2021 Raoul Gautherin Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Burgundy France

2021 Raoul Gautherin Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Burgundy France

with No Comment $50-$60BurgandyChardonnayFranceKevin Vogt

Raoul Gautherin

Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons
Burgundy, France 2021

2021 Raoul Gautherin Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Burgundy France

For centuries, the Gautherin family has been an integral part of Chablis’ winemaking history, their lineage tracing back to 1585. Each bottle of Raoul Gautherin carries this legacy, a testament to generations of expertise. Today, the father-son duo continues this proud tradition, cultivating Chablis’ most prized hillside vineyards with a deep respect for the land and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

The Vaillons Premier Cru vineyard is a gem of Chablis, renowned for its limestone-rich soils and exceptional sun exposure. Here, the vines yield wines of remarkable purity, a harmonious blend of vibrant minerality, and delicate white fruit aromas. The Gautherins’ meticulous approach—both in the vineyard and the cellar—allows the true essence of this extraordinary terroir to shine through, creating a wine that reflects its origins and a triumph of craftsmanship.

The 2021 vintage is exceptional, showcasing a seamless balance of tropical fruit richness and crystalline acidity. In this Vaillons 1er Cru, the vintage’s brilliance is fully expressed, capturing the very essence of Chablis—elegant, expressive, and deeply rooted in tradition. This wine not only tells the story of its origins but invites you to become a part of it.

Raoul Gautherin
Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons
Burgundy, France 2021

Your Price: $55

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“This 2021 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons from Raoul Gautherin is a truly exceptional wine. The nose is captivating, with a compelling interplay of steely minerals, a whisper of buttery richness, ripe pear, and a vibrant Meyer lemon zest. A flinty note adds a layer of complexity, hinting at the terroir of the Vaillons vineyard. The wine is focused and linear on the palate, showcasing concentrated fruit with an elegant and refined structure. The balance is exquisite, with pristine harmony between citrus and stone fruit flavors. The finish is remarkably long, leaving a lingering impression of minerality and fruit. This is a Chablis of exceptional quality that will undoubtedly age gracefully.”

95 Points

2022 Domaine de Villaine Les Clous Aime White Burgundy

2022 Domaine de Villaine Les Clous Aime White Burgundy

with No Comment $60-$70BurgandyChablisChardonnayKevin VogtUSA

Domaine de Villaine

Les Clous Aimé
Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise
White Burgundy, 2022

2022 Domaine de Villaine Les Clous Aime White Burgundy

Few wines possess the allure of Domaine de Villaine’s 2022 Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise Les Clous Aimé. This Chardonnay encapsulates the very essence of Burgundy’s finest white wines, offering a harmonious blend of precision and elegance. Each sip reveals vibrant fruit notes, meticulously layered flavors, and a balanced profile that firmly places it among our top five wines of 2024.

The legacy of Domaine de Villaine is intertwined with the renowned Aubert de Villaine, co-director of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. Founded in the 1970s, Domaine de Villaine embodies Aubert’s vision of crafting wines rooted in tradition and terroir. Today, under the guidance of his nephew, Pierre de Benoist, the estate continues to uphold its commitment to organic farming and artisanal viticulture, producing wines of exceptional finesse.

Priced at a remarkable $65, this stunning offering invites you to experience the magic of Burgundy firsthand. It offers a glimpse into the world of one of the world’s most esteemed winemaking families, providing an accessible and unforgettable journey into the heart of Burgundy.

Domaine de Villaine
Les Clous Aimé
Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise
White Burgundy, 2022

Your Price: $65

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“The 2022 Domaine de Villaine Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise Le Clous Aimé is immediately captivating on the nose. Bright citrus notes of lemon curd elegantly swirl with lightly toasted hazelnuts. Hints of white spring flowers add a touch of feminine beauty, while subtle butterscotch promises a touch of richness. On the palate, the wine explodes with concentrated, penetrating fruit flavors. Meyer lemons and touches of Granny Smith apples intertwine in a vibrant dance, their bright freshness balanced by an underlying layer of liquid saline. This sensation lingers on the incredibly long finish, leaving a decadent impression. The wine is undeniably opulent, yet very nimble, styled with remarkable finesse – a testament to the producer’s masterful touch.”

