Winemaker Notes Bright ruby-red. Penetrating aromas of black cherry, dried flowers and brown spices. Not as silky as the 2004 through 2007 vintages but boasts noteworthy refinement and savory intensity, with fresh, harmonious acidity giving the wine good focus and finesse. Excellent depth here if not quite the flavor development of vintages like '07 and '04. Still, this conveys a thickness of texture and a faintly exotic quality and finishes with very suave tannins. The summer was rather cool but steady, and there was enough warmth in September to ensure ripe tannins without burning off needed acidity, noted Bo Barrett. A fairly elegantly styled Montelena Estate.  About Winery Château Montelena, founded in 1882 by San Francisco entrepreneur Alfred L. Tubbs in Calistoga, Napa Valley, became world-famous after its Chardonnay won the 1976 “Judgment of Paris” tasting, where California wines triumphed over top French competitors. Originally built as a grand stone château with vineyards planted on rugged land, the estate went through periods of decline before being revitalized in the 1970s under Jim Barrett and winemaker Miljenko “Mike” Grgich. That historic victory put Napa Valley on the global wine map, and today Château Montelena continues to produce acclaimed Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon while preserving its legacy as a pioneer of California’s rise in fine wine.

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Winemaker Notes Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs opens with an elegant bouquet of hazelnut, nashi pear, orange zest, and delicate floral notes of hyacinth, layered with hints of bread dough, Sichuan pepper, and subtle smokiness. On the palate, it is vibrant and youthful, balancing brisk acidity with a creamy texture, offering flavors of citrus, chalk, dried fruits, and pastry. The wine’s depth is enhanced by its long lees aging, giving complexity and finesse, while the finish lingers with spice, white pepper, and a refined mineral edge that promises excellent aging potential. About Winery Founded in 1729, Ruinart is the first established champagne house in the world, born from the ambition of Dom Ruinart’s true enlightened mind. His vision made him perceive before anyone else the potential of sparkling wines from the Champagne region. Each of Ruinart’s cuvées bears the distinctive signature of Chardonnay, the House’s emblematic grape variety. Elegance, refinement, purity, light and distinctive taste make Ruinart a timeless and modern icon.

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PRE-ORDER About Winery Domaine Bernard Moreau, a premier Chassagne-Montrachet estate established in 1809, is celebrated for crafting opulent, mineral-driven Burgundy wines, particularly Chardonnay. Originally built by Auguste Moreau, the domaine flourished under Marcel Moreau in the 1930s before Bernard took over at age 14, establishing the modern name in 1977. 

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PRE-ORDER About Winery Domaine des Comtes Lafon, based in Meursault in Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune, was established in the late 19th century when Jules Lafon, a lawyer, married Marie Boch in 1894 and inherited prime vineyard parcels in Meursault and Volnay, later adding a piece of the legendary Montrachet in 1919. Initially, much of the vineyard work was handled by sharecroppers, but in 1956 René Lafon began reclaiming the vines, and by 1961 the domaine started bottling its own wines. Since 1985, René’s son Dominique Lafon has led the estate, introducing biodynamic viticulture and elevating it to one of Burgundy’s most acclaimed producers, renowned for its expressive, terroir-driven whites and reds from prestigious appellations like Meursault Charmes, Perrières, and Montrachet.

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Tasting Notes Made from 100% Chardonnay, it shows aromas of peach, apricot, citrus, and subtle oak, with a soft, linear palate marked by minerality and freshness. Domaine Hudelot-Baillet, founded in 1981 in Chambolle-Musigny by Joël Hudelot and Chantal Baillet, is now run by Dominique Le Guen and his son Tanguy, representing the seventh generation of winemakers, and is known for its terroir-driven, sustainable approach to Burgundy wines. About Winery Domaine Hudelot-Baillet is located in Chambolle-Musigny, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, and was established in 1981 by Joël Hudelot and his wife Chantal Baillet, inheriting vineyards from Joël’s father, Paul Hudelot. In 1998, Joël’s son-in-law Dominique Le Guen joined, taking over winemaking in 2002 and fully managing the domaine by 2004, shifting focus to estate-bottled wines of higher quality. In 2019, Dominique’s son Tanguy entered the estate, marking the seventh generation of family winemakers. Today, Hudelot-Baillet cultivates about 9 hectares, emphasizing sustainable viticulture, minimal intervention, and terroir expression, producing respected wines across Bourgogne, village, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru appellations.

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Tasting Notes Chablis 1er Cru Beauregard from Domaine Pattes Loup is a standout biodynamic Burgundy white, combining fresh citrus and floral aromatics with sharp minerality and saline complexity, earning strong ratings from both critics and consumers. About Winery The winery itself is a modern, organic pioneer in Chablis, led by Thomas Pico, whose meticulous vineyard work and long élevage have elevated the domaine into one of the region’s most respected names.

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Tasting Notes Domaine Pattes Loup Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux Mise Tardive is a biodynamic Chardonnay that has earned excellent reviews, averaging 93–95 points from critics and community ratings. It shows rich orchard fruit, honeycomb, and mandarin oil aromas, with a deep, multidimensional palate marked by leesy texture, bracing acidity, and a long saline finish. About Winery The winery itself is a modern, organic pioneer in Chablis, led by Thomas Pico, whose meticulous vineyard work and long élevage have elevated the domaine into one of the region’s most respected names.

