2016 Orrin-Sage Napa Valley Chardonnay

2016 Orrin-Sage Napa Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underCarnerosChardonnayKevin VogtNapaUSA

ORRIN-SAGE

2016 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY 

2016 Orrin-Sage Napa Valley Chardonnay
The best wines are much more than just flavors and aromas.  Great examples should evoke feelings, a sense of place and some even have mystical elements.  We found all of the above in Orrin-Sage’s Chardonnay and in the new 2016 release the fairytale continues and becomes even more engaging. This new chapter has been rewritten from the Maldonado’s cool and wind-swept vineyard on Jameson Canyon Road in Napa Valley’s Southern most point.  As I read further into the glass, the story became more detailed and full of lavish characters, with notes of lemon Meringue pie, ripe green figs, freshly picked nectarines and baking spices.  You simply can’t put this one down…
 
This wine was authored by Justin Harmon who gained valuable experience as an intern under Russell Bevan.  It’s illustrated with vivid orchard fruits, Granny Smith apple and rich, creamy undertones.  This is a limited edition, so don’t wait too long to secure yours.  You will need to sign up for our email list to unlock a special can’t-put-it-down value. This Chardonnay would normally command a much higher book price.
 
ORRIN-SAGE
2016 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $49.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “Penetrating, complex aromas of candied citrus, toast, orchard fruits and vanilla curd.  Concentrated and focused on the palate with layers of fig, lemon creme brûlée, sweet vanilla and light spice.  The wine is expansive, silky and elegant in a way that just makes you want to smile. Simply stunning!”
 
Customers who enjoy Orrin-Sage Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
 
 
2015 Foley-Johnson Carneros Chardonnay 2015 Hungry Blonde Chardonnay
FOLEY JOHNSON
2016 CHARDONNAY
CARNEROS APPELLATION
Retails at:  $38.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 

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Wrapping your taste buds in a curtain of opulence and serenity, this an absolutely stunning expression of Carneros  Chardonnay was directed by talented winemaker Steve Nelson, former assistant winemaker at Lewis Cellars and winemaker at Chalk Hill… It casts an abundance of honeyed melon, minerals and  warm hazelnut across your palate.  If you’re searching for a rich, textured  Chardonnay that’s not the least bit overbearing, this one’s for you.   
HUNGRY BLONDE
2015 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY, CARNEROS
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
 
From Jeb Dunnuck: “There’s 2000 cases of the 2015 Chardonnay Hungry Blonde, and it’s one seriously good Chardonnay. Aged sur lie in 20% new French oak, this classic beauty gives up lot of orchard fruits, some buttered citrus and peach, medium to full-bodied richness, and terrific balance. It’s thereal deal and will keep for 5+ years. At 30 bucks it’s a killer value.”  94 Points
2014 Black Cordon Laguna Road Vineyard

2014 Black Cordon Laguna Road Vineyard Chardonnay

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

BLACK CORDON

2014 CHARDONNAY
LAGUNA ROAD VINEYARD 

2014 Black Cordon Laguna Road VineyardScientists suspect that taste and memory are inextricably bound… I’m given a reminder of that every time we open a bottle of a Paul Hobbs made Chardonnay. His Chardonnays provoke instant feelings of joy along with a serene calming sensation, pulling on your emotions in way that only the absolute best winemakers can accomplish.  With lovely weight and decadent texture, exquisite flavors wrap your palate in a silk blanket, laced with Meyer Lemon, tangerine oil, ripe pineapple, butterscotch, and nutmeg.  At $65 this elaborately flavored Chardonnay would take you to a happy place, you’ll want to grab as much as you can.  Make sure to sign up for our emails to receive special offers on selected wines.

 
Although not indicated on the bottle, the fruit for Black Cordon’s Laguna Road Chardonnay comes from the iconic Ulises Valdez Vineyard.  You might recognize the UV Vineyard from single vineyard Chardonnays by Aubert and Paul Hobbs. You might expect to pay upwards of $75/btl for a Chardonnay from this hallowed ground, don’t wait to secure yours… A mere 4 barrels (93 cases) were produced of this absolutely stunning Chardonnay. 
 
