
Fermentation: Stainless steel
Aging: No oak contact
Style: Unoaked, fresh, and clean

Tasting Notes
Floral and inviting on the nose with aromas of apple blossom, citrus zest, and white peach. The palate is crisp and refreshing — bright green apple and lemon, underpinned by a nuanced mineral thread from the limestone soils. Clean, lively finish with excellent balance.

Wine Spectator 88

Kendall Jackson Chardonnay Vintner's Reserve California 2023 750ml

One of California's most beloved Chardonnays, the Kendall Jackson Vintner's Reserve delivers a rich, fruit-forward profile that has made it a perennial favorite. Sourced from select coastal vineyards across California, this 2023 vintage is balanced, approachable, and endlessly food-friendly.

Aromas of pineapple, mango, and papaya lead into a palate of ripe peach and citrus, layered with hints of vanilla, honey, and toasted oak. The finish is long, creamy, and satisfying — a hallmark of the Vintner's Reserve style.

Food Pairings

• Grilled salmon, lobster, and shrimp scampi
• Roast chicken, turkey, and creamy pasta dishes
• Corn on the cob, fish tacos, and buttery sauces

Wine Details

• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Region: California
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml
• Producer: Kendall Jackson

Jean Marc Brocard Chablis Sainte Claire Biodynamic — Chablis, Burgundy 2024

Jean Marc Brocard is one of Chablis' most respected and forward-thinking producers, farming biodynamically across his estate to honor the region's singular Kimmeridgian limestone terroir. Chablis is the northernmost appellation of Burgundy — a place where Chardonnay expresses itself with a precision, purity, and mineral tension found nowhere else in the world. The Sainte Claire is Brocard's entry point into the appellation and a benchmark for what classic Chablis should be: 100% Chardonnay, hand-harvested, naturally fermented with minimal intervention, and vinified without synthetic inputs. Nothing added, nothing taken away — just the wine and its terroir.

The 2024 pours a pale gold with green reflections. The nose opens with lemon, yellow stone fruit, and fresh citrus — clean, precise, and inviting. On the palate, it's wrapped and balanced with a tangy, layered character: Kimmeridgian minerality, crisp acidity, and a clean saline finish that makes it one of the most food-friendly whites in the shop. Serve well chilled and let the terroir do the talking.

"Farming biodynamically to honor the region's singular limestone terroir — hand-harvested, naturally fermented, minimal intervention. The result is a wine that speaks directly of its terroir." — Jean Marc Brocard

• Producer: Jean Marc Brocard, Chablis, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Chablis AOC
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic; hand-harvested; no synthetic inputs
• Vinification: Natural fermentation, minimal intervention
• Terroir: Kimmeridgian limestone
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, yellow stone fruit, citrus, Kimmeridgian minerality, crisp acidity, saline finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, clams, grilled sole, plateau de fruits de mer, goat cheese, leek tart, roast chicken with lemon

Classic Chablis from one of the appellation's most committed biodynamic producers — Kimmeridgian limestone, natural fermentation, and the kind of saline precision that makes it irresistible with a glass of oysters.

Hess Select Chardonnay Monterey County 2024 — Monterey County, California

Hess Collection is one of California’s most respected family-owned wineries, with estates spanning Napa Valley and beyond. Hess Select is their approachable everyday label — crafted with the same attention to quality as their flagship wines but designed for the table. This Monterey County Chardonnay draws from one of California’s premier cool-climate appellations, where Pacific breezes off Monterey Bay preserve natural acidity and allow grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, producing Chardonnay of genuine character at an honest price.

A thoughtful blend of 70% stainless steel and 30% French oak fermentation keeps the wine fresh and bright while adding a touch of richness. The nose opens with aromas of grilled pineapple, star fruit, and vanilla, leading to a medium-bodied palate of sliced peach and golden apple, with a touch of crème brûlée on the finish — clean, balanced, and crowd-pleasing.

70% stainless, 30% French oak — Monterey freshness with just enough richness to satisfy.

• Producer: Hess Collection (Hess Select), Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Monterey County
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Fermentation: 70% stainless steel, 30% French oak
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Grilled pineapple, star fruit, vanilla, sliced peach, golden apple, crème brûlée finish
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, grilled halibut, lobster mac and cheese, creamy pasta, Brie, aged cheddar, goat cheese

Consistent, crowd-pleasing, and genuinely well-made — Hess Select Chardonnay is the benchmark for everyday California white.

Three Wishes Chardonnay — California

Three Wishes is one of California’s most beloved everyday wine brands — built on a simple promise: honest, fruit-forward wine at a price that makes every night feel like a good night. The Chardonnay is their flagship white — sourced from California vineyards and crafted to deliver clean, approachable character without pretense. At $5.49, it is one of the most remarkable values on the shelf: a wine that drinks well above its price point and earns its place on any table, any night of the week.

The color is a pale, luminous gold. The nose is fresh and inviting: apple, pineapple, and melon, with a light, creamy lift that signals the smooth, slightly buttery finish to come. On the palate, it is crisp and fruit-forward — clean California Chardonnay character, easy acidity, and a finish that is soft and approachable without being heavy or oaky. No fuss, no pretense — just a genuinely enjoyable white that works for any occasion.

• Producer: Three Wishes, California
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Style: Fruit-forward, lightly buttery, crisp everyday Chardonnay
• Tasting Notes: Apple, pineapple, melon, light butter, smooth finish
• Drink Window: Now
• Best Paired With: Herbed pork loin, pasta with cream sauce, roasted chicken, light seafood, soft cheeses

California’s most generous everyday Chardonnay — Three Wishes is the bottle that makes any night a little better.

Talbott Kali Hart Chardonnay — Monterey County, California 2024

Named after founder Robb Talbott's daughter, Kali Hart is the estate's most approachable and fruit-forward expression — and one of the most consistent overachievers in California Chardonnay. Grown on Talbott's certified sustainable estate vineyards in Monterey County, where morning fog rolls in off the Pacific and the Santa Lucia Highlands channel cool maritime air through the vines, the 2024 vintage delivers the kind of lush, balanced Chardonnay that earns 90-point scores and Best Buy recognition from Wine Enthusiast year after year. The estate uses 100% recycled irrigation water, solar-offset vineyard power, and a 2:1 industry-leading water-to-wine ratio — sustainability built into every bottle.