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Tasting Notes This wine is a classic example of Thomas Pico’s long élevage style (“Mise Tardive” = late bottling), giving extra depth and texture compared to standard Chablis bottlings. It combines fresh citrus and minerality with complexity from extended lees aging, making it a standout choice for those who enjoy structured, terroir-driven Burgundy whites. About Winery The winery itself is a modern, organic pioneer in Chablis, led by Thomas Pico, whose meticulous vineyard work and long élevage have elevated the domaine into one of the region’s most respected names.

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PRE-ORDER About Winery Domaine Roulot, based in Meursault, Burgundy, was founded in the early 20th century (often cited as the 1930s) by Guy Roulot, who established its reputation for high-quality, terroir-driven white wines. Following Guy's death in 1982, actor-turned-winemaker Jean-Marc Roulot took over in 1989, elevating the 15.5-hectare estate to iconic status through organic farming and a chiseled, mineral-driven style. 

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PRE-ORDER About Winery Domaine Roulot, based in Meursault, Burgundy, was founded in the early 20th century (often cited as the 1930s) by Guy Roulot, who established its reputation for high-quality, terroir-driven white wines. Following Guy's death in 1982, actor-turned-winemaker Jean-Marc Roulot took over in 1989, elevating the 15.5-hectare estate to iconic status through organic farming and a chiseled, mineral-driven style. 

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PRE-ORDER About Winery Domaine Roulot, based in Meursault, Burgundy, was founded in the early 20th century (often cited as the 1930s) by Guy Roulot, who established its reputation for high-quality, terroir-driven white wines. Following Guy's death in 1982, actor-turned-winemaker Jean-Marc Roulot took over in 1989, elevating the 15.5-hectare estate to iconic status through organic farming and a chiseled, mineral-driven style. 

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PRE-ORDER About Winery Domaine Roulot, based in Meursault, Burgundy, was founded in the early 20th century (often cited as the 1930s) by Guy Roulot, who established its reputation for high-quality, terroir-driven white wines. Following Guy's death in 1982, actor-turned-winemaker Jean-Marc Roulot took over in 1989, elevating the 15.5-hectare estate to iconic status through organic farming and a chiseled, mineral-driven style. 

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PRE-ORDER About Winery Domaine Roulot, based in Meursault, Burgundy, was founded in the early 20th century (often cited as the 1930s) by Guy Roulot, who established its reputation for high-quality, terroir-driven white wines. Following Guy's death in 1982, actor-turned-winemaker Jean-Marc Roulot took over in 1989, elevating the 15.5-hectare estate to iconic status through organic farming and a chiseled, mineral-driven style. 

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Tasting Notes Domaine Sébastien Dampt Chablis opens with fresh aromas of lemon, lime, and green apple, layered with chalky minerality and subtle flint. On the palate, it is fully dry, taut, and mouth-watering, with crisp acidity that enhances its citrus and orchard fruit flavors. The texture is super-dry yet balanced, making it refreshing and moreish, while the finish is clean, saline, and persistent—an elegant example of unoaked Chablis that highlights purity and terroir. About Winery Domaine Sébastien Dampt was founded in 2007 in Milly, near Chablis, by Sébastien Dampt, son of Daniel Dampt and grandson of Jean Defaix, continuing a family winemaking tradition spanning over 150 years. He began with just 6 hectares, producing Petit Chablis, Chablis, and several Premier Crus including Vaillons, Côte de Léchet, and Les Beugnons. Known for his focus on terroir expression, Sébastien uses stainless steel and concrete egg fermenters to highlight minerality while avoiding heavy oak influence. Today, alongside his father and brother (who run their own domaines), Sébastien has established himself as one of Chablis’s promising new-generation producers, crafting wines that balance purity, freshness, and age-worthy structure.

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Tasting Notes The Côte de Léchet Premier Cru from Sébastien Dampt is a taut, mineral-driven Chardonnay with aromas of green apple, lime zest, seashells, and chalk. On the palate, it is crisp and precise, showing bracing acidity, citrus fruit, and oyster-shell salinity, with a leesy texture that adds depth. The finish is long, sappy, and saline, making it both refreshing in youth and structured enough to age gracefully for 10–15 years. About Winery Domaine Sébastien Dampt was founded in 2007 in Milly, near Chablis, by Sébastien Dampt, son of Daniel Dampt and grandson of Jean Defaix, continuing a family winemaking tradition spanning over 150 years. He began with just 6 hectares, producing Petit Chablis, Chablis, and several Premier Crus including Vaillons, Côte de Léchet, and Les Beugnons. Known for his focus on terroir expression, Sébastien uses stainless steel and concrete egg fermenters to highlight minerality while avoiding heavy oak influence. Today, alongside his father and brother (who run their own domaines), Sébastien has established himself as one of Chablis’s promising new-generation producers, crafting wines that balance purity, freshness, and age-worthy structure.

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Tasting Notes Perfumed with oyