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.

Winemaker Description 

Beautifully integrated tropical flavors such as pineapple, mango and papaya, with citrus notes that explode in your mouth. These flavors delicately intertwine with aromas of vanilla and honey to create depth and balance throughout. A hint of toasted oak and butter rounds out the long, lingering finish. 

Memo Pairing Notes

• Seafood: Lobster, salmon, grilled chicken breast, fish tacos.

• Other: Corn on the Cob, chicken dishes, and rich, buttery foods.
  
  

Winemaker Description 

This wine offers beautiful bright citrus framed by a backbone of clean acidity and minerality with a finish that is clean, bright and refreshing.

The name of the wine, ‘Les Pierres Grises,’ refers to the grey rocks that define the terrain of Saint Veran and this wine always keeps this terroir directly in focus.

Winemaker Description 

This clean Chardonnay is accentuated by fruit-forward aromas of apple, pineapple and melon, ending with a smooth, slightly buttery finish. Pair this crisp Chardonnay with herbed pork loin or pasta with your favorite cream sauce. 

James Suckling 90 Points | A smooth, relaxed, full-bodied wine that's soft in texture and rich in tropical fruit, butter and vanilla bean flavors. Pineapple, mango and coconut flavors spread across the palate and linger in the finish. Drink now. Screw cap.

The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | There's a vivid tropical approach to the nose of this bottling, which is layered in jasmine, plumeria and ripe star fruit aromas. The palate is clean and balanced, offering vanilla, peach and guava flavors.

The Wine Spectator by MaryAnn Worobiec 88 Points | Firm and toasty, with notes of grilled bread and dried spices alongside a core of peach and mango. Nutmeg and cardamom details linger on the firming finish.

Winemaker Notes

Kali Hart is our most fruit-forward expression in the Talbott family of wines. In the winery, we let the grapes guide the way with minimal influence, resulting in a rich and bright wine. Aromas of vanilla and brioche rise out of the glass to greet you. Ripe and intense notes of Bosc pear, pineapple, tangerine and melon give this wine a luscious, inviting palate. This Chardonnay shines with a soft, clean finish, a hint of minerality and hard spice notes.

Winemaker Description

This wine is rich and round, opening with aromas of Meyer lemon, apricot, vanilla, graham cracker, and buttered popcorn. The palate shows incredible depth with a full mouthfeel and layers of flavor. Ripe peach, pineapple, and caramel lead to hazelnut and baking spice notes on the finish.

This versatile Chardonnay pairs perfectly with seafood, poultry, white meats and dishes with cream sauces. Try preparations that include citrus, butter, cream, cheese, bacon, nutmeg, thyme, basil or toasted nuts.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

James Suckling 91 Points | Generous aromas of lemon confit, vanilla, pastry and yellow apples. The palate is full-bodied with bright acidity and a creamy texture, the slight phenolic grip adding to the structure. Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Tasting Panel 93 Points | Creamy, with a focused woodsy character. Pear tart, chamomile, and honeyed banana lend depth and texture within a balanced, luxurious mouthfeel. Spiced pumpkin appears on the finish with a pinch of salinity.

James Suckling 92 Points | This is aromatic with ripe peaches, pineapple, honeysuckle, praline and crushed stones. Full-bodied, dense and round-textured with a tangy, spiced nature. Shows tension and energy with mineral undertones at the end. Drink or hold.

The Wine Spectator 91 Points | Bright and lemony, with plenty of aromatic interest from the lemon verbena, lemongrass and vetiver accents, all on a sleek frame. Details of lemon cream, Fuji apple, lime zest and salted shortbread come in on the finish. Drink now. 19,000 cases made.

Winemaker Description 

Our unique Chardonnay does not undergo malolactic fermentation, preserving its natural fresh acidity. This exceptional 2022 vintage opens with aromas of sweet lime, fresh lemon, green mango, and white peach. The taste is of fresh citrus, star fruit, mango, and a hint of vanilla supported by vibrant, juicy acidity and abundant minerality. Enjoy its long, flavorful, and delicious finish.

Our Professional Review

The 67 Wine Petit Somm Series® is a project created by our buyer, Oscar Garcia Moncada. The entire lineup offers a meticulously curated collection of high-quality, value-driven wines. The artwork on the labels represents some of the most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks in NYC.

This Chardonnay has straw color with golden highlights. Nose of pear, pineapple and acacia flowers. Fresh on the palate and medium-bodied with distinct notes of exotic fruit on the finish.

Luminous, fruit‑forward white that strikes a perfect balance between richness and freshness. With aromas of white peach, mandarin, and tropical orchard fruit upfront, it’s anchored by subtle oak hints and a creamy texture that adds depth without overwhelming. The palate delivers juicy citrus zest and orchard fruit flavors, brightened by vibrant acidity and finished with a smooth, lingering touch of vanilla and spice. It’s a graceful wine made for elegant sipping, ideal with roasted chicken, creamy pastas, or buttery seafood.