BLACK CORDON
2014 CHARDONNAY
LAGUNA ROAD VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
Your Price:
 
Tasting Notes: “Rich, decadent and inviting, the 2014 Black Cordon Laguna Road Chardonnay is bursting with Meyer Lemond, almond shavings, tangerine and honeyed apple.  Wildflowers, nutmeg and orange rind add to it’s deep complexity.  On the palate the wine is sensual and balanced with terrific weight and structure”  93 Cases Produced 
2015 DOMAINE BOUARD-BONNEFOY “LES PETITS CLOS” CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET, 1ER CRU

2015 Domain Bouard-Bonnefoy Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru, Les Petits Clos

with No Comment $60-$70ChardonnayFranceKevin Vogt

DOMAINE BOUARD-BONNEFOY 2015 DOMAINE BOUARD-BONNEFOY “LES PETITS CLOS” CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET, 1ER CRU

2015 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET
PREMIER CRU, LES PETITS CLOS

 

Did you know that all white Burgundies are 100% Chardonnay and that many people believe that the greatest Chardonnay vineyards in the world surround the Montrachet Vineyard in Burgundy? One of the best white wine growing villages is named Chassagne-Montrachet and includes the Montrachet Vineyard. Within that village is a Preimere Cru vineyard named Morgeot, that includes an even smaller parcel called Les Petit Clos, which sits at around 750 elevation and is très magnifique… The hillside vineyards and those at the base of the hills produce some of the best fruit due to better drainage and other factors.  The 2015 Domaine Bouard-Bonnefoy Chassagne-Montrachet has laser focus, breathtaking detail and dazzles your taste buds with intriguing orchard fruits, hints of cinnamon and rocky minerals.  At under $100/btl this wine performs at the absolute highest level for Premier Cru Chassagne-Montrachet. 
 
Made from vines greater than 60 years old, Domaine Bouard-Bonnefoy’s Les Petit Clos is indescribably magnificent.  With around 50 cases imported, chances are you might not have heard of it and it’s not easy to find, and with the price of Montrachet costing hundreds to thousands of dollars per bottle, this is the perfect introduction to ultra-high quality white Burgundy at a relative value price.
 
DOMAINE BOUARD-BONNEFOY
2015 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET
PREMIER CRU, LES PETITS CLOS
Retails at:  $90.00/btl
 
Your Price: $69.99/btl

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Tasting Notes: “Brimming with elegance combined with a linear style and enough tension and focus to surprise your palate on the first sip.  Complex flavors of ripe orchard fruits including red apple, ripe peach and citrus notes, intermingling with liquid mineral and a breath of vanilla and hint of cinnamon further entice you.  The finish is long and lingering, just begging you to take another sip. Beautiful!” 95 Points
Customers that enjoy Domaine Bouard-Bonnefoy Chassagne-Montrachet Les Petits Clos may also enjoy these two terrific white wines…
2016 HENRI BOURGEOIS “LA COTE DES MONTS DAMNES” SANCERRE 2016 DOMAINE FRANCOIS GAUNOUX “CLOS DE MEIX CHAVAUX” MONOPOLE MEURSAULT
HENRI BOURGEOIS 
2016 SANCERRE
LA COTE DES MONTS DAMNES
 
Your Price: $37.99/btl

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Tasting Notes: “The near-vertical slope of the Monts Damnés produces wines that have delicate tropical fruit and vibrant citrus aromas. The palate confirms this  fruitiness and  brings a nice and clean mineral note… This very concentrated wine expresses its strong personality…”
DOMAINE FRANCOIS GAUNOUX 
2016 “MONOPOLE” MEURSAULT
“CLOS DE MEIX CHAVAUX”
 