The nose opens with vanilla, brioche, ripe Bosc pear, pineapple, tangerine, and melon — generous and inviting, with a cool-climate freshness underneath. On the palate, the wine is smooth and full-bodied with lush tropical fruit, soft texture, and a clean finish with a hint of minerality. It is the kind of Chardonnay that works equally well on a Tuesday night or at a dinner party — effortless, crowd-pleasing, and genuinely delicious.

Wine Enthusiast Best Buy — "Kali Hart delivers ripe tropical fruit, vanilla, and brioche with a smooth, balanced finish. Estate-grown Monterey Chardonnay at its most approachable." (Prior Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Talbott Vineyards, Monterey County, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Monterey County AVA
• Region: Central Coast, California
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Certification: Certified California Sustainable (CSWA)
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Vanilla, brioche, Bosc pear, pineapple, tangerine, melon, soft minerality
• Best Paired With: Fish tacos with pineapple salsa, Dungeness crab, seared scallops, roast chicken, Brie

A Best Buy Chardonnay at an honest price — Talbott's Kali Hart is the benchmark for what sustainable, estate-grown Monterey Chardonnay can deliver.

Rombauer Vineyards | Chardonnay | Carneros, Napa Valley | 2024 | 750ml

Few California Chardonnays have achieved what Rombauer has: a style so consistent, so immediately recognizable, and so genuinely crowd-pleasing that it has become a benchmark in its own right. The Carneros bottling is the house's flagship — a wine that delivers ripe fruit intensity, creamy texture, and the signature bright acidity that keeps it from ever feeling heavy.

The 2024 vintage benefited from good winter rain, a moderate spring, and warm September spells that brought optimal ripeness while preserving structure. Sustainable farming throughout, with block-by-block precision guided by NDVI aerial imaging. The result is a wine that is both generous and focused.

On the nose: yellow peach, ripe melon, and bright citrus. On the palate: creamy vanilla, buttery nuance, and a long finish anchored by Rombauer's hallmark acidity. This is the Chardonnay that earns its reputation every vintage.

The Rombauer family authored the Joy of Cooking — they recommend pairing this with their Chicken Risotto or Strawberry Shortcake. Hard to argue.

• Appellation: Carneros, Napa Valley, California
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2024
• Farming: Sustainable, NDVI block-by-block management
• Style: Full-bodied, creamy, oak-influenced
• Pairs with: Lobster with drawn butter, Fettuccine Alfredo, crab cakes, chicken risotto, strawberry shortcake

William Fèvre · Chablis Champs Royaux · Chablis AOC · Burgundy · 2024

William Fèvre is one of Chablis’ most storied domaines, farming 37 hectares across the appellation’s most prized exposures on both banks of the Serein river. Champs Royaux — the “Royal Fields” — draws from vineyards rooted in Kimmeridgian limestone, the ancient seabed of oyster fossils and marine sediment that defines Chablis’ signature minerality. Fermented on native yeasts in predominantly stainless steel with full malolactic conversion, this is a textbook expression of the appellation: linear, fresh, and built for the table.

The 2024 opens with a clean, inviting nose of citrus, white fruit, and a whisper of chalk. On the palate, it is fresh and supple — medium-bodied with bright acidity, a subtle mineral thread, and a slightly oaky finish that adds just enough texture without obscuring the wine’s essential freshness. Classic Chablis character at an exceptional price point.

• Producer: William Fèvre
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Chablis AOC, Burgundy, France
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Soils: Kimmeridgian limestone (oyster fossils & marine sediment)
• Vinification: Native yeasts; 95% stainless steel, 5% old French oak; full malolactic fermentation
• Aging: 10–12 months stainless steel; 5–6 months old French oak
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, white fruit, crushed chalk, subtle oak, linear mineral finish
• Pairings: Oysters, grilled seafood, chicken in cream sauce, soft cheeses
• Serve: Well-chilled, 44–48°F

Chablis AOC — Kimmeridgian minerality and classic Burgundian precision from one of the appellation’s benchmark estates.

Cave de Lugny Mâcon-Lugny Les Charmes — Mâconnais, Burgundy, France 2023

Cave de Lugny is one of the largest and most respected cooperative cellars in the Mâconnais — the southern reaches of Burgundy where Chardonnay finds its most approachable, food-friendly, and consistently excellent expression. Founded in 1926, the cooperative brings together growers farming the predominantly limestone plateaus around the village of Lugny, a terroir ideally suited to producing unoaked Chardonnay of genuine character and regional typicity. Les Charmes is Cave de Lugny's flagship single-vineyard cuvée — sourced from the limestone plateau of the same name in the heart of Lugny, a step up in concentration and character from their standard bottlings, and a unique expression of this particular plot in the Mâconnais. Unoaked and vinified to preserve the natural freshness and floral aromatics of the limestone terroir, it is Burgundy Chardonnay at its most versatile and food-friendly — and one of the great white wine values under $20.

The nose is floral and inviting: honey, acacia, and citrus with a freshness that speaks to the limestone soils. On the palate, it is ample and velvety with a spicy edge — generous and textured, yet retaining the bright acidity and freshness that make Mâcon-Lugny such a reliable partner at the table. Unoaked, clean, and incredibly versatile.

"Mâcon-Lugny Les Charmes comes from the predominantly limestone plateau of the same name in the town of Lugny. Ample, velvety, and spicy on the palate with floral and fruity aromas of honey, acacia, and citrus — a unique expression of this particular plot in the Mâconnais." — Cave de Lugny, Winemaker

• Producer: Cave de Lugny, Lugny, Mâconnais, Burgundy, France (est. 1926)
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Mâcon-Lugny AOC
• Vineyard: Les Charmes
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Winemaking: Unoaked
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Honey, acacia, citrus, floral, ample and velvety, spicy edge, fresh finish
• Style: Medium-bodied, unoaked, fresh, food-friendly
• Drink: Now through 2026
• Best Paired With: Pan-seared sea bass, garlic shrimp, sushi, roast chicken with lemon and thyme, goat cheese (Chabichou or Selles-sur-Cher), asparagus

Single-vineyard Mâconnais Chardonnay from one of Burgundy's finest cooperatives — Cave de Lugny Les Charmes 2023 is velvety, fresh, and one of the great white wine values under $20.