96 Points, #3 WCC Top 5 Wines of 2024

2021 Lombardi Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

2021 Lombardi Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

Lombardi

Chardonnay 2021
Sonoma Coast

2021 Lombardi Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

Lombardi’s Sonoma Coast Chardonnay leaves a lasting impression—a glimpse of the exceptional 2021 vintage and the expert farmers who tended the vines. The Lombardi family has been a proud steward of Sonoma County’s winemaking heritage since settling in the region in 1947. With a deep respect for the land and a passion for crafting exceptional wines, Lombardi specializes in small-lot wines that capture the essence of the Sonoma Coast. 

The 2021 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a shining example of Lombardi’s meticulous approach to winemaking. Sourced from Benovia’s celebrated Martaella Vineyard—renowned for its connection to icons like Williams Selyem and Gary Farrell—this Chardonnay carries the legacy of one of Sonoma’s most coveted sites. 

Barrel-fermented, the wine seamlessly integrates flavors, with the oak serving as a delicate frame rather than a defining feature. The 2021 vintage offers a striking balance of power and finesse, showcasing depth and concentration from an exceptional growing season. Bright acidity and coastal freshness dance harmoniously with its rich texture, delivering a vibrant and compelling Chardonnay.

Lombardi
Chardonnay 2021
Sonoma Coast
Retails at: $52

Your Price: $38

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“A bright straw/yellow hue, the 2021 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast is ripe with aromas of candied apple, lemon candies, and a savory saline. It boasts fantastic brightness on the palate, and it’s ripe and juicy but never feels over-ripe. Its really enjoyable and is going to show its best over the next 6-8 years.”

93 Points

2018 Agnes et Didier Dauvissat Chablis Burgundy France

2018 Agnes et Didier Dauvissat Chablis Burgundy France

with No Comment $30 and underBurgandyChablisChardonnayFranceKevin Vogt

AGNÈS et DIDIER DAUVISSAT

CHABLIS 2018
BURGUNDY, FRANCE

2018 Agnes et Didier Dauvissat Chablis Burgundy France
Agnès and Didier Dauvissat were vineyard workers who dreamed of vinifying wine from vineyards they owned, so they bought and planted their first small plot of vines in 1987. Today they hold just over 30 acres of vineyards spread across Petit Chablis, Chablis, Premier Cru Beauroy, Bourgogne Rouge, and Crémant de Bourgogne, producing terroir-distinct wines from each appellation.
 
Dauvissat is a prominent name in the area, and Didier’s cousin, Vincent, of a respected Chablisienne estate nearby, mentored Didier. The stylistic similarities in their wines go beyond the last name. The 2018 Chablis has clean, pure fruit aromatics and a crisp minerality from fermentation in stainless steel, a hallmark of the region that’s created a demand for unoaked Chardonnay worldwide.
 
AGNÈS et DIDIER DAUVISSAT
CHABLIS 2018
BURGUNDY, FRANCE
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“Agnès et Didier Dauvissat 2018 Chablis opens with aromas of honeysuckle, applesauce, cinnamon, quince, and white chalk. On the palate, the wine has concentrated flavors of apple and pear with complementary, secondary characteristics of mascarpone and pastry dough. This wine has an impressive depth of aromas and flavors with mouthwatering acidity with incredible purity.”
95 Points
2018 Domaine Anderson Estate Chardonnay Anderson Valley

2018 Domaine Anderson Estate Chardonnay Anderson Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Anderson ValleyChardonnayKevin VogtMendocino RidgeUSA

DOMAINE ANDERSON

ESTATE CHARDONNAY
ANDERSON VALLEY 2018

2018 Domaine Anderson Estate Chardonnay Anderson Valley
Domaine Anderson lies where Redwood forests meet the Mendocino Coast, creating a unique pocket of land with warm days significantly cooled by nightly coastal fog. Searching for prime Pinot Noir and Chardonnay terroir in California, this ideal climatic combination led Jean-Claude Rouzaud of the Roederer family to the area in 1981, embarking on a journey to produce supremely balanced, Burgundy-influenced wines from California’s Northern Coast.
 