Winemaker Description 

Radiant aromas of ripe tangerine, sweet melon, and tropical mango mingle with delicate oak spice. The palate is round and full, with bright acidity and a supple backbone of sweet oak, layered with notes of juicy mango, pineapple, and a touch of vanilla.

Our Professional Review

Debra 67Wine.com | This wine shows lovely flavors of ripe stone fruits, citrus and orchard apples . Balanced with aromas toasty oak, coconut and vanilla lead into a generous finish. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

James Suckling 90 Points | A nice mix of stone, citrus and tropical fruit aromas. Dry, with bright acidity. A solid, lively and refreshing California chardonnay at an affordable price.

Winemaker Description 

Pair with cheeses, grilled chicken,  broiled fish and salad. Debra, California Chardonnay Buyer 

Fresh notes of Bosc pear, lemon zest, touches of pineapple, and subtle vanilla on the finish. Fresh and spicy.  Pairs effortlessly with fresh fish tacos and mango salsa. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

James Suckling 92 Points | Fresh orchard fruit, lemon pith, citrus peel and spicy herbs define the nose. The palate is vivid and juicy, with medium to full body and crunchy acidity. Creamy and sleek with a flavorful, fruit-driven finish.

Winemaker Description 

Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay; 40% Malolactic Fermentation. A tribute to tradition and excellence, this Napa Valley Chardonnay is a sublime example of the vintage’s advantageous growing season. It begins with inviting aromas of ripe pear, fresh lemongrass and a delicate touch of ginger. As it unfolds, vibrant layers of citrus and creamy crème brûlée emerge, accompanied by a subtle hint of salinity that adds depth and intrigue. A silky entry leads to a long, juicy finish, where its balanced complexity shines through.

In 2023, heavy winter and spring rains delayed budbreak and set the stage for one of the latest vintages in decades. Cooler spring temperatures led to an extended flowering period with our team applying post-veraison thinning to achieve a balanced crop.

As the season progressed, temperatures remained below average, which provided additional hangtime but required extra patience. Our patience paid off, with 2023 offering one of our most unique and rewarding vintages to date! Semillon harvest began on August 28th with Sauvignon Blanc soon following. With no significant heat events, the grapes were able to ripen beautifully. Harvest concluded on November 9th with Cabernet Sauvignon from

Oak Knoll and Howell Mountain. Our 2023 whites are crisp, with ideal flavor development and bright acids, and the reds are pure, supple and balanced, with vibrant acidity, fresh flavors, and intense colors.

Our Professional Review 

Debra of 67Wine.com writes | This fleshy medium bodied wine offers plentiful flavors of tropical fruit, baking spice, and zest, with an underlying subtle oak influence. Cambria Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard is harmoniously balanced with ample acidity and a buttery, creamy mouth coating finish. 
- Debra, California Chardonnay Buyer 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

James Suckling 93 Points | 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 Points | 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 Points | 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.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

A vivid, structured and textured wine in which vibrant acidity merges with bold sliced apple and Bosc pear flavors. It shows brightness, lift and freshness that are especially appetizing. Medium-bodied and quite affordable.

Winemaker Description

Raeburn Chardonnay shows an array of complex fruit tones ranging from pear and Gravenstein apple to nectarine, notes of Crème Brulee with a balanced and elegant finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

James Suckling 90 Points | Plenty of ripe, succulent fruit on a full body and a smooth, rounded texture. Applesauce, pineapple, brown butter and vanilla bean flavors give ample richness.

Winemaker Description 

On the nose, beautiful aromas of tropical fruit, melon and perfumed lemon mingle with hints of slate, wet chalk and intriguing floral notes of jasmine and orange blossom. The lush tropical fruit is echoed on the velvety palate, with flavors of pineapple and guava giving way to layers of stone fruit, Key lime pie, Asian pear and yellow apple, all of which flow to a long, luxurious finish.

Winemaker Description 

The Macon-Villages Château de Miarnde has an open and intense nose of citrus fruits, pears and hints of butter.  On the palate it is juicy and full, the long finish has touches of  creamy notes and finishes crisp and fresh.

Jean Loron's Château de Mirande Macon Villages is aged without contact with wood and ages for 6 months on the Lees, which gives the wine depth and structure. It also comes from a vineyard with Chardonnay vines that are on average forty years old, which gives the wine complexity and further depth.

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.

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.

Winemaker Description 

California white wine with vibrant aromas and flavors of pear, apple, peach, oak and toast.

Medium-bodied white California wine with balanced acidity and a rich, toasty finish
Table white wine that pairs well with light appetizers and hearty entrees. 