Your Price: $74.99/btl

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Importer’s Tasting Notes: “Nose of white flowers, minerals. Great mouthfeel, rich, supple and pure, very silky. Flavors of pear, apple, nectarine blend with minerality and salinity.  This is a wine of great tension, balance and energy, truly a breathtaking wine. 30 cases imported.”
2014 Matias Soberanes Vineyard Chardonnay

2014 Matias Soberanes Vineyard Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayMontereySanta Lucia HighlandsUSA

MATIAS 2014 Matias Soberanes Vineyard Chardonnay

2014 CHARDONNAY
SOBERANES VINEYARD

 
How can we offer a killer $50 Chardonnay from one of the best Chardonnay Vineyards in California?  It could be luck, persistence, or really good relationships.  In this case it’s all three, and on top of that, the new vintage is knocking at the door, and that creates an opportunity for you… This larger-than-life Chardonnay exemplifies the balance between rich, authoritative flavors, with a graceful elegance. Rich and textured, the 2014 is loaded with caramelized orchard fruits, lemon curd, white flowers and hints of brioche.  With a total production of 93 cases and a stellar 91 point score from Robert Parker’s the Wine Advocate don’t hesitate to secure yours.
 
Birthed from the increasingly acclaimed Soberanes Vineyard, and authored by Dan Fitzgerald, who got his start working at Williams-Selyem, this stunning ‘California style’ Chardonnay washes over your palate with with layers of buttered apples, candied ginger, dried pineapple, and integrated oak.  The 2014 is shinning bright right now and we’re certain this wine will have your taste buds salivating for another sip… and glass… and another glass. 
 
MATIAS
2014 CHARDONNAY
SOBERANES VINEYARD
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “A step up over the 2013, the 2014 Chardonnay Soberanes Vineyard is a richer, more substantial effort that gives up lots of ripe apple, citrus blossom and minerality in a medium to full-bodied, layered and nicely balance package. It should keep nicely through 2022.”  91 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Matias Soberanes Vineyard Chardonnay  may also enjoy these two outstanding Chardonnays…
   

2014 Bucher Rio Oro Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2014 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
BUCHER
RIO ORO CHARDONNAY
2014 RUSSIAN RIVER
Retails at:  $40/btl
 

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From Pinot File: “Light golden yellow color in the glass. Lavish aromas of lemony custard, Golden Delicious apple, wildflower honey and brioche. Sleek, bright and crisp on the palate with sumptuous flavors of lemon, grapefruit and apple with a compliment of oak infused blond caramel and honeyed nuts. Beautifully crafted, with sound acidity and noticeable finishing length.”  94 Points
MATIAS
2014 CHARDONNAY
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at:  $35/btl
 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “… Clean, straight and focused, with bright acidity, medium-bodied richness and notes of citrus blossom, crushed rock and white peach, this beauty is elegant, beautifully fresh and crisp on the palate. It’s a great value and one to drink over the coming 2-3 years.”  90 Points 
2014 Bucher Rio Oro Russian River Chardonnay

2014 Bucher Rio Oro Russian River Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

BUCHER

2014 Bucher Rio Oro Russian River ChardonnayRIO ORO CHARDONNAY
2014 RUSSIAN RIVER

 
When reading about Bucher’s Rio Oro Chardonnay it won’t take long to realize it’s an unparalleled value and one of the greatest that we’ve discovered in years.  When tallying the incredible pedigree, and weighing it against the $23 price tag, you’ll want to act quickly, because deals like this don’t come around often.  You may already recognize Bucher Vineyard from luminaries Williams Selyem, Siduri, and Frank Family that have all made wine from this remarkable site.  When learning that it was made by Adam Lee of Siduri, it should have your taste buds eager to try it… And if that’s not enough convincing, the 94 Point Rating from the Pinot File should seal deal. Make sure to join our email list to unlock special offers…
 
