Chardonnay

chardonnayThe most successful white grape of the classic varietals, Chardonnay is the most popular wine produced in California. This has resulted in a wine available in a huge array of styles. From the big fruit varieties to the more citrusy versions of the hotter climes, the possibilities are endless. The winemaker also has a profound effect on the finished wine, with his or her choices of fermentation technique and wood aging. You’ll find many of California’s premiere Chardonnay producers on our list. From the ever popular Chateau St. Jean to the rare finds like Shafer, it’ll be hard to make a bad choice.

2007  ANGELINE Russian River Valley
2008  ARTESA Carneros, Napa Valley
2005  AUBERT Ritchie Vineyard Sonoma Coast
2006  AUBERT Ritchie Vineyard Sonoma Coast
2007  AUBERT Ritchie Vineyard Sonoma Coast
2007  CAMBRIA Katherine’s Vineyard Santa Maria Valley
2008  CHATEAU ST. JEAN Sonoma County
2008  CUVAISON Carneros, Napa
2007  FAR NIENTE Napa Valley
2008  FERRARI-CARANO Alexander Valley
2007  FLOWERS Sonoma Coast
2006  GRGICH HILLS Estate Grown Napa Valley
2007  JOSEPH DROUHIN Pouilly-Fuissé, Burgundy, France
2000  LITTORAI Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast
2001  LITTORAI Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast
2002  LITTORAI Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast
2006  LITTORAI Mays Canyon Russian River
2005  LITTORAI Thieriot Vineyard Sonoma Coast
2007  MACROSTIE Carneros
2008  NEWTON ‘Red Label’ Napa/Sonoma
2008  PAHLMEYER Jayson Napa
2006  PETER MICHAEL ‘Belle Côte’ Sonoma
2007  PETER MICHAEL ‘Belle Côte’ Sonoma
2005  PETER MICHAEL ʽLa Carrière’ Sonoma
2006 PETER MICHAEL ʽLa Carrière’ Sonoma
2007  PETER MICHAEL ʽLa Carrière’ Sonoma
2005  PETER MICHAEL ‘Mon Plasier’ Sonoma
2006  PLUMPJACK Napa
2008  PLUMPJACK Napa
2008  ROMBAUER VINEYARDS Carneros
2008  SAINTSBURY Unfiltered Carneros
2005  SHAFER ‘Red Shoulder Ranch’ Napa
2006  STAGLIN FAMILY Rutherford, Napa Valley
2007  TREFETHEN Napa