Vinous (98)

Vinous (95)

Renowned for its exceptional character, the Ceritas Bailhache Sauvignon Blanc 2020 hails from the prestigious winemaker Ceritas, set within the heart of California's esteemed Sonoma Coast. Each bottle encapsulates the ideal maritime climate and diverse soil, which culminate to produce nuanced acidity levels and complex flavour profiles. The Ceritas Bailhache Sauvignon Blanc 2020 boasts a vibrant mix of ripe citrus, stone fruits, and subtle mineral undertones, underpinned by a lively crispness that makes it exceedingly palatable.

The esteemed winemaker, John Raytek, adheres strictly to organic farming methods and minimalist winemaking; this approach lets the unique terroir of each carefully chosen vineyard express itself fully within the wine. Grown on mature vines that grace the high slopes of the Bailhache Vineyard, each grape is meticulously handpicked at peak ripeness, simultaneously ensuring the utmost quality and preserving the delicate balance of the wine.

Indulge in the Ceritas Bailhache Sauvignon Blanc 2020, an embodiment of the complexity and elegance of Californian terroir.

Vinous (92)

Jeb Dunnuck (93)

Indulge in the nuanced thrill of the Ceritas Sonoma Coast Carex Chardonnay 2021. Forged in the heart of Sonoma County's true cool climate, this offering embodies authentic Californian winemaking. Meticulously cultivated on an ancient uplifted seabed, the grapes are granted a unique mineral intensity, embellishing the wine's vivacious charm. Produced by Ceritas, a family-run establishment helmed by revered winemakers, John and Phoebe Raytek, this Chardonnay encapsulates their testament to crafting wines that reflect the land's character.

A blend of expressive tropical fruit, floral undertones and structured minerality define this elegant elixir. Attention to hand-harvesting and a natural fermenting process contribute to the wine's rich complexity. The Ceritas Sonoma Coast Carex Chardonnay 2021 showcases a well-sculpted palate of crisp apple vibrant acidity, underpinned by subtle oak influences and a lingering finish. A remarkable addition for collectors and enthusiasts, this heirloom Chardonnay is a living tribute to vineyard-centred winemaking.

Relish the opulence of Donelan Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Genevieves Block 2016, a world-class wine capturing the finest elements of Sonoma Coast terroir. Hailing from the prestigious boutique Californian winery, Donelan Family, this brilliant vintage marries traditional craftsmanship with sustainable practices. The meticulously chosen, handpicked grapes, aged in French oak for 11 months, imbue an alluring aroma and complex flavour palette. Burgeoning with nuances of citrus, ripe apple, pear, and honeyed undertones, the Chardonnay captures the perfect balance of acidity and richness. The aged burgundy wine exhibits a buttery texture and an impeccably long finish, promising a captivating tasting experience. This rare gem from Sonoma Coast epitomises Donelan Family's commitment to crafting exceptional, distinctive wines true to their origins. Indulge in the Donelan Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Genevieves Block 2016 experience highlighting lush, full-bodied structure and unwavering quality – the quintessential choice for the discerning oenophile.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)

Wine Advocate (98+)

Steeped in the lineage of grand-cru Burgundy, the Ferren Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2015 emanates an air of quiet sophistication. Born in the verdant vineyards of the rugged Sonoma Coast, this fine wine amasses its distinctive palate from swathes of rich California soil. Matt Courtney, former winemaker at Marcassin, meticulously produces these small-lot Chardonnays focusing on the unique terroirs of premier Sonoma Coast vineyards. The vintage was nurtured using traditional methods, allowing the essence of the region to flourish in its composition.

The wine reveals an exquisite profile of ripe citrus, orchard fruit and brioche uplifted by nuanced minerality, reflective of its Pacific influenced roots. The finish is elegantly layered with lingering flavours, rewarding the palate with its complexity. A testament to Courtney's careful hand and unwavering vision, the Ferren Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2015 is undoubtedly the connoisseur’s choice for a memorable fine wine experience.

Wine Advocate (93-95)

Originating from Northern California's distinguished Sonoma Coast, the Kistler Chardonnay Les Noisetiers 2021 is testament to the mastery of renowned vintners, Kistler Vineyards. This single varietal wine is nurtured from vine to bottle under meticulous hands, guaranteeing an expression that's both singular and distinct. Aligning modern techniques with careful fermentation in French oak barrels, Kistler bestows the wine with a deep, balanced profile. Its alluring nose of fresh lemon zest, green apple and subtle hazelnut ('noisetiers' in French) precedes a palate teeming with crisp acidity and a seamless mineral finish. Layered flavours complementing a variety of dishes reveal a versatility associated only with premier Chardonnays. Kistler Chardonnay Les Noisetiers 2021 embodies the vineyard's commitment to low intervention practices and upholding the natural expression of the fruit, earning their reputation for producing timeless, exemplary wines.

Discover the distinguished elegance of Kistler Cuvee Cathleen Chardonnay 2020, an exemplar of Sonoma Coast, California's viticultural excellence. This magnificent wine, crafted by Kistler Vineyards, a venerated family-run winery noted for its consistency and meticulousness, encapsulates the breathtaking terroir of its origin. Produced from hand-picked grapes, the Kistler Cuvee Cathleen Chardonnay 2020 undergoes traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques, featuring barrel fermentation in French oak, with minimal intervention, ensuring the wine's natural, inherent characteristics shine through. The result is a profound experience on the palate, boasting exquisite flavours of crisp orchard fruits, honeyed citrus, and sophisticated mineral elements, underscored by well-integrated acidity and elegant phenolic grip. Rated highly by critics, this Chardonnay is testament to Kistler's unwavering commitment to quality and tradition. Savour the Kistler Cuvee Cathleen Chardonnay 2020 and celebrate the sublime harmonisation of innovative Californian winemaking and timeless French influence.

For followers of truly exceptional wines, Marcassin Chardonnay 2017 is a coveted bottle, enshrining the extraordinary virtuosity of renowned vintner Helen Turley. Crafted in the unique terroirs of California's Sonoma Coast, this bewitching wine offers a mesmerising testament to precision viticulture and artisan winemaking. Bold and complex, Marcassin Chardonnay 2017 displays an indulgence of ripe tropical fruit layered with nuances of crème brûlée and toasted almond, balanced with a crystalline minerality.

Matured meticulously for over 12 months in French oak, and another 12 in bottle, the wine's amplified complexity and beautifully integrated oak nuances underline Turley's unwavering commitment to achieving the absolute pinnacle of quality. Discretely released in limited numbers, each bottle of the Marcassin Chardonnay 2017 breathtakingly embodies the embodiment of Turley's painstaking care and mastery, making it a prized addition to any discerning cellar.

The Peay Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Estate 2019 is an exemplary Californian Chardonnay, emanating from the esteemed Sonoma Coast AVA. Crafted by the distinguished expertise of the Peay family, this wine encapsulates a blend of grace and breadth. The wine is vinified utilising traditional Burgundian methods, facilitating an elegant balance of minerality and structure with refined oak influence. In terms of terroir, the Peay vineyards are among the coolest, permitting slow ripening for the Chardonnay, promoting complexity and purity of fruit expression. The 2019 vintage exudes a fragrant bouquet; brimming with crisp apple, fresh lemon and subtle almond nuances. These exquisite sensory notes are harmonised on the palate with a voluminous mouthfeel, intricate layers and a lingering finish. The Peay Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Estate 2019 underlines the family’s commitment to producing wines reflecting a deep sense of place and time, rendering it a first-class selection for the discerning wine enthusiast.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90)