Located on Westside Road in Healdsburg, Bucher’s Estate Vineyard was originally planted in 1997 with the assistance of Bob Cabral, former winemaker at Williams Selyem.  There are only 2 acres of Chardonnay planted, and for their Rio Oro Chardonnay they’ve also added a neighboring vineyard.  Each lot is fermented separately and later combined to create a truly individualistic and overwhelmingly satisfying expression of Russian River Chardonnay…
 
BUCHER
RIO ORO CHARDONNAY
2014 RUSSIAN RIVER
Retails at:  $40/btl
 
 
From Pinot File: “Light golden yellow color in the glass. Lavish aromas of lemony custard, Golden Delicious apple, wildflower honey and brioche. Sleek, bright and crisp on the palate with sumptuous flavors of lemon, grapefruit and apple with a compliment of oak infused blond caramel and honeyed nuts. Beautifully crafted, with sound acidity and noticeable finishing length.”  94 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Bucher Rio Oro Chardonnay may also enjoy these two outstanding Chardonnays…
 
2016 Calculated Risk Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2014 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
 
CALCULATED RISK
2016 CHARDONNAY
SANTA BARBARA
Retails at:  $37.99/btl
 
Your Price: $23.00/btl 

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MATIAS
2014 CHARDONNAY
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at:  $35/btl
 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “… Clean, straight and focused, with bright acidity, medium-bodied richness and notes of citrus blossom, crushed rock and white peach, this beauty is elegant, beautifully fresh and crisp on the palate. It’s a great value and one to drink over the coming 2-3 years.”  90 Points 
2016 Valdez Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2016 Valdez Russian River Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

VALDEZ

2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2016 Valdez Russian River Valley Chardonnay
If you follow some of California’s preeminent Chardonnay producers like Paul Hobbs and Aubert, chances are you’ve seen the name Ulises Valdez, or UV on some of their top bottlings.  Ulises Valdez is one of California’s most sought after wine growers and when he’s not farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others, he’s cultivating his dream of building a successful brand. The elephant in the room is that at $34.99/btl, the 2016 Valdez Russian River Chardonnay is such a fantastic value, it’ll challenge what you think is even possible at this price point.  Upon entry the only thing on my mind was the rich, lavish mouthfeel, laced with notes of overripe pear, juicy yellow melon, French Bistro creme brûlée and subtle lemon bar.  
 
Combining fruit from three iconic Russian River Vineyards, Lancel Creek, Campbell and Laguna, the 2016 is wonderfully detailed and complex with terrific weight that’s perfectly balanced with bright acidity.  After developing for 15 months in French oak barrels the 2016 is stunning right now… We’re thrilled to pour this wine by the glass in our Yountville store, so I hope you can come in for a taste. 
 
VALDEZ
2016 CHARDONNAY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “Smooth, full-bodied, and crisp; The 2016 chardonnay fills the palate with juicy citrus fruits, honey, and hints of vanilla. The 2016 vintage is slightly brighter than the 2015 with a touch more acidity that presents a nice freshness in the wine. This wine is fermented with wild native yeast, and aged for 15 months in 100% French Oak (20% new) before being bottled unfined and unfiltered…”
 
Customers that enjoy Valdez Russian River Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2014 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay
 2013 Valdez St Peters Church Vineyard Zinfandel
RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
 
A luminous interpretation of Dutton Ranch fruit, the 2014 washes over your palate with classic Granny Smith apple, spiced pear, juicy yellow melon and subtle lemon bar.  Big and full across the palate and crafted in a plump, round style, if you’re searching for a top-level California Chardonnay without the high price tag that usually comes with one, I would saddle up and secure a case of Red Mare before this one rides off into the sunset
VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 

Valdez winery is owned by Ulises Valdez, one of California’s most sought after wine growers.  When he’s not farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others, he’s cultivating his dream of building a successful brand.  This Zinfandel arose from a 5 acre vineyard in Alexander Valley that’s planted to nearly century old vines, this wine exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel.  Rosenblum fans might also recognize this vineyard from single vineyard Zinfandels that they produced in the 1990’s.
2016 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay

2016 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $70-$80Atlas PeakCarnerosChardonnayKevin VogtNapa

PAHLMEYER

2016 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY 

2016 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay
Becoming Napa Valley’s first Cult Chardonnay after Demi Moore tried to seduce Michael Douglas in the hit movie Disclosure back in 1994, Pahlmeyer became nearly impossible to acquire, overnight. More than two decades later and it’s still making a powerful statement of prestige, along with three 95 Point reviews, the demand is still going full-bore.  It’s made in a style that has remarkable weight, dimension and intensity, and under the guidance of Bibiana Gonzalez Rave it’s only gotten better. She’s added a level of elegance to the wines that marries perfectly with the classic rich, unctuous style that Pahlmeyer is known for.
 
Created from the winery’s Estate Vineyard, as well as Antinori’s Antica Vineyard on Atlas Peak and Larry Hyde’s iconic Vineyard in Carneros, the 2016 has all the ingredients necessary to be everything you’d want in a powerful yet elegant Napa Valley Chardonnay.  With attention to every minute detail, the fruit was picked at night before being rigorously inspected by hand at the winery.  Kept for 11 months in 100% new Francois Freres oak Barrels, the wine is simply gorgeous.
 
PAHLMEYER
2016 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $79.99/btl
 
 
“… Apricot, honey, dried flowers and lightly buttery notes get a kick of energy from the freshness of vintage and the personality of the mountain sites (Estate and Antica) that inform this bottling, Winemaker Bibiana Gonzalez-Rave has brought an added level of finesse to the Pahlmeyer Chardonnay.”  95 Points
“The 2016 Chardonnay has a lovely savory, yeasty/toasty nose over a core of warm grapefruit, fresh apricots and allspice with a touch of candied ginger. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-filling stone fruit and spicy layers, supported by great freshness and finishing long and creamy.”  95 Points
“Gorgeous aromatics of heady voluptuousness conjure elements of caramel, honey and baked apple behind a golden hue of color in this memorable, no-holds-barred white. The flavors follow through along a lengthy layered pathway lined in sparks of anise and key lime, finishing in juicy crisp acidity.”  95 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific wines…
2015 DuMOL Chloe Russian River Valley Chardonnay
 2014 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red
DuMOL
2015 CHLOE CHARDONNAY
RITCHIE-LORENZO VINEYARDS
 
Your Price: $67.99/btl

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From Jeb Dunnuck: “… a big, rich, classic Russian River Chardonnay that has loads of ripe orchard fruits, honeysuckle, dried herbs/earth, and spice all soaring from the glass. It’s another impeccably balanced, pure, classic effort from this estate that does everything right.”  97 Points
PAHLMEYER
PROPRIETARY RED
2014 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $175.00/btl
 
Your Price:  $159.99/btl 

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From James Suckling: “Fantastic aromatics with blackberries, blackcurrants and iodine. Licorice, too. Medium to fulll body, fine and velvety tannins and a very polished and gorgeous finish. Caressing and dialed in. Why wait? An intellectual wine here. Lovely now.” 97 Points
2015 Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay

2015 Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay

with No Comment $40-$50ChardonnayKevin VogtNapaUSA

CHATEAU MONTELENA 

2015 Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay2015 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY

 
The best wines evoke memories, intellectual thoughts and feelings when you taste them, and every time I taste Chateau Montelena’s Chardonnay, thoughts of Independence and patriotism come to mind.  Two hundred years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, Chateau Montelena made a pivotal statement at the 1976 Judgement in Paris when their 1973 Chardonnay came in 1st place.  It eclipsed all other French and California Chardonnays at the historic tasting, as depicted in the movie Bottle Shock…  Continuing their legacy of producing enchanting, brightly focused Chardonnays, the 2015 is remarkably tropical this year with bright, freshly picked kumquat, nectarine, lemon oil and candied ginger.  Symbolizing the American dream, hard work and independence, here’s a chance to own the most celebrated Chardonnay in US history…
 
Remaining true to their roots and focusing on the pure expression of fruit, crisp acidity and mineral finish, Chateau Montelena is unlike many California Chardonnay producers that have adopted a creamy, buttery, profile with a heavier oak influence.  Kept for just 10 months in neutral French oak barrels, the 2015 is bright and focused with vivid Island fruits, candied lemon, shaved almonds and tangerine oil. I strongly recommend a case of this iconic Napa Valley Chardonnay for your cellar.  
 
CHATEAU MONTELENA 
2015 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $58.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 13%
 
From Vinous: “Just bottled, the 2015 Chardonnay is shaping up to be a gorgeous wine. The warmer vintage has resulted in a slightly richer style of Chardonnay, although the house style built on energy and tension is still very much in evidence. Candied lemon, white flowers and mint are nicely textured. Soft, enveloping and gracious, the 2015 will drink well with minimal cellaring.” 92 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Chateau Montelena Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…

 

2014 Red Mare Dutton Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2015 Failla Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
RED MARE
2014 CHARDONNAY
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 

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A luminous interpretation of Dutton Ranch fruit, the 2014 washes over your palate with classic Granny Smith apple, spiced pear, juicy yellow melon and subtle lemon bar.  Big and full across the palate and crafted in a plump, round style, if you’re searching for a top-level California Chardonnay without the high price tag that usually comes with one, I would saddle up and secure a case of Red Mare before this one rides off into the sunset
FAILLA
2015 CHARDONNAY
SONOMA COAST
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl 

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After dominating one varietal for nearly two decades as winemaker at Turley Wine Cellars, the natural progression is to start a new challenge, create something fresh, then conquer that too… Ehren Jordan’s viticultural training in France greatly influenced his farming and winemaking choices, which are evident in this sensational Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.  
2106 Calculated Risk Santa Barbara Chardonnay

2016 Calculated Risk Santa Barbara Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtSanta BarbaraUSA

CALCULATED RISK

2106 Calculated Risk Santa Barbara Chardonnay

2016 CHARDONNAY
SANTA BARBARA 

 
What makes Santa Barbara Chardonnay unique? For starters, Chardonnay is Santa Barbara County’s most widely planted grape, surpassing Pinot Noir by more than 25%.  The varietal thrives in the cooler climate, caused by the transverse nature of the two Mountain ranges that sandwich this viticultural region.  Limestone soils also help maintain acidity, which helps create an exotic tropical fruit character, which is one of the signatures that I love about Santa Barbara Chardonnay.  I find many of my favorite Santa Barbara Chardonnays show bountiful yet delicate orchard fruits, exotic tropical fruits, vibrant acidity, and are laced in minerality.  Calculated Risk’s 2016 Chardonnay caught me by surprise. Not only did it showcase everything that I love about Santa Barbara Chardonnay, but I simply couldn’t believe how good it was at its $38 retail price.  At $23/btl, I jumped at the opportunity to share it with you.  
 
A non-disclosure agreement prevents us from telling you the vineyard source, but the 2016 leaps from the glass with green & yellow apple, passionfruit, toasted pear and lemon blossoms, then carrying through on the palate with an elegant depth and pristine style.   At $23/btl your only risk will be not buying enough.  
 
CALCULATED RISK
2016 CHARDONNAY
SANTA BARBARA
Retails at:  $37.99/btl
 
Your Price: $23.00/btl 
YOU SAVE 39%
 
Winery Notes: “A brilliant, golden yellow look with hints of pineapple, white peach, pear and pomelo on the nose. The palate offers lime leaf, honeysuckle, lemon and a hint of subtle lavender.”
 
