2015 Walter Hansel Chardonnays

WALTER HANSEL

2015 CHARDONNAYS
CAHILL LANE | NORTH SLOPE | CUVEE ALYCE

Each time I share a bottle of Walter Hansel Chardonnay, I get an unequivocal feeling that I’ve under-paid for it, because the wine inside the glass mimics Chardonnays at a significantly higher price.  When the winery comes up in a conversation, it’s very 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, which always shine.  Robert Parker writes that they’re “… consistently terrific wines… realistically priced… consumers couldn’t have a better friend than proprietor Stephen Hansel.”  Their 2015 Chardonnays are brilliantly detailed, profound and offer a glaring sense of value with every sip.  I strongly recommend stocking up, because there’s never enough to meet demand.
 
 
2015 Walter Hansel North Slope Chardonnay 2015 Walter Hansel Cahill Lane Chardonnay 2015 Walter Hansel Russian River Valley Cuvee Alyce Chardonnay
WALTER HANSEL
2015 CHARDONNAY
NORTH SLOPE
 
Your Price: $32/btl
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2015 season resulted in tiny clusters and small berries with production levels off by a minimum of 25%. The following 2015s will be bottled unfined and unfiltered. The 2015 Chardonnay The North Slope is a relatively small parcel planted on the sandy, loamy, Goldridge soils. This wine has a light greenish-gold color, a beautiful nose of nectarine, white peach and pineapple followed by a sexy, broad, savory full-bodied mouthfeel with an almost exotic fruit character. This is heady stuff and concentrated as most 2015s are. It should drink nicely for 7-8 years.94-96 Points
WALTER HANSEL
2015 CHARDONNAY
CAHILL LANE
 
Your Price: $32/btl
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate:The 2015 Chardonnay Cahill Lane is made from 100% Old Wente clone and planted in one of the few areas of his vineyard that has adobe-clay soil intermixed with sandy Goldridge material. The yields tend to be relatively large, so Stephen Hansel crop-thinned by at least 30%. The result is a big, beautiful wine that reminds me of a Corton-Charlemagne. Plenty of deep, poached pear, white peach, nectarine, tangerine oil and caramelized citrus are all present in ths wine that shows virtually no oak, full body and loads of texture. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.” 91-94 Points
WALTER HANSEL
2015 CHARDONNAY
CUVEE ALYCE
 
Your Price: $36/btl

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2015 Chardonnay Cuvee Alyce features lovely lemon curd, pink grapefruit and underripe pineapple with touches of toasted almonds, fresh ginger and honey toast. Medium-bodied and super intense in the mouth, it has a racy line cutting through the electrically charged fruit, finishing very long and minerally…”
94+ Points

 

2014 Ramey Platt Vineyard Chardonnay

2014 Ramey Platt Vineyard Chardonnay

RAMEY

2014 Ramey Platt Vineyard Chardonnay2014 CHARDONNAY
PLATT VINEYARD

 
If you’ve ever wondered if a winemakers experience could manifest itself directly into the flavors, profound complexity and vivid characteristics in a wine, just try one of David Ramey’s Single Vineyard Chardonnays… David is one of the great pioneers in the California wine industry, having helped put many iconic wineries on the map, including Dominus, Rudd and Jericho Canyon.  His first vintage of Chardonnay was at Simi Winery in 1980 and he’s taken everything that he’s learned along the way and poured it into his own label Ramey Wine Cellars which he started in 1996.  His single vineyard selection of Chardonnays offer Grand-Cru level complexity and they have the scores to back it up.  2014 is the final vintage of his Platt Vineyard designate Chardonnay and with a stellar 95 Point score from Robert Parker, don’t hesitate to secure yours…
 
Emerging from the cool and wind-swept Platt Vineyard, located within a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, this absolutely brilliant expression of cool climate Chardonnay was aged for 19 months in François Frères barrels and bottled without filtration.  Bearing a concentrated core of green orchard fruits interwoven with  veins of rocky minerals, tangerine oil and nutmeg, the wine’s stunning finish goes on and on and on, which is unlike the amount of this wine available, which certainly won’t last… 
 
RAMEY
2014 CHARDONNAY
PLATT VINEYARD
Retails at:  $65.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl
YOU SAVE 23%
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2014 Chardonnay Platt Vineyard has expressive pink grapefruit, warm peaches and brioche notes with hints of praline and ginger. Medium-bodied with great richness and depth in the mouth, it has a lovely creamy texture offset by a wicked backbone of freshness, finishing long with mineral and savory/yeasty layers.” 95 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Ramey Platt Vineyard Chardonnay may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
2016 DuMOL Wester Reach Russian River Valley Chardonnay
2016 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay
DuMOL 
2016 CHARDONNAY
WESTER REACH
 
Your Price: $56.99/btl

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Winery Notes: Orange zest, white flower, sweet sage and hay aromas yield to softer peach and apricot. The palate is full of energy and vigor with clear-cut fruit intensity and savory character. Ripe stone fruits dominate with an underscore of oatmeal and marzipan. Texture builds with a core of old vine extract balanced with vibrant lime and oyster shell freshness. The finish is long, cleansing, and refined. Drink between 2018 and 2022.” 
PAHLMEYER
2016 CHARDONNAY
NAPA VALLEY
 
Your Price: $79.99/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: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
2017 Domaine du Grand Pre Macon-Lugny Les Charms

2017 Domaine du Grand Pre Mâcon-Lugny Les Charmes

DOMAINE du GRAND PRE

2017 MÂCON-LUGNY
LES CHARMES (CHARDONNAY) 

2017 Domaine du Grand Pre Macon-Lugny Les Charms
With the price of Burgundy climbing to new heights, sometimes it pays to look just outside the expensive Cote D’Or region… One of my favorites is the Mâconnais which is well-known for producing extraordinary values in Chardonnay, including Pouilly-Fuisse which is found in a sub-region of the Mâconnais.  The 2017 Domaine de Grand Pre Macon-Lugny Les Charmes is vivid, precise and energetic.  Upon aeration the wine unwinds layers of white peach, caramelized pear, lemon drop, and minerals.  The wine effortless caresses your palate with beautiful weight and lovely acidity.  With a mere 50 cases imported into the US, this truly rare Mâcon will certainly leave a long lasting impression for those lucky enough to taste it.    
 
Perched on a plateau made of clay, limestone and chalky soils, the Les Charmes vineyard produces fruit of remarkable qualities.  The nearly 1/2 century old vines yield a stunning expression of Mâcon Chardonnay.  The quality is transparent from the first sip and a keen line of acidity perfectly compliments the mineral-core, tropical fruits and honeyed ginger.  With the limited number of cases imported into the US, and the excitement surrounding the 2017 vintage in Burgundy… don’t wait to secure your case of this gorgeous white Burgundy.   
 
DOMAINE du GRAND PRE
2017 MÂCON-LUGNY
LES CHARMES (CHARDONNAY)
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes:Great nose of minerals and white flowers. Nice richness, balance, acidity and structure in the mouth, with flavors of honeydew, pear, spice and a cleansing salinity on the finish. A harmonious, vibrant wine. ‘Les Charmes’, an 11 hectare vineyard with vines averaging 35 years of age, is located in the prime growing area of Mâcon on clay and limestone soils on east facing slopes, farmed organically. Fermented with native yeasts, aged 8 months in stainless steel tanks. 50 cases imported.”
 
Customers that enjoy Domaine du Grand Pre Macon-Lugny Les Charmes may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
2016 Domaine Francois Gaunaux 2015 Domaine Bourd Chassagne-Montrachet
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.”
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…”  95 Points, Kevin M Vogt, Master Sommelier
2016 Orrin-Sage Napa Valley Chardonnay

2016 Orrin-Sage Napa Valley Chardonnay

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

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 
2014 Matias Soberanes Vineyard Chardonnay

2014 Matias Soberanes Vineyard Chardonnay

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

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 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay

2016 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay

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

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 
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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

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.