Sterling Vintner’s Collection Chardonnay Central Coast 2022 — Central Coast, California

Sterling Vineyards is one of California’s most established names, with roots in Napa Valley dating back to 1964. The Vintner’s Collection is Sterling’s approachable everyday tier — sourced from the broad and diverse Central Coast AVA, where a mosaic of cool-climate sub-appellations from Santa Barbara to Monterey produces white wines of genuine freshness and character. Oak barrel aging adds richness and depth without overwhelming the wine’s natural fruit expression.

The 2022 opens with aromas of ripe apple, Asian pear, and cinnamon, with tropical notes of guava and peach. On the palate, flavors of pineapple, peach, and clove are enriched by caramel and spice from oak aging, leading to a mineral-driven finish that adds lift and length. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 89 points, calling it “rich and decadent.”

Wine Enthusiast 89 — “Rich and decadent, with aromas of ripe apple and Asian pear. Pineapple, peach, clove, and a mineral-driven finish.” — Tonya Pitts

• Producer: Sterling Vineyards (Vintner’s Collection), Calistoga, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Central Coast AVA
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Aging: Oak barrel aged
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe apple, Asian pear, guava, peach, pineapple, cinnamon, clove, caramel, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Chicken cacciatore, roast chicken, grilled fish, creamy pasta, soft cheeses

Central Coast Chardonnay with real character — Sterling Vintner’s Collection delivers at an everyday price.

Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay — Sonoma County 2024

Ferrari-Carano has been one of Sonoma County’s most beloved Chardonnay producers for decades, crafting wines of generous richness, depth, and approachability from their estate vineyards across the county’s finest appellations. The 2024 Sonoma County Chardonnay is barrel-fermented to deliver the house’s signature full-bodied, layered style — earning 92 points from James Suckling and representing exceptional value for the quality in the glass. Rich, round, and satisfying, this is California Chardonnay at its most crowd-pleasing.

The nose opens with Meyer lemon, apricot, vanilla, graham cracker, and buttered popcorn — inviting and generous. On the palate, incredible depth and a full mouthfeel deliver layers of ripe peach, pineapple, and caramel, leading to hazelnut and baking spice on the finish. Sweet aromas of vanilla bean and pear blossom add elegance, while a weighty creaminess and flavors of butterscotch and golden apple round out a rich, satisfying finish.

James Suckling 92 — “Sweet aromas of vanilla bean and pear blossoms with a generous mouthfeel, a weighty creaminess and flavors of butterscotch and golden apples. A rich, satisfying, barrel-fermented wine.”

• Producer: Ferrari-Carano, Sonoma County, California, USA
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Sonoma County AVA
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vinification: Barrel-fermented
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Meyer lemon, apricot, vanilla, peach, pineapple, caramel, butterscotch, hazelnut, baking spice, creamy finish
• Best Paired With: Lobster, grilled prawns, roast chicken, creamy pasta, dishes with citrus, butter, cream, bacon, or toasted nuts

Decades of Sonoma Chardonnay mastery in every bottle — Ferrari-Carano’s Sonoma County is the rich, crowd-pleasing California white that always delivers.

Louis Roederer · Collection 246 · Brut NV · Champagne · France

Louis Roederer is among the last great family-owned Champagne houses, and Collection 246 is its non-vintage flagship — a wine of uncommon ambition and transparency. Based on the 2021 base vintage, Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon made a bold call: bumping Chardonnay to 54% (vs. the typical 44%) to navigate a challenging year, blending in 35% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and 11% Meunier. The blend draws on 55% base 2021 wines, 30% perpetual reserve stretching back to 2012, and 10% young-vine juice from Cristal plots aged in cask — a Cristal pedigree at a fraction of the price. Triple 93 points from Wine Spectator, Vinous, and James Suckling.

The Collection 246 opens with white cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel, and biscuit — precise and inviting. On the palate, brisk saline notes cut through a core of orchard fruit, mint, white pepper, and slate. The mousse is silky and soft, the finish creamy and chalky with delicate spice and floral accents. Harmonious, impeccably balanced, and built to drink beautifully now through 2030.

Expert Reviews

“A harmonious Champagne with impeccable balance, depth and focus. White cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel and biscuit, retaining vibrancy and grace. Chalky underpinning on the creamy finish with delicate spice and floral accents. Drink now through 2030.”
— Wine Spectator · 93 Points

“Positively stellar. Brisk saline notes cut through a core of orchard fruit, mint, white pepper and slate. No hard angles or awkward contours — impeccably done and absolutely delicious.”
— Vinous · 93 Points

“Pretty and elegant aromas of pears, apple blossoms, grapefruit and chalk. Silky, fresh and beautifully balanced with very soft bubbles.”
— James Suckling · 93 Points

• Producer: Louis Roederer, Reims, Champagne, France
• Cuvée: Collection 246 (base vintage 2021)
• Blend: 54% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 11% Meunier
• Reserve: 30% perpetual reserve (back to 2012) + 10% Cristal-plot cask-aged juice
• Vinification: 24% fermented in oak; ~30% malolactic fermentation
• Dosage: 7 g/L Brut
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel, biscuit, orchard fruit, mint, white pepper, slate, chalky finish
• Pairings: Oysters, sushi, lobster, creamy risotto, Brie, Chaource
• Drink: Now through 2030

WS:93 · V:93 · JS:93 · Champagne — Cristal reserve wines, Chardonnay-forward precision, and triple 93-point acclaim from one of the great family houses.

67 Wine Petit Somm Series® Chardonnay — Central Valley, Chile 2024

The 67 Wine Petit Somm Series® is a passion project from our in-house buyer Oscar Garcia Moncada — a meticulously curated collection of high-quality, value-driven wines that punch well above their price. Each label pays homage to iconic NYC neighborhoods and landmarks, bringing a New York spirit to world-class wine regions. The Chardonnay is sourced from Chile's sun-drenched Central Valley, where the combination of warm days, cool nights, and Andean influence produces fruit of exceptional freshness and character.

The 2024 pours a bright straw with golden highlights. The nose is inviting and aromatic — ripe pear, pineapple, and delicate acacia flowers. On the palate, it's fresh and medium-bodied with a clean, fruit-forward character and distinct notes of exotic fruit on the finish. Crafted for everyday enjoyment without compromise, this is the kind of Chardonnay that makes any weeknight feel like a occasion.

