Wine Advocate (97+)

Vinous (91)

Vinous (92)

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.

Vinous (94)

Vinous (97)

Delight your palate with the Kutch Trout Gulch Chardonnay 2021 - an exquisite ensemble of viticulture finesse. Crafted by the expert hands of winemaker Jamie Kutch, this marvellous creation heralds from the renowned Trout Gulch Vineyard in California's cooler Santa Cruz Mountains. The vineyard's marine shale soils impart a unique mineral edge.

The Kutch Trout Gulch Chardonnay 2021 is hand-harvested whole cluster pressed, fermented naturally, and aged in neutral oak casks for 12 months followed by an additional six months in stainless steel. The result? A perfectly balanced wine, shimmering with bright acidity, lithe structure, and compelling hints of citrus, green apple, and saline minerality.

With Kutch's non-interventionist approach, this chardonnay beautifully expresses terroir in its purest form. A must-have inclusion in any fine wine collection, the Kutch Trout Gulch Chardonnay 2021 is certainly a testament to the grandeur of California Chardonnays.

Sumptuously talented winemaker, Larry Stone, presents to the world the Lingua Franca Sisters Chardonnay 2019. Crafted in the fruitful heartlands of Oregon’s prestigious Eola-Amity Hills, this Chardonnay champions the region's distinctive gravely and volcanic soils. The Lingua Franca Sisters Chardonnay 2019 is biodynamically farmed, embodying meticulously hand-harvested, whole-cluster pressed grapes of Strawb clone, a variety renowned for its bright acidity and longevity.

The handpicked grapes are fermented in striking French oak barrels enhancing the wine’s superb richness and mouthfeel. Notes of crisp apple and lemon layer atop a creamy texture flourishing with a smooth, long finish that impressively matches the complexity found in a Burgundy premiere cru. Larry Stone's attention to sustainable cultivation practices and intuitive winemaking reveals itself splendidly in the Lingua Franca Sisters Chardonnay 2019, a bottle brimming with America's captivating vision of world-class Chardonnay.

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.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)

Indulge in the vibrant and versatile Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc 2022. Produced by Merry Edwards, one of California's first female winemakers, this wine is an expressive testament to her masterful craft. Grown in the picturesque Russian River Valley, the grapes gain their unique character from the area's climatic nuances and rich soil.

The Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc 2022 is meticulously vinified using a combination of cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks and aging in French oak barrels. This dual approach crafts an intriguing fusion of crispness and complexity. The resultant wine exudes exuberant notes of exotic fruit, honeysuckle, and grapefruit, underscored by a bracing minerality and delicate oak nuances.

Awarded prominent recognition by globally recognised wine publications, the Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc 2022 offers a sophisticated palate experience. Savour this exceptional wine, created with passion, prowess, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Jancis Robinson (18)

Nicolas Jay Willamette Valley Affinites Chardonnay 2018, a pinnacle of Oregon's enology, represents sophistication and craftsmanship. From Nicolas Jay, an esteemed collaboration between Burgundian winemaker Jean-Nicolas Méo and music executive Jay Boberg, this Chardonnay is emblematic of their exceptional commitment to quality. A cool growing season in the Willamette Valley has encouraged intricate nuances in this wine. Witness a captivating blend of elegance and complexity as it is fermented within a seamless integration of stainless steel and French oak, imbuing the palate with an opulent texture and pristine clarity. Savour lush notes of golden apple, fresh pear, hints of white peach, underlined with subtle minerality and a whisper of custard, a testament to the diligent lees stirring during its maturation. An indulgence for discerning palates, the Nicolas Jay Willamette Valley Affinites Chardonnay 2018 presents brilliance in a bottle, delivering a riveting ode to the captivating terrain of its origin.

The Paring Chardonnay 2018 is a true expression of California's Santa Barbara County. This exquisite wine is produced by the Hilt Estate, known for their meticulous approach to viticulture and vinification. The Chardonnay grapes are hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed, promoting depth of flavour and aromatic complexity. Cool fermentation in French oak barrels enhances textural elements, while contributing a delicate spiciness.

Displaying a vibrant golden hue, the Paring Chardonnay 2018 captivates with its alluring bouquet of ripe pear, fresh citrus, and subtle brioche. On the palate, it is wonderfully balanced, flaunting a harmonious interplay of crisp acidity and opulent fruit. Subtle oak accents underscore an elegantly prolonged finish. A reflection of its marine-influenced terroir, this Chardonnay perfectly encapsulates the sophistication and finesse that connoisseurs associate with the Paring label.

Whether you're savouring it alone or pairing it with fine cuisine, the Paring Chardonnay 2018 delivers an extraordinary wine experience.