Winemaker Description  

Balance and proportion best describe the character of this Russian River Chardonnay; it displays abundant floral/ stone fruit aromas lightly accented by toasty, graham cracker sur-lie qualities. The mouth feel is creamy and full but the natural acidity of the Russian River fruit carries this velvet textured package to a long, clean finish.

Our Russian River Chardonnay is born from two vineyards within the Russian River appellation: Wood Vineyard, located on River Rd and River Vineyard, located in the heart of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley on East Side Road. The floral, mineral, and lime aromas and steely structure of the River Vineyard are complemented by the peach and apricot aromas.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 90 Points | A fresh and rather steely white with aromas and flavors of sliced apples, lemons, minerals and flint. Medium-bodied, crisp and vivid, with the steely character coming through at the end. Subtle and delicious throughout. Drink now.

Winemaker Description 

This wine is clean and lively with a flowery bouquet and lovely honey, apples and nutty flavors on the palate.

Pair with grilled fish, seafood, and Comté cheese. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description 

A rich and memorable 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. 

Winemaker Description 

2023 stands out as one of the hottest years in Burgundy, even surpassing 2022. The grapes were harvested at perfect maturity. The wines are very aromatic with notes of yellow fruits mingling with flower hints. The palate is ample and full-bodied. They combine generosity, freshness, and finesse, with a climate that enhances the terroirs without overpowering them. Like 2022, the 2023 vintage is expected to be highly appealing.

Winemaker Description 

To impart highlights of vanilla, caramel and nutmeg, Ron barrel fermented and aged 70 percent of the Chardonnay in French and American oak barrels (20 percent new) for eight months. Fermenting the remainder in stainless steel maintained a bright, fresh fruit balance. The resulting wine has ripe pear and pineapple, and mango flavors highlighted by citrus, Granny Smith apple and hints of baking spices.

The Beringer Founders' Estate Chardonnay is the perfect combination of pear, apple and ripe tropical fruit flavors, with a hint of citrus and a classically round mouthfeel. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Tasting Panel 92 Points | Aged sur lie for nine months in (25% new) small French oak barrels, this classically styled Chardonnay shows a salty mineral character with melon, MacIntosh apple, marzipan, and lemon oil. Nice mouth feel, with body weight, and accented with crisp acidity. Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | A tantalizing, toasty top note draws you into this mouth-coating, richly flavorful and full-bodied wine. Spicy oak notes, light butter accents and poached pear flavors bring a lot of satisfaction on the sip.

James Suckling 91 Points | This shows note of ripe peaches and pineapple with hints of toffee, honeysuckle and lemon custard. Medium- to full-bodied, creamy and weighty yet with fresh, juicy acidity coming through. Mellow and textural on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

Chardonnay grapes grown primarily in Schug's Estate and Ricci vineyards, with additional barrels from the Wildcat Mountain and Sangiacomo vineyards, underwent traditional European winemaking practices. Each lot was fermented separately and aged on the lees ("sur-lie") in small French oak barrels, introducing judicious new oak. The result is an elegant and powerful wine that is refreshing and mouth-watering on the finish. It has intense aromatics of citrus, white flowers, and peach. This wine offers layers of tropical and stone fruit and light minerality on the palate.

Well-balanced acidity gives it a crisp, clean finish, making it an excellent wine with food. Try it with cream soups, rich seafood, fowl, veal, and pasta dishes.

Winemaker Description 

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.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Allan Meadows writes:  There is good Chablis typicity present in the form of iodine, seashore and petrol along with citrus zest top notes. The delicious, vibrant and precise middle weight flavors flash good minerality on the clean, dry and saline-inflected finish. This is very good for its level and worth considering.  - Allen Meadows’ Burghound 🖤 Outstanding Top Value!

Neal Martin writes:  The 2023 Chablis Village was assembled for my visit by Didier Picq from 10 vats. It has an attractive if light bouquet with apple blossom and fresh pear aromas. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, a little creaminess towards the finish. This will drink well for 4-6 years.  - Vinous 

Julia Harding MW writes:  Pure, tense, restrained citrus but more marked by crushed stones than fruit. Pure, light-bodied, with a chalky finish. Relatively Great Value.  - Jancis Robinson 16

Winemaker Description 

Quintessential Chablis full of flinty seashell essence. Steely, focused and mineral-laden. Extremely age-worthy.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

• 
  James Suckling | July 2025 93 Points
“Aromas of flint, wet stones, Meyer lemons and lime zest with subtle white flowers. The palate is focused and textural, with loads of minerals and citrus oil in the finish.”
• The Somm Journal | July 2025 94 Points, Best Aromatic Whites
“Intense up front flavors with white-peppered lemon drop, sleek and lively. Crisp acidity brightens notes of elderflower, McIntosh apple, and hazelnut. The mineral tone is crystal clean and clear on the finish.”
• 
  Winemaker Description 
  
• The 2023 Jordan Russian River Chardonnay captures the region’s signature vibrancy with bright acidity, layered fruit and notes of white peach, citrus zest and subtle minerality. A cool, steady growing season allowed for extended hang time, resulting in a beautifully balanced wine that reflects both finesse and complexity.
• 
  Aromas of white peach, subtle acidity and delicate floral blossom immediately captivate the senses. On the palate, zesty lime, orange peel and crisp red Bosc pear mingle seamlessly, all elevated by refreshing acidity. A hint of French oak enhances the fruit’s elegance while preserving its brightness.
  
• Due to its crispness and citrus elements, Jordan Chardonnay can be enjoyed as an aperitif and is also a versatile food pairing wine. Unlike many fuller-bodied Chardonnays, Jordan Chardonnay will not overpower salads or raw bar favorites, and it also creates a nice contrast of flavors with richer seafood, such as salmon or ahi tuna.
•  The wine’s acidity and oak nuances can complement grilled chicken or roasted vegetable dishes and creamy pastas.
  

Winemaker Description 

Alain Chavy produces restrained, structured, and long-lived white Burgundies from 17 acres of vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet, with small holdings in the neighboring villages of Chassagne and Meursault. Alain established Domaine Alain Chavy in 2003 with vineyards inherited from his father and includes some of Puligny's top premier crus. 

The Alain Chavy Bourgogne Chardonnay 2023 features a bouquet of green apple, citrus, and subtle floral notes, with hints of toasted almonds and minerality. On the palate, it is crisp and well-balanced, offering flavors of lemon, pear, and a touch of honey, complemented by a firm acidity and a taut, fresh character. The finish is clean and refreshing, with lingering citrus and mineral notes.

With its rich texture and toasted flavors, this elegant Bourgogne pairs perfectly with white fish and shellfish and its naturally energetic acidity can effortlessly counterbalance rich cream-based sauces and soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert.

Winemaker Description 

This crisp, mouthwatering bottling is a blend of Excelsior’s three best Chardonnay blocks. It displays lively flavors of green apple, citrus, and pineapple on a full, creamy palate. Traces of peach, orange blossom and delicate toasty notes combine with a mineral edge to round out this versatile everyday sipper, a consistent crowd pleaser. 

Our Expert Review

Bart Hopkins: La  Finage Chablis is highly charged and energetic. Delicate citrus and orchards fruit aromas dance from the glass with a lovely backdrop of crushed rocks and sweet spices. In the mouth the wines is elegant and precise, never out of balance, with refreshing acidity gliding through the invigorating finish. Perfect for all types of seafood and shellfish.

Winemaker Description

Opens with fruity aromas of pear with herbal and lemon hints. The palate is freshwith balanced acidity and a sense of energy. Enjoy this wine on its own or with seafood, charcuterie, curries, oysters and sushi

Definitely a green streak to the colour. The nose is full of energy, with a touch of verbena. Fine steely intensity, very Chablis, barely a feel of the vintage except around the edges. This has an exciting future. Drink from 2026-2029. Tasted Jun 2024.

Star rating: 89-92

Julien Brocard Chablis "Vigne de la Boissonneuse" Organic Biodynamic 2023 is a luminous, mineral-driven Chardonnay from a single biodynamic vineyard, offering aromas of citrus, white fruit, and a hint of salinity. This full-bodied wine features a lively acidity, a creamy texture from lees contact, and a long finish, making it an excellent aperitif or pairing for shellfish and white meats. It is known for its purity, elegance, and expression of the Kimmeridgian terroir.

Revue des Vins de France 92 / 100 Points | Recognizes the wine's purity and complexity, reflecting the focus on Biodynamic farming.

Winemaker Description 

Building on our rich winemaking heritage, we invite you to experience Decoy Limited wines. Crafted using grapes from some of the most acclaimed California vineyard sources, including our own estate properties, these wines showcase the pinnacle of Decoy winemaking. 

The 2023 growing season started with a cool, wet winter, followed by a moderate spring, which delayed budbreak and bloom across several regions. Some vineyards were two to four weeks behind typical schedules, creating a unique timeline for harvest. Our team began picking in mid-September, progressing steadily from northern to southern blocks, with full harvest underway by October. A series of warm spells helped push the grapes to peak ripeness. Careful vineyard practices, including strategic leafing and crop adjustments, were essential this year, resulting in red wines with deep color and intensity, and white wines with fresh aromatics and lively acidity.

Winemaker Description 

Nicely integrated notes of orange blossom and creamy honeydew melon. Tropical flavors of pineapple, papaya and mango. This wine is delightfully balanced with bright acidity and a long finish that makes it the perfect complement to a wide variety of cuisines.