"A meticulously curated collection of high-quality, value-driven wines — each bottle a New York story, every sip a world-class experience." — Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67 Wine Buyer

• Curated by: Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67 Wine
• Producer: 67 Wine Petit Somm Series®
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Central Valley, Chile
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe pear, pineapple, acacia flowers, exotic fruit finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, shrimp tacos, light pasta with cream sauce, fresh goat cheese, mild brie

67 Wine's own label — curated with the same expertise we apply to every bottle on our shelves, priced for every night of the week.

Expert Review — Vintage 2023

92 pts — James Suckling: “Ripe yet restrained, this sits on the edge of reduction, showing aromas of yellow apples, grilled peaches, lemon curd and a touch of struck flint. The palate reflects the cool vintage with bright acidity and a layered feel, delivering baked citrus, toasted almonds and subtle spices. Rounded and fresh with a savory, lingering finish. Drink or hold.”

Winemaker Notes

Grgich Hills’ estate-grown Chardonnay is a singular expression of Napa Valley — biodynamically farmed, and uniquely crafted without malolactic fermentation to preserve its natural, vibrant acidity. The 2023 vintage opens with aromas of sweet lime, fresh lemon, green mango, and white peach, leading to a palate of fresh citrus, star fruit, mango, and a hint of vanilla, all supported by juicy acidity and abundant minerality. The finish is long, layered, and deeply satisfying.

Founded by the legendary Mike Grgich — the winemaker behind the celebrated 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that triumphed at the 1976 Judgment of Paris — Grgich Hills has been a benchmark for Napa Chardonnay for nearly five decades.

• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2023
• Farming: Certified biodynamic & organic, estate-grown
• Style: No malolactic fermentation — bright, fresh acidity
• Pairings: Lobster, halibut, roasted chicken, soft cheeses
• 750ml | Serve at 50–54°F | Drink or hold

Olivier Leflaive Les Sétilles — Bourgogne Blanc, Burgundy 2023

Olivier Leflaive is one of Burgundy's most respected négociant-éleveurs, founded in 1984 in Puligny-Montrachet by a member of the legendary Leflaive family — one of the most storied names in white Burgundy. The maison specializes in white wines from the Côte de Beaune and is known for sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking. Les Sétilles — named for the small stones found in the vineyards — is the flagship entry-level wine and one of the most consistently praised value Burgundies on the market. While technically labeled as a Bourgogne Blanc, the fruit is sourced primarily from vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault, two of the Côte de Beaune's most celebrated white wine villages. The result is a wine with the DNA of much more expensive village-level Burgundy at a fraction of the price — a genuine insider's choice for those who know.

The nose offers aromas of white flowers, peach, grilled almond, and lemon peel on a mineral-tinged background, with appealing Granny Smith apple and nectarine fruit and a hint of white blossom. The attack is full and warm on the palate, with a surprisingly fresh texture for the vintage — lively acidity driving spicy, bitter citrus through to an elegantly long and lasting finish. Astonishing quality given the volume of production.

Decanter 90 — "Appealing Granny Smith apple and nectarine fruit aroma with a hint of white blossom. Surprisingly fresh texture for the vintage, and an elegantly lovely finish — astonishing quality given the volume of production."

Wine Spectator 90 — "Peach, almond, toasty oak and earth notes highlight this plush white. Backed by lively acidity that drives the spicy, bitter citrus finish. Fine balance and length."

• Producer: Olivier Leflaive, Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Bourgogne Blanc AOC
• Fruit Sources: Puligny-Montrachet & Meursault vineyards
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White flowers, peach, grilled almond, lemon peel, Granny Smith apple, nectarine, mineral, lively acidity, long finish
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Lobster with drawn butter, seared scallops, grilled fish, roast chicken with tarragon, veal, Brie, aged Comté, light cream pasta

Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault fruit at a Bourgogne Blanc price — Les Sétilles is Burgundy's best-kept secret and one of the great white wine values under $40.

Santa Maria Valley's Benchmark Chardonnay — Cambria Katherine's Vineyard

Cambria Estate Winery's Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay is one of California's most consistent and celebrated expressions of cool-climate Chardonnay. Named for Katherine Jackson, this Santa Maria Valley vineyard benefits from the same Pacific-driven breezes that define the appellation — producing a Chardonnay of genuine balance, with ripe tropical fruit, toasty oak, and mouthwatering acidity that keeps everything in focus. The 2022 vintage earned scores from three major critics and represents exceptional value at this price point.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

• James Suckling — 93 pts: "Achieves excellent balance between a tangy feel and generous flavors. Quite toasty, flinty and nervy in aromas before a ripe, buttery palate delivers good richness and length. Minerals and sea salt on the nose, then bright pineapple, baked apple, butter and lemon zest on the palate."
• Wine Enthusiast — 92 pts: "Aromas of honey drizzled on ripe honeydew melon invite the nose into this comfortingly classic style of California Chardonnay. Toasted hazelnut and apple pie flavors on the palate are balanced by brisk lemon, cinnamon and star anise spices."
• Wine Spectator — 90 pts: "Impressive for its intensity and harmony, with caramelized pineapple, ripe Bosc pear, papaya and apricot flavors at the core, accented by touches of wildflower honey, brown sugar and vanilla. Mouthwatering acidity keeps everything in focus."

67 Wine Buyer's Note

Debra, California Chardonnay Buyer — "This fleshy, medium-bodied wine offers plentiful flavors of tropical fruit, baking spice, and zest, with an underlying subtle oak influence. Harmoniously balanced with ample acidity and a buttery, creamy, mouth-coating finish."

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Chardonnay
• Appellation: Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County
• Producer: Cambria Estate Winery
• Vintage: 2022
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Incredibly versatile — exceptional with roast chicken, lobster bisque, pan-seared halibut, creamy pasta dishes, brie, and soft-ripened cheeses.

Winemaker Description 

Our Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a rich, medium straw color. It enchants with aromas of stone fruit and apple blossom, complemented by honeydew, pineapple and subtle oak spice. On the palage, it offers a lush blend of ripe pear and golden delicious apple, balanced by our signature bright acidity and soft mid palate. The finish is distinguised by gentle barrel spice, adding a layer of sophistication. This wine’s vibrant fruit character is perfect for pairing alongside gourmet meals or savoring on its own.