Jean-Claude’s son, Frederic, continues the pursuit of high-quality wine production at Domaine Anderson’s 50 acres of vineyards meandering through the Anderson Valley with distinct microclimates tucked within the valley floor, gentle knolls, and steep hillsides. The 2018 Estate Chardonnay grapes were handpicked, fermented in small French barriques, and aged ten months in a small proportion of new oak to allow the wine’s vibrant fruit character to shine, uncannily reminiscent of a lovely White Burgundy.
 
DOMAINE ANDERSON
ESTATE CHARDONNAY
ANDERSON VALLEY 2018
 
Your Price: $32
 
 
“Nutty, toasty, buttery aromas meld beautifully with rich pear, cream and butterscotch flavors in this well-rounded, concentrated and layered wine. Its richness and complexity are enhanced by an underlying lively acidity for excellent balance.”
92 Points
2020 My Favorite Neighbor Blanc Chardonnay Blend San Luis Obispo

2020 My Favorite Neighbor Blanc Chardonnay Blend San Luis Obispo

with No Comment $40-$50Central CoastChardonnayKevin VogtPaso RoblesUSA

MY FAVORITE NEIGHBOR

BLANC [CHARDONNAY-BLEND]
SAN LUIS OBISPO 2020

2020 My Favorite Neighbor Blanc Chardonnay Blend San Luis Obispo
Farming is life for Eric Jensen, so he works exclusively with farmers who share the common goal of growing the best fruit possible using organic or biodynamic practices, coaxing the vines to perform at their apex. Gaining experience from neighbors Stephan Asseo of L’Aventure, and friend Justin Smith of Saxum, Eric’s wines make a bold statement of quality with an ideal balance of opulence, intensity, and richness.
 
Eric designs his wines to capture high-quality wine’s most intriguing qualities but with a value price to be shared with friends, family, and your favorite neighbors any day of the week. This Chardonnay-based blend is sourced from select vineyard sites in San Luis Obispo and is rich, sleek, and ready to drink now or in five to six years for aged complexity.
 
MY FAVORITE NEIGHBOR
BLANC [CHARDONNAY-BLEND]
SAN LUIS OBISPO 2020
 
Your Price: $49.99
 
 
“The Chardonnay-based 2020 Blanc has lush tropical fruits on the nose with accents of toast, almonds and sweet spice. The palate offers generous fruits, a sleek, polished texture, youthful new oak spices and expansive flavors on the long finish. Super classy!”
95 Points
2019 Baxter Chardonnay Oppenlander Vineyard

2019 Baxter Chardonnay Oppenlander Vineyard

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtMendocinoUSA

BAXTER

OPPENLANDER VINEYARD
CHARDONNAY 2019

2019 Baxter Chardonnay Oppenlander Vineyard
Philip Baxter gained inspiration for winemaking as a young boy working alongside his father, an influential figure and a supporter of his endeavors. After attending UC Davis, Phil took an internship in Burgundy. In France, he contributed to wine production from more than 30 vineyards ranging from village level to Grand Cru, developing French-winemaking techniques he would later bring to California.
 
Baxter wines are exclusively handmade, benefiting from Philip’s 17 years of experience and gentle, traditional French techniques that celebrate the varietal and the terroir. The grapes came from a small block on the Oppenlander vineyard. They were harvested by hand, fermented in neutral French oak, and aged on the lees for 12 months, adding body to the fresh, pure fruit flavors for a domestic Chablisienne-style Chardonnay that’ll rock your world when you try it.
 
BAXTER
OPPENLANDER VINEYARD
CHARDONNAY 2019
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
“The 2019 Baxter Oppenlander Chardonnay has an alluring nose opening with chamomile, orange zest, green apple, Meyer lemon, brioche, vanilla ice cream, and crushed rocks. The aromas transfer to the palate with the added complexity of white peach, apricot, and nectarine with a hint of freshly baked brioche. The bright acidity complements the zesty minerality and crisp fruit flavors that portray elegance in a glass and varietal purity.”
94 Points
2017 Patz & Hall Chardonnay Duttin Ranch Vineyard

2017 Patz & Hall Chardonnay Duttin Ranch Vineyard

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

PATZ & HALL

2017 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD

2017 Patz & Hall Chardonnay Duttin Ranch Vineyard
James Hall and Donald Patz were colleagues at Flora Springs Winery before realizing they had shared passion for wines with a sense of place and character, and so they built a friendship around their love for small lot wine production. In 1988 Patz & Hall was founded by Donald and Heather Patz, James Hall, and Anne Moses, and has since maintained a solid reputation of excellence, consistently producing brilliant wines from some of Sonoma’s most well-renowned vineyards and growers.
 
