Category: Chardonnay

Merino Chardonnay 2012

91
Merino
Fanciful Name: Limestone Hill
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Chile
Appellation: Limari Valley
Retail Price: $29.99

Tasting Notes: A beautiful Chilean Chard with no malo! Aromas of orange peel, lemon and clove lead to flavors of green apple, more spice and some chalky minerality. Lots of class to this one.
Merino Chardonnay 2012

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Dr. Konstantin Frank Chardonnay 2012

91
Dr. Konstantin Frank
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: New York
Appellation: Finger Lakes
Retail Price: $16.99

Tasting Notes: Some of the best-value Chardonnay you can find, Dr. Konstantin Frank delivers again with the 2012 barrel fermented Chardonnay. To say it’s impossible to find the balance, mouth feel and heartiness for this price anywhere else in America would be an understatement. Fresh pineapple, honeysuckle and vanilla burst from the nose and echo in the palate. Pair this with the next seafood dish you poach in butter.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Chardonnay 2012

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Mt. Beautiful Chardonnay 2014

95
Mt. Beautiful
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: New Zealand
Appellation: Canterbury
Retail Price: $19

Tasting Notes: This will draw attention to the lovely Chardonnays produced in New Zealand that haven’t received accolades they deserve. From certified-sustainable vineyards, this is a rather New World/Old World style. It has nuances of wildflowers, mineral and under-ripe fruit on the nose. These nuances continue on the palate, but then fruit flavors become lush and mouth filling. The finish is long and lively with racy sweet/tart acidity and a hint of lemon/grapefruit. Pair this with pork or fowl with a fruit glaze, or enjoy it as an aperitif.
Mt. Beautiful Chardonnay 2014

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Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2012

93
Cloudy Bay
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: New Zealand
Appellation: Marlbourough
Retail Price: $35.99

Tasting Notes: New Zealand is not always the first place you think of when someone says “great Chardonnay,” but with wines like the 2012 Cloudy Bay Chardonnay, it should be in the conversation. Intensely fruity, showing more citrus than most Chardonnay, Cloudy Bay makes a well-balanced, Chardonnay-lovers dream at a value that is hard to match. One of the world’s premier Sauvignon Blanc producers is throwing its name in the hat for Chardonnay of the highest quality — and is on point.
Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2012

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J.Lohr Chardonnay 2014

98
J.Lohr
Fanciful Name: J.Lohr Arroyo Vista
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Monterey
Retail Price: $29.99

Tasting Notes: Winemaker Kristen Barnhisel continues the fine-tuning on Lohr’s ultimate version of the great white Burgundys of France. Classic techniques abound, from early-morning handpicking/sorting and stirring of the lees to extended barrel aging (14 months). Great mouth feel, very viscous, rich flavors, and a long, lingering finish. A true Monterey classic that should have the French looking over their shoulders.
J.Lohr Chardonnay 2014

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Flora Springs Chardonnay 2013

92
Flora Springs
Fanciful Name: Barrel Fermented
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $35

Tasting Notes: Bright, crisp aromas and flavors of pear and golden delicious apples, balanced beautifully by toasty oak and crisp acidity. The finish is long and refreshing.
Flora Springs Chardonnay 2013

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Duckhorn Vineyards Chardonnay 2013

97
Duckhorn Vineyards
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $39.99

Tasting Notes: This, only their second release for a Chardonnay, confirms that Duckhorn and Renee Ary are on the right path. Rich, vibrant fruit highlights the best fruit sourced from 11 prime valley sites. Peach and melon notes balance the touches of citrus fruits. Very detailed barrel fermentation program includes hand stirring of the lees.
Duckhorn Vineyards Chardonnay 2013

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Davis Bynum River West Vineyard Chardonnay 2013

98
Davis Bynum River West Vineyard
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Retail Price: $25

Tasting Notes: Single vineyard. French oak barrel-fermentation and aging. 100% malolactic fermentation. Aged sur lie. The result? Rich, buttery, toasty, classic Russian River Chardonnay! A bouquet of baked fruits and spices leads to a creamy texture that coats the palate with flavors of apple, pear and apricot, with a hint of vanilla/butterscotch. There is still a crisp acidity on the finish that adds great length.
Davis Bynum River West Vineyard Chardonnay 2013

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Beaucanon Estate Chardonnay 2012

95
Beaucanon Estate
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $25

Tasting Notes: This lovely Chardonnay definitely has a French flair. The grapes are 100% organic. Understated tropical fruit aromas and flavors with slightly toasted oak undertones. A rich, honey-like texture. The balance of fruit, oak and acidity is perfect. A lovely hint of minerality lingers on the finish. All components harmonize and gently coat the palate and stay. It is reminiscent of a good Meursault in style. The 2012 vintage is now peaking beautifully. Ideal for seafood.
Beaucanon Estate Chardonnay 2012

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Yalumba Chardonnay 2014

92
Yalumba
Fanciful Name: Unwooded
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Australia
Appellation: South Australia
Retail Price: $10.99

Tasting Notes: A good wine at a good price. The non-toasty flavor profile is refreshingly crisp, speckled with peach and pineapple notes throughout. A zippy finish with sleek texture.
Yalumba Chardonnay 2014

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Heron Chardonnay 2013

95
Heron
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Sonoma County
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: The owner, Laely Heron, is an innovator. She contracts with growers from premier California AVAs for her wines. The grapes are sourced from Russian River Valley, Carneros and Santa Maria Valley from 22-25-year-old vines. She incorporates whole-cluster pressing with barrel aging of up to five months with no malolactic fermentation. The wine is lively and refreshing with lush flavors of peach, mango and citrus. It’s long, crisp and zesty on the finish with lip-smacking acidity: an ideal aperitif, or will pair beautifully with milder Oriental cuisine.
Heron Chardonnay 2013

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Goldschmidt Singing Tree Russian River Chardonnay 2014

94
Goldschmidt
Fanciful Name: Singing Tree
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Russian River
Retail Price: $17.99

Tasting Notes: This is an absolutely gorgeous Chardonnay from start to finish. The subtle buttery notes are quickly complimented with soft tropical fruit and hints of Granny Smith apple, and all is surrounded by perfectly balanced acidity.
Goldschmidt Singing Tree Russian River Chardonnay 2014

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