The Sonoma Coast is as much about lifestyle as it is about the celebration this wonderful grape deserves. Sonoma-Cutrer's winemakers are selective about the fruit that goes into this wine to ensure that vintage after vintage, they are producing an exceptional Chardonnay.

This wine has all of the elements of a classic Chardonnay. It is a wine you serve when you want to show people you care about them. Or, sometimes it's just for you – because you've earned it.

Memo Summary Notes

The Sonoma-Cutrer Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2024 is a newly released vintage of one of California’s most reliable and popular Chardonnays. 

Sonoma-Cutrer uses fruit primarily from their estate vineyards, including the renowned Cutrer and Vine Hill sites.

This wine’s balance of acidity and oak makes it a great "bridge" wine for various dishes:

• Seafood: Dungeness crab cakes, grilled salmon with lemon-butter, or scallop ceviche.

• Poultry: Green Goddess roasted chicken or turkey breast with savory stuffing

• This wine’s balance of acidity and oak makes it a great "bridge" wine for various dishes:

  • Seafood: Dungeness crab cakes, grilled salmon with lemon-butter, or scallop ceviche.

  • Poultry: Green Goddess roasted chicken or turkey breast with savory stuffing

Exceptional Quality and Terroir

Sonoma Cutrer Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2024 stands out in the world of white wines, thanks to its meticulous production process and unique terroir of Sonoma County. This region is renowned for its ideal climate for growing high-quality Chardonnay grapes, and Sonoma Cutrer has mastered the art of winemaking. The 2024 vintage offers a rich flavor profile, capturing the vibrant essence of the grapes, because it combines both the freshness of citrus and the depth of tropical fruits. It's perfect for both casual gatherings and formal occasions.

A Perfect Balance of Flavor

Each sip of Sonoma Cutrer Sonoma Coast Chardonnay reveals a harmonious blend of flavors. The wine features notes of ripe pear, green apple, and a hint of vanilla, creating a delightful taste experience. Its crisp acidity balances the richness of the fruit, making it refreshing and inviting. The careful aging process in oak barrels adds subtle complexity, enhancing the wine’s character. So, whether you are enjoying a seafood dish or a creamy pasta, this Chardonnay pairs beautifully, elevating your dining experience.

Commitment to Sustainable Practices

Sonoma Cutrer is dedicated not only to quality but also to sustainable winegrowing practices. The winery employs eco-friendly techniques that respect the environment while producing exceptional wines. This commitment ensures that future generations will enjoy the splendid terroir that Sonoma Cutrer calls home. By choosing Sonoma Cutrer Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, you're not just enjoying a premium wine, but you are also supporting sustainable agriculture and responsible winemaking. It’s a choice that reflects a commitment to quality and responsibility.

Discover the Elegance of Sonoma Cutrer Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

  Frank Family Vineyards Chardonnay Napa Valley 2024 — Carneros, Napa Valley

Frank Family Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated estates, founded in 1992 by Rich Frank — former president of Disney Studios — with a singular focus on producing benchmark Napa wines. Their Carneros Chardonnay is a perennial critical favorite, sourced from one of Napa Valley’s most prized appellations for the variety. Carneros, situated at the southern end of the valley just north of San Pablo Bay, is defined by cool maritime breezes, morning fog, and clay-rich soils that produce Chardonnay of exceptional balance between richness and acidity.

The 2024 leads with zesty lemon and guava aromas tempered by notes of vanilla and caramel-covered apples. On the palate, delicious layers of nutmeg and crème brûlée seamlessly combine with hints of toasted oak and elegant waves of fresh acidity, leading to a bright, lingering finish. James Suckling awarded it 92 points, calling it “a very generous, luscious and focused Chardonnay — well made, poised and stylish.”

James Suckling 92 — “A very generous, luscious and focused Chardonnay with a good core of fruit and spices, bright acidity and a textural, rounded mouthfeel.”

• Producer: Frank Family Vineyards, Calistoga, Napa Valley (est. 1992)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA (Carneros)
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, guava, vanilla, caramel apple, nutmeg, crème brûlée, toasted oak, bright acidity, lingering finish
• Best Paired With: Roasted chicken, lobster, crab, creamy pasta, brie, light butter and cream sauces

Carneros Chardonnay at its most poised — Frank Family delivers richness, elegance, and Napa Valley terroir in every glass.

Louis Latour Mâcon-Lugny "Les Genièvres" 2024 | Chardonnay | Burgundy | 750ml

Maison Louis Latour has been one of Burgundy's most trusted names since 1797, and their Mâcon-Lugny "Les Genièvres" is a perennial benchmark for what southern Burgundy Chardonnay can be at an honest price. The vineyard sits high in the village of Lugny — one of the Mâcon region's most celebrated white wine communes, prized for its limestone soils and warm, sun-drenched climate. Lugny was, in fact, one of the only villages in the region planted exclusively with Chardonnay three decades ago, a testament to how well-suited the terroir is to the grape.

The 2024 opens with a brilliant pale gold color and an expressive, floral nose: acacia, honeysuckle, and a delicate thread of vanilla. On the palate it's round and generous, with ripe yellow fruit — peach, golden apple — and an elegant, lingering finish. Unoaked and approachable, this is the kind of white Burgundy that over-delivers at every turn.

• Appellation: Mâcon-Lugny, Burgundy, France
• Grape: 100% Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2024
• Style: Unoaked, fruit-forward white Burgundy
• Best With: Grilled fish, seafood, Comté, roast chicken, summer salads

Simonnet-Febvre Chablis 2023 | Chardonnay | Chablis, Burgundy | 750ml

Simonnet-Febvre is one of Chablis' oldest and most respected négociants, with roots going back to 1840. Their Chablis is a benchmark expression of the appellation — unoaked, precise, and unmistakably mineral, shaped by the region's famous Kimmeridgian limestone soils packed with ancient marine fossils. This is Chardonnay stripped of all artifice: no oak, no butter, no softening. Just the pure, stony soul of Chablis.

The 2023 vintage opens with a lovely golden shimmer and green reflections. The nose is rich and complex — subtle floral notes, white peach, yellow plum, and that signature mineral undercurrent that only Chablis can deliver. On the palate, it's structured and harmonious, with bright acidity, chardonnay-typical fruit, and an excellent aromatic persistence through the finish.

