California Chardonnay is undergoing a quiet renaissance, with modern producers shedding the over-oaked, overly ripe stereotypes of the past in favor of elegant, fresh and terroir-expressive Chardonnay. This week’s Tasting Highlights showcases this trend with an added bonus: All are priced at $40 or less, making for an affordable exploration. Furthermore, most of these wines come from the exceptional 2023 and 2024 vintages, which exhibit extra balance and depth and are well worth seeking out.
Although not from 2023 or 2024, the pristine 2022 Lula is from Anderson Valley vineyards, which have a cool coastal influence. Grapes were hand-harvested at night, with whole-bunch pressing, then fermented and aged in seasoned French oak barrels, resulting in a wine with delightful citrus notes and subtle ginger and cardamom details.
Also included is Cuvaison’s firm, sleek and mouthwatering Chardonnay Napa Valley Los Carneros 2023 and the creamy Frank Family Chardonnay Carneros 2023. Read on to get all eight reviews and tasting notes!
Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent ratings—including scores and full tasting notes—to WineSpectator.com members.
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