Customers who enjoy Calculated Risk Chardonnay may also enjoy these two outstanding wines…
2014 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
 2014 Calculated Risk Mount Veeder Proprietary Red
MATIAS
2014 CHARDONNAY
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at:  $35/btl
 
Your Price: $23/btl 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “… Clean, straight and focused, with bright acidity, medium-bodied richness and notes of citrus blossom, crushed rock and white peach, this beauty is elegant, beautifully fresh and crisp on the palate. It’s a great value and one to drink over the coming 2-3 years.”  90 Points 
CALCULATED RISK
PROPRIETARY RED
2014 MOUNT VEEDER
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
 

I’ve always found a mystical element in Mount Veeder fruit that always draws me in.  It’s the largest AVA within Napa Valley but the rugged terrain limits production to just 1.3% of Napa Valley grapes.  Yielding small, powerful berries, the sandstone and shale soils set this Mountain apart from all others in Napa.  It’s also the coolest Mountain which allows the grapes to have a longer hang-time so they can develop into something majestic.  
2015 Walter Hansel Cuvee Alyce Chardonnay

2015 Walter Hansel Cuvee Alyce Chardonnay

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

WALTER HANSEL

2015 CHARDONNAY
CUVEE ALYCE

2015 Walter Hansel Cuvee Alyce Chardonnay
When Walter Hansel Winery comes up in a conversation, it’s easy to reminisce about how they’re a model of consistency, and how their wines continually outshine the vast majority in their category.  Then comes the reviews, and they’re second to none.  Robert Parker writes that they’re “… consistently terrific wines… realistically priced… consumers couldn’t have a better friend than proprietor Stephen Hansel.”  When your brand sets a standard of undeviating quality and exceptionally high scores, it can be tough to stand out among your own vast accomplishments.  Walter Hansel has done just that with their flagship Cuvee Alyce Chardonnay…
 
Alyce is named after Stephen’s mother and makes her entrance from an elevated section of the vineyard that’s planted to a mix of Kistler clones brought over from Hudson and Hyde Vineyards.  Having yields of just 2 tons per acre Alyce always has remarkable power and intensity.  It’s also kept for around 3-4 months longer on the lees and is regarded for being the biggest and most opulent of all of the single vineyard Chardonnays.  With that, it also sells out the quickest… Here’s a chance to secure yours.  
 
WALTER HANSEL
2015 CHARDONNAY 
CUVEE ALYCE
 
Your Price: $36/btl 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2015 Chardonnay Cuvee Alyce (named after his mother ) is produced from a field blend of Hyde and Hudson Wente selections. This is a big Chardonnay made from tiny berries. Orange marmalade, tangerine oil, honeysuckle and citrus are all present in this beautifully textured, full-bodied Chardonnay that shows little evidence of oak. It should drink well for at least a decade.” 93-95 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Walter Hansel’s Cuvee Alyce Chardonnay may also enjoy these two stunning Walter Hansel Releases… 
 
2014 Walter Hansel North Slope Chardonnay
 2015 Walter Hansel South Slope Pinot Noir
WALTER HANSEL 
2014 CHARDONNAY
NORTH SLOPE
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “…The 2014 Chardonnay The North Slope comes from sandy, rich and fertile Goldridge soils. This wine exhibits plenty of honeyed brioche, with a greenish hue to its light-gold color, followed by notes of buttery hazelnuts, poached pear, pineapple and citrus oil. This is French in style as well, but with an almost lavish richness like a top-flight French Bâtard-Montrachet. It should drink well for 5-6 years. Some of the best values in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir emerge from Stephen Hansel’s winery in the Russian River Valley.”    93 Points
WALTER HANSEL 
2015 PINOT NOIR 
SOUTH SLOPE
 
Your Price: $42/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “… The deepest color of many of these Pinot Noirs, the wine has loads of damp earth, spice box and forest floor, this is a deep blue-fruited Pinot with a lovely texture, plenty of body, surprising concentration and richness. This is a stunner from 18-year-old vines. Drink it over the next decade or more…. This wine has a dense purple color, a gorgeously compelling nose of forest floor, spring flowers, blue, red and black fruits, followed by a full-bodied, layered and concentrated Pinot Noir that is as light as a ballerina on the palate, but at the same time, intense and rich. The finish just goes on and on. Drink it over the next decade or more.”   94-96 Points