Wine Spectator 89 Points — "An elegant style, this white evokes white peach, yellow plum and floral aromas and flavors, with fine harmony and expression. Approachable now, leaving a fresh, appealing finish."

• Appellation: Chablis, Burgundy, France
• Grape: 100% Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Unoaked, mineral-driven white
• Score: Wine Spectator 89 pts
• Best With: Oysters, shellfish, grilled fish, goat cheese, sushi

MacRostie Winery and Vineyards Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2023 — Sonoma Coast, California

MacRostie Winery and Vineyards has been one of Sonoma Coast’s most dedicated Chardonnay producers since 1987, when Steve MacRostie began crafting wines that prioritized site expression over winemaking intervention. The Sonoma Coast AVA — with its cool Pacific-influenced climate, morning fog, and well-drained hillside soils — is one of California’s premier addresses for Chardonnay, producing wines with the kind of natural acidity and aromatic complexity that sets them apart from warmer inland bottlings.

The 2023 opens with beautiful aromas of tropical fruit, melon, and perfumed lemon mingling with hints of slate, wet chalk, and intriguing floral notes of jasmine and orange blossom. On the velvety palate, pineapple and guava give way to layers of stone fruit, Key lime pie, Asian pear, and yellow apple, all flowing to a long, luxurious finish. James Suckling awarded it 90 points, noting “plenty of ripe, succulent fruit on a full body and a smooth, rounded texture.”

James Suckling 90 — “Applesauce, pineapple, brown butter and vanilla bean flavors give ample richness.”

• Producer: MacRostie Winery and Vineyards, Sonoma Coast, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast AVA
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Closure: Screwcap
• Farming: Sustainable
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Tropical fruit, melon, lemon, jasmine, orange blossom, pineapple, guava, stone fruit, Key lime, Asian pear, brown butter, vanilla
• Best Paired With: Grilled halibut, lobster bisque, roasted chicken, creamy pasta, soft cheeses, crab cakes

Sonoma Coast Chardonnay at its most expressive — MacRostie delivers complexity and elegance at an honest price.

Winemaker Description

The Bread and Butter Wine Chardonnay California 2024 is a rich and memorable California Chardonnay with creamy notes of vanilla bean, almond, and a touch of tropical fruit. Balanced acidity and savory oak lead to a long, smooth finish — approachable and satisfying from the very first pour.

Pairing Suggestions

• Poultry: Roasted chicken, turkey with gravy, or creamy chicken pasta.
• Seafood: Buttery lobster, crab cakes, or pan-seared halibut.
• Casual: Mac and cheese, soft cheeses, or a classic Caesar salad.

Jean Loron Château de Mirande Mâcon-Villages — Burgundy 2023

Jean Loron is one of Burgundy’s most respected négociant-éleveurs, with roots in the Mâconnais stretching back generations. The Château de Mirande Mâcon-Villages is a textbook expression of what this southern Burgundy appellation does best — pure, unoaked Chardonnay of genuine depth and freshness, sourced from vines averaging forty years of age. Aged for six months on the lees without any oak contact, the wine develops natural richness, structure, and complexity while preserving the bright, citrus-driven character that defines great Mâcon-Villages. An outstanding value in White Burgundy.

The nose is open and intense: citrus fruits, ripe pear, and a hint of butter. On the palate, it is juicy and full — the forty-year-old vines deliver genuine depth and concentration, while the lees aging adds a creamy, textured mid-palate. The finish is long, crisp, and refreshing, with a clean mineral precision that invites another glass.

67 Wine — “Château de Mirande is the Mâcon-Villages that reminds you why White Burgundy became famous — pure Chardonnay, old vines, and six months on the lees. Unoaked, honest, and delicious.”

• Producer: Jean Loron, Mâconnais, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Mâcon-Villages AOC
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vine Age: 40 years average
• Aging: 6 months on lees, unoaked
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, ripe pear, butter, creamy mid-palate, crisp mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, oysters, roast chicken, goat cheese, creamy pasta, charcuterie

Forty-year-old vines, six months on lees, zero oak — Jean Loron’s Château de Mirande is Mâcon-Villages at its most honest and compelling.

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

James Suckling 93 Points | A ripe but balanced wine with plenty of golden apple and Bartlett pear flavors on a smooth, buttery texture. Some green apple acidity brightens up the ripeness, lifting vanilla bean, toast, and butterscotch nuances. Full-bodied.

Winemaker Description

Decoy Limited represents the elevated tier of the Decoy lineup — where the standard Decoy Chardonnay draws from across California, the Limited label focuses strictly on the cooler maritime vineyards of the Sonoma Coast, delivering more precision, depth, and structural complexity. The 2024 growing season brought a cool, wet winter and moderate spring, with harvest beginning mid-September. Strategic leafing and crop adjustments yielded white wines with fresh aromatics and lively acidity.

Food Pairings

Dungeness crab with drawn butter, lobster rolls, seared scallops, roasted chicken with cream-and-mushroom sauce, Fettuccine Alfredo, roasted squash with sage butter, and truffle mushroom risotto.

Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay Napa Valley 2024 — Carneros, Napa Valley

Cakebread Cellars is one of Napa Valley’s most storied estates, founded in 1973 with a single Chardonnay — and that first wine set the template for everything that followed.

For over 50 years, Cakebread has been refining its Napa Valley Chardonnay, sourcing exclusively from the Carneros appellation in southern Napa Valley.

Situated just north of San Pablo Bay, Carneros is defined by cool, windswept conditions, Haire Loam clay soils, and the kind of natural tension between fruit richness and acidity that produces benchmark California Chardonnay.

The 2024 vintage benefited from consecutive winters of abundant rainfall that refreshed soil profiles and supported vigorous vine growth, followed by Carneros’ hallmark warm days and cool nights through spring and summer — ideal conditions for steady ripening and acid retention. The result is a wine of exceptional balance and aromatic complexity.

The 2024 opens with aromas of yellow delicious apple, lemon curd, white peach, vanilla bean, jasmine, and crème brûlée. On the palate, layers of fresh citrus, poached pear, and melon unfold, accented by hints of vanilla biscotti. The finish is long and refined, carrying both creamy and mineral textures in perfect harmony. James Suckling praised it for its “nicely balanced” profile with “bright acidity and a zesty, vibrant finish.”

