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.

Indulge in the exceptional Lucia Chardonnay Soberanes 2020, a sophisticated vintage crafted by the seminal Pisoni Family in the esteemed Santa Lucia Highlands of California. This illustrious winemaking family meticulously cultivates the Soberanes Vineyard, yielding an exceptional, full-bodied Chardonnay that critics laud as a perfect exemplar of new world terroir-driven wines. From its hand-harvesting process to its whole cluster pressing and fermentation in Burgundian barriques, every step of its creation reveres traditional winemaking techniques. This results in a complex wine with characteristic notes of richer golden apple and citrus peel, underscored by a minerality that reflects the region's granitic soils. The Lucia Chardonnay Soberanes 2020's subtle oak inflection and balanced acidity make for a supremely elegant, layered palate experience. Renowned as a masterpiece vintage, it offers an unforgettable journey into the refined art of Californian winemaking. Discover the precision, passion, and pure indulgence encapsulated in every bottle of Lucia Chardonnay Soberanes 2020.

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)

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.

Experience the luxury of the Patz & Hall Russian River Valley Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2018 crafted from one of California's top producers. Made from carefully selected clusters hailing from the iconic Dutton Ranch vineyards located in the cool, fog-laden Russian River Valley. Patz & Hall established in 1988, is famed for its artisanal, small-lot, single-vineyard wines. This elegant Chardonnay showcases bright, crisp apple and white peach flavours underpinned by firm acidity that promises a great aging potential. The wine follows the traditional Burgundian winemaking methods including hand-sorting, native yeast fermentation, and aging in French oak barrels for 10 months, imparting a delightful toasty, creamy texture. The Patz & Hall Russian River Valley Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2018 is indeed a classic representation of Chardonnays from this acclaimed region.

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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.

Vinous (91)

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.

Tim Atkin MW (96)

James Suckling (95)

Immerse yourself in the elegant subtleties of the Qupe Santa Ynez Marsanne 2012, a robust offering from California's celebrated central coast. This wine hails from Qupe, a winery established in 1982 by Bob Lindquist, renowned for exploring Rhône-style varietals. Crafted in the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley, this Marsanne imbues the enticing traces of its sun-drenched terroir.

The wine invigorates the palate with delicately balanced stone fruit notes displayed with remarkable purity and depth. The 2012 vintage, entirely barrel fermented in one- to three-years-old French oak barrels, offers an intricate interplay of rich texture and bright acidity, adding nuance to its fruit-forward flavours.

An exceptional testament to Lindquist's vision, this Qupe Santa Ynez Marsanne 2012 epitomises classy Californian wine. Its sophisticated profile and lingering finish make it a delightful companion to diverse cuisines, promising gastronomic delights. Revel in the mastery of this fine wine, truly a liquid poem to the patience of an expert winemaker.

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.

Vinous (96)

Esteemed by discerning connoisseurs, the Racines Wenzlau Family Vineyard Chardonnay 2019 is a tour de force of viticulture mastery. This charismatic wine hails from the esteemed Wenzlau Family Vineyard, tucked in the central coast of California, a region world-renowned for its exceptional Chardonnay. The Racines collaborative of four wine-making legends have lent their expertise to this 2019 Chardonnay, ensuring a production process steeped in tradition, yet adventurously innovative.

Exhibiting a pale golden hue, the Racines Wenzlau Family Vineyard Chardonnay 2019 truly exudes eloquence in a glass. Indulge in the inviting bouquet of sweet apple and citrus underscored by an earthy minerality. Its full-bodied, harmonious palate is marked by a voluptuous, creamy texture, punctuated with vibrant acidity and a lingering finish. Matured with the utmost precision, every sip of this meticulous Chardonnay promises an intoxicating blend of richness and refreshing taste, making the Racines Wenzlau Family Vineyard Chardonnay 2019 a standout choice for any discerning palate.

Experience the distinguished elegance of Racines Wenzlau Family Vineyard Chardonnay 2020, a white wine of exceptional calibre from the renowned viticultural region of Santa Barbara, California. Carefully crafted by winemaker Justin Willett, this illustrious wine is a testament to both Racines' commitment to organic farming and the exclusive Wenzlau family vineyard's unique terroir. The 2020 vintage is full-bodied and luxurious, displaying an exquisite palate of crisp apple, white flowers, and the opulent infusion of French Oak for 12 months. Refined minerality and a well-honed acidity provide an enchanting balance, ensuring a journey of flavour that is both complex and delightfully enduring. Unquestionably, Racines Wenzlau Family Vineyard Chardonnay 2020 exemplifies the art of winemaking and the grace of its origin, making it an enchanting addition to any wine collection.

Wine Enthusiast (98)

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