Perceive exquisite excellence with Patz & Hall Hyde Chardonnay 2017. An outstanding American white wine from Patz & Hall, one of Californian's esteemed boutique wine producers, this Chardonnay encapsulates a stunning medley of enticing flavours. Radiantly golden in colour, it displays bewitching notes of lemon meringue, green apple, and tropical pineapple, elegantly threaded with hints of toasty oak and spice. From the revered Hyde Vineyards in the cooler farmsteads of Carneros region, this wine undergoes careful selection, fermenting 100% indigenous yeasts while maturing in the finest quality French Oak barrels. Its persistent depth exhibits Patz & Hall's superior winemaking techniques. Complex yet balanced, the Patz & Hall Hyde Chardonnay 2017 accentuates the vineyard's unique character, demonstrating extraordinary harmony between power and elegance. Enjoy the refined nuance of this spectacular Chardonnay. Remarkably, the Patz & Hall Hyde Chardonnay 2017 sets a pinnacle for New World white wines.

Vinous (93)

Vinous (93)

Vinous (95)

Wine Advocate (96)

Experience the exquisite offering that is Paul Lato Souvenir Sierra Madre Chardonnay 2016. Acclaimed vintner Paul Lato showcases the best of Californian viticulture producing award-winning wines in Santa Barbara County's esteemed Sierra Madre Vineyard. This sophisticated Chardonnay, a distinguished selection from an exceptional 2016 vintage, is crafted with precision using traditional Burgundian winemaking methods.

Expect an opulent bouquet of white flowers, freshly baked bread, and zesty citrus. Balanced by a rich minerality, the palate reveals an extended finish of buttery, toasted hazelnuts resulting from 15 months French oak barrel ageing. The hand-picked, carefully sorted clusters ensure superior quality grapes. Paul Lato has captured a harmonious marriage of Old World elegance and New World audacity in this bottle.

The Paul Lato Souvenir Sierra Madre Chardonnay 2016 is a testament to meticulous winemaking and the definitive exemplification of artisan craftsmanship. An indulgence that discerning oenophiles surely wouldn't want to miss.

Peay Cep Hopkins Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2019, produced by the legendary Peay Family Winery, enjoys a fine reputation among wine connoisseurs. The vineyard is situated in the cool climates of Sonoma Coast, United States, making the Sauvignon Blanc inherently vibrant and fresh.

The winemakers employ non-interventionist winemaking practices and undergo meticulous barrel selection to ensure the wine's authenticity and quality. The 2019 vintage is known for its elegance and balance, offering poise and charm that is representative of the terroir.

Bursting with aroma of grapefruit peel, chamomile, and mineral undertones, the Peay Cep Hopkins Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2019 is an evocative expression of the varietal. Unfolding elegantly on the palate with bright acidity and a satisfyingly pure finish, this rendering of Sauvignon Blanc will undoubtedly gratify refined palates. A bottle of this is a tasteful addition to any cellar, embodying the essence of world-class Californian winemaking.

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.

Wine Advocate (98)

James Suckling (95)

Vinous (96)

Treat your palate to the exquisite Racines Sta. Rita Hills Bentrock Vineyard Chardonnay 2020, a mindfully crafted wine that echoes the sophistication of its origin. Born from the diverse soils of Sta. Rita Hills in sunny California, this Chardonnay is meticulously cultivated in the famed Bentrock Vineyard by renowned winemakers Justin Willett, Étienne de Montille, and Rodolphe Peters.

This complex bottle beautifully layers refined flavours and aromatic notes. Expect to find an enchanting blend of ripe apple and citrus, gently complemented by toasty oak and a graceful whiff of minerality. Brimming with an untouched purity, nuances of coastal influence are captured through the winemaker's conscientious process, favouring organic practices and minimal intervention in the vineyard.

The Racines Sta. Rita Hills Bentrock Vineyard Chardonnay 2020 presents a harmonious balance of the quintessential Chardonnay’s richness and Sta. Rita Hill’s tangy acidity, offering a palate-pleasing drink that is uplifting and refined. An absolute gem for any wine aficionado.

The Racines Sta. Rita Hills Cuvee Chardonnay 2018 is a sophisticated offering from the famed California wine region. This stunningly bright and balanced Chardonnay is graced with lively acidity and flavourful fruit notes.

Produced by the esteemed partnership of French and American wine professionals - Justin Willett, Etienne de Montille, and Rodolphe Péters, Racines curates select grapes from the most exceptional Sta. Rita Hills vineyards. With an unflinching commitment to quality and the principles of sustainable winemaking, the 2018 Cuvee carries their experienced craftsmanship in every bottle.

Starting with hand-picked, sorted and immediately pressed grapes, it is fermented in French oak barrels using native yeast. This graceful Chardonnay is then aged 12 months sur lie to develop layered complexity. It presents an impressive balance of rich and restrained, with invigorating minerality, green apple, citrus, and subtle oak nuances. Offering depth, elegance, and longevity, the Racines Sta. Rita Hills Cuvee Chardonnay 2018 is undoubtedly a wine connoisseur’s dream.