James Suckling — “Nicely balanced, with aromas of lemon confit, crushed stones, pastry, grapefruit and flint. Bright acidity and a zesty, vibrant finish.”

• Producer: Cakebread Cellars, Rutherford, Napa Valley (est. 1973)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Napa Valley (Carneros)
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Apple, lemon curd, white peach, vanilla bean, jasmine, crème brûlée, citrus, pear, melon, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Lobster, grilled halibut, roasted chicken, creamy risotto, soft-ripened cheeses, crab cakes

Fifty years of Napa Chardonnay mastery — Cakebread remains the benchmark.

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi is California’s most trusted everyday wine brand, crafted in the tradition of Robert Mondavi’s commitment to quality and approachability. This 1.5L Magnum — equivalent to two standard bottles — is the perfect format for entertaining, parties, and casual gatherings.

Tasting Notes

Vibrant aromas and flavors of pear, apple, peach, oak, and toast. Medium-bodied with balanced acidity and a rich, toasty finish. Approachable and food-friendly.

Food Pairings

Light appetizers, grilled chicken, pasta with cream sauce, seafood, and soft cheeses. A versatile everyday Chardonnay for any occasion.

• Producer: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi
• Appellation: California
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Style: Medium-bodied, lightly oaked California Chardonnay
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)

Winemaker Description 

Frontera Chardonay is a full-bodied white wine with a smooth, creamy texture. It has a bright golden hue and a nose of ripe apples, pears, and tropical fruits. On the palate, it has a rich, buttery flavor with notes of citrus, honey, and vanilla. 

The finish is long and lingering, with a hint of oak. This Chardonay is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner with friends or a special occasion. It pairs well with seafood, poultry, and creamy cheeses. Its smooth texture and balanced flavor make it a great choice for sipping on its own. 

Tasting Notes: Frontera Chardonay has a bright golden hue and a nose of ripe apples, pears, and tropical fruits. On the palate, it has a rich, buttery flavor with notes of citrus, honey, and vanilla. The finish is long and lingering, with a hint of oak.

Domaine Gilbert Picq Chablis — Burgundy 2024

Domaine Gilbert Picq is one of Chablis' most respected traditional estates, and a benchmark producer for the appellation's purest, most mineral-driven style. This village-level Chablis is crafted without any oak contact — fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel to let the Kimmeridgian limestone soils speak without interference. The result is quintessential Chablis: steely, focused, and mineral-laden, with the flinty seashell essence that only this corner of Burgundy can produce. Burghound awarded it a Purple Heart Outstanding Top Value distinction.

The nose is precise and inviting: green apple, lemon zest, white flowers, and a signature streak of wet stone and oyster shell. On the palate, it is lean and focused with vibrant acidity, pure Chardonnay fruit, and a long, saline, mineral finish that lingers beautifully. Extremely age-worthy, it rewards patience — but is equally compelling in its vibrant youth.

Burghound — Purple Heart Outstanding Top Value — "Quintessential Chablis with steely focus and mineral precision."

• Producer: Domaine Gilbert Picq, Chablis, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Chablis AOC
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Soils: Kimmeridgian limestone
• Vinification: Unoaked — stainless steel fermentation and aging
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, lemon zest, white flowers, wet stone, oyster shell, saline mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar through 2032
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, seafood, fresh goat cheese, sushi

A Burghound Purple Heart Outstanding Top Value — Gilbert Picq's Chablis is the definitive expression of unoaked Burgundian Chardonnay at an honest price.

DeLoach Heritage Reserve Chardonnay — California 2024 750ml

DeLoach Vineyards has been crafting expressive California wines since 1975, with a philosophy rooted in sustainable farming and a commitment to letting the fruit speak. The Heritage Reserve Chardonnay is part of DeLoach’s California Series — a bright, fruit-forward expression that bucks the trend of heavy, oak-driven California whites. Instead, the 2024 focuses on freshness, balance, and approachability, making it an ideal everyday white for a wide range of occasions and cuisines.

The 2024 opens with nicely integrated notes of orange blossom and creamy honeydew melon. On the palate, tropical flavors of pineapple, papaya, and mango take center stage, delightfully balanced with bright acidity and a long, clean finish that makes this wine as versatile at the table as it is enjoyable on its own.

“Nicely integrated notes of orange blossom and creamy honeydew melon. Tropical flavors of pineapple, papaya and mango — delightfully balanced with bright acidity and a long finish.” — DeLoach Winemaker

• Producer: DeLoach Vineyards, California, USA (est. 1975)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Style: Bright, fruit-forward, lightly oaked
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Orange blossom, honeydew melon, pineapple, papaya, mango, bright acidity, long clean finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, shrimp, chicken, light pasta, soft cheeses, Asian-inspired dishes, summer salads

Fresh, tropical, and beautifully balanced — DeLoach Heritage Reserve Chardonnay 2024 is California sunshine in a glass at an exceptional price.

Matchbook Wine Company | Chardonnay Estate Bottled | Dunnigan Hills | 2023

Dunnigan Hills is one of California's best-kept secrets — a warm, inland appellation in Yolo County where Matchbook has farmed estate vineyards for decades. The combination of hot days, cool nights, and well-drained soils produces Chardonnay with a distinctive personality: tropical fruit richness balanced by genuine freshness. This estate-bottled 2023 is a signature expression of that terroir, blended with a small addition of Verdejo that lifts the wine with a bright thread of minerality. In the cellar, 60% malolactic fermentation adds a creamy, supple texture and a whisper of butterscotch, while careful oak aging layers in vanilla without overwhelming the fruit. The result is a plump, satisfying Chardonnay with a crisp, lingering finish — classic California golden straw in the glass, and a mouthful of pineapple, mango, and melon on the palate.

• Appellation: Dunnigan Hills, Yolo County, California
• Varietal: Chardonnay with a touch of Verdejo
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• MLF: 60% malolactic fermentation
• Style: Tropical, creamy, fruit-forward with a crisp finish

Critical Acclaim

Wine Enthusiast — Tonya Pitts | 89 Points: Lush, with aromas of white peach, nectarine, Golden Delicious apple, pineapple, creamy vanilla, and clove, and supple mineral notes on the finish.

Tasting Notes

Pineapple, mango, melon, white peach, and nectarine on the nose. Creamy mid-palate with butterscotch and vanilla from oak aging, brightened by a lift of minerality from the Verdejo. Plump mouthfeel with a crisp, fresh fruit finish.

Pairing Suggestions

• Poultry: Roast chicken with herb butter, turkey, or creamy pasta dishes.
• Seafood: Grilled lobster, shrimp scampi, or pan-seared halibut.
• Cheese: Brie, Gruyère, or a mild aged cheddar.

Joel Gott | California | Unoaked Chardonnay | 2023

Joel Gott's answer to the heavy, buttery California Chardonnay: 100% stainless steel fermentation that preserves every bit of the grape's natural brightness and tropical acidity. No oak, no malolactic softening — just clean, vivid fruit and crisp minerality from start to finish. The 2023 is the go-to for Chardonnay lovers who want freshness over richness, and for those who've been burned by over-oaked whites before.

Fermentation: 100% stainless steel, unoaked
Closure: Screwcap
Drink: Now–2026

Tasting Notes

• Pear, sweet-tart apple, and mango on the nose
• Citrus and honeysuckle aromatics
• Bright fruit entry | Crisp minerality on the mid-palate | Long, clean finish

Pairings: Grilled fish, shrimp, light salads, goat cheese, sushi

Lindeman's Bright Chardonnay Bin 65 — South Eastern Australia 2024

Lindeman's is one of Australia's most storied wine producers, with a winemaking heritage stretching back to 1843. The Bin 65 Chardonnay is their flagship white — a wine that has introduced millions of drinkers to the approachable, fruit-forward style that Australian Chardonnay does so well. Sourced from premium vineyards across South Eastern Australia, it is crafted for immediate enjoyment: soft, smooth, and consistently reliable vintage after vintage.

The nose offers inviting aromas of ripe melon, white peach, and a touch of citrus. On the palate, it is medium-to-full bodied with a soft, creamy texture, gentle spice hints, and a long, balanced finish. Clean and crowd-pleasing, it is the kind of everyday Chardonnay that over-delivers at its price point.

"A delightful medium-to-full bodied Chardonnay with excellent varietal flavors of melon and peach. The palate is soft and smooth with spice hints across the long, balanced finish." — Lindeman's Winemaker

• Producer: Lindeman's, South Eastern Australia
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: South Eastern Australia
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Medium-to-Full Bodied, Unoaked
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Melon, white peach, citrus, soft spice, creamy finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2026
• Best Paired With: Grilled chicken, seafood pasta, soft cheeses, Caesar salad, light cream sauces
• Serve: Well chilled, 45–50°F

Australia's best-selling Chardonnay for good reason — Lindeman's Bin 65 is the benchmark for approachable, everyday white wine value.

Diatom Chardonnay — Santa Barbara County 2024

Greg Brewer's Diatom project is built on a single, radical idea: subtraction. No oak barrels. No malolactic fermentation. No extended aging. Just 100% Chardonnay from Santa Barbara County, fermented and aged six months in stainless steel, stripped of everything that typically softens, butters, or blurs the grape. What remains is electric — a wine that tastes like the soil and the sea. The name itself is a clue: diatomaceous earth, the plankton fossil-rich geology beneath Santa Barbara's vineyards, is the terroir this wine is designed to express. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 94 points and called it "a no-brainer purchase." Wine Spectator followed at 93, James Suckling at 93, Wine Enthusiast at 92, and Wine Advocate at 90. Across the board, the verdict is the same: this is one of California's most precise and honest Chardonnays.

The nose is vivid and pure: exotic citrus, minty herbs, oyster shell, honeydew rind, lime candy, and a whisper of sea spray. On the palate, it is sleek and taut — ripe pear, ginger, pomelo, and brisk lime zest coiled around a mouthwatering thread of acidity. Salinity and minerals run through the finish alongside springtime blossoms and a lingering kick of melon pith. It gains weight and richness with time in the glass without ever losing its electric freshness.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 • Wine Spectator 93 • James Suckling 93 • Wine Enthusiast 92 • Wine Advocate 90 — "A no-brainer purchase for those who love Santa Barbara County Chardonnay."

• Producer: Diatom (Greg Brewer), Santa Barbara County, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Santa Barbara County
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation and aging — no oak, no malolactic fermentation
• Aging: 6 months, stainless steel
• Style: Unoaked, crisp, mineral-driven
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, oyster shell, lime zest, sea spray, pear, ginger, pomelo, saline mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled halibut, ceviche, fresh goat cheese, sushi

A 94-point unoaked Chardonnay at an honest price — Diatom is the benchmark for what Santa Barbara Chardonnay can be when nothing gets in the way.

Ruinart Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs NV — Reims, Champagne

Ruinart is the oldest established Champagne house, founded in 1729 by Nicolas Ruinart in Reims. For nearly three centuries, the house has been synonymous with Chardonnay-driven Champagne of exceptional finesse and elegance — and the Blanc de Blancs is their purest expression of that philosophy. Sourced from the Côtes des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, and Sézanne, this 100% Chardonnay cuvée captures the full spectrum of what the grape can achieve in Champagne: vivid, precise, and endlessly refined.

The NV opens with scents of citrus zest, green apple, lemon (fresh and candied), sliced pear, white flowers, and fresh bread. On the palate it is medium to full-bodied, pillowy yet incisive, with a vibrant core of fruit, brisk acidity, and a mouth-filling mousse. Steeped apricot, candied ginger, kumquat, toast point, and salted Marcona almond layer through the mid-palate, with a long, minerally, saline finish that is effortlessly integrated and impossible to stop sipping.

James Suckling 93 — “Lovely balance of juicy fruit and acidity that dances nimbly across the palate. Delicate, silky finish.”
Wine Spectator 93 — “Fresh and racy, yet there’s an effortless quality to the integration that makes this hard to stop sipping.”
Wine Advocate 90 — “Vibrant core of fruit and brisk acids, complemented by a mouth-filling mousse.”

• Producer: Ruinart, Reims, Champagne, France (est. 1729)
• Style: Brut Blanc de Blancs NV
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Sources: Côtes des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, Sézanne
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus zest, green apple, lemon, pear, white flowers, apricot, candied ginger, toast, Marcona almond, saline mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, lobster, Dover sole, sushi, fresh goat cheese, caviar, light canapés

The oldest Champagne house. The purest Chardonnay expression. Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is the benchmark.