The Dutton Ranch vineyard is home to some of the oldest Chardonnay vines in western Sonoma County, with partial dry farming producing intensely concentrated berries. The 2017 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay is a blend of five clones- Hyde-Wente, Robert Young, Rued, UC Davis Clone 4, and Spring Mountain, aged in 35% new Burgundian French oak giving the wine some spice while allowing the fruit shine.
 
PATZ & HALL
2017 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
Retails at: $48
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
 
“From the Russian River, the 2017 Chardonnay Dutton Ranch is a step up and has more intensity and depth, with a rocking bouquet of honey stone fruits, brioche, toasted hazelnuts, and crushed stone. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and beautifully balanced, with bright acidity, it has a kiss of background oak but is a seriously good, layered effort that will cruise for 5-7 years, probably longer.”
96 Points
2019 Flowers Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

2019 Flowers Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

FLOWERS

2019 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST

2019 Flowers Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
The heart of the winemaking philosophy at Flowers is for the wine to express its origin and promote the unique flavors of the rough, rugged, and remote coastal ridges of the Sonoma Coast. Three distinct qualities define the vineyards used to source their Chardonnay: extreme elevation, coastal influence, and sustainable farming practices that together create a haven for growing cool-climate varieties.
 
Winemaker Chantal Forthun believes in low intervention and uses a natural yeast strain from the skin of the grapes for fermentation, giving Flowers wines their particular characteristics. The 2019 vintage saw a cold, wet winter, followed by a mild spring and summer, resulting in moderate to slow ripening for delicate but complex layers of flavor with bright acidity and a pleasantly lingering finish. Our panel was thrilled with the quality of their 2019 Chardonnay, marking one of their best vintages yet, offering a stratospherically high level of quality for its value price.
 
FLOWERS
2019 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST
Retails at: $50
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
“I love the Chardonnay from this estate, and their appellation 2019 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast is well worth seeking out, revealing a lighter gold hue as well as a crisp, nicely defined bouquet of poached pear, citrus, spice, and hazelnuts. Beautiful on the palate as well, it’s medium-bodied and has nicely integrated acidity, notable balance, and a great finish.”
94 Points
 
“Rich and finely textured, with concentrated white fruit flavors that show buttery hints. The spicy finish lingers with minerally snap and creamy accents. Drink now through 2025.”
92 Points
2017 Raoul Gautherin Grand Cru Chablis Les Clos

2017 Raoul Gautherin Grand Cru Chablis Les Clos

with No Comment $80-$90BurgandyChablisChardonnayKevin VogtUSA

RAOUL GAUTHERIN

GRAND CRU CHABLIS
2017 LES CLOS

2017 Raoul Gautherin Grand Cru Chablis Les Clos
Chablis exemplifies the purest expression of Chardonnay through minimal intervention in the vineyard and winery, the use of natural yeasts, and the limited use of oak, prioritizing the delicate nuances of flavor. Adrien Gautherin of Domaine Raoul Gautherin vinifies his Grand Cru Chablis Les Clos in tanks and ages it in old barrels, creating a wine with incredible aging potential. 
 
Grand Cru vineyards in Chablis are grown in 160 million-year-old sedimentary limestone-rich clay, known as Kimmeridgian marl, famous for giving wines with vibrant character, racy acidity, and a zesty mineral component. These world-class Chardonnays begin showing their spectacular depth and charm after three to four years, which is where this one is right now, and with only 120 cases produced, don’t hesitate to secure yours.
 
RAOUL GAUTHERIN
GRAND CRU CHABLIS
2017 LES CLOS
Retails at: $100
 
Your Price: $89
 
 
“The 2017 Raoul Gautherin & Fils Grand Cru Chablis Les Clos has an exquisite nose with aromas of honeysuckle, white blossoms, green apples, white peaches, and brioche. The flavors on the palate are reminiscent of a butter pecan ice cream, coating the palate in a creamy mouthfeel but finishing on a crisp note with the wine’s natural acidity. This wine can be enjoyed now but will really shine after laying down in the cellar for a few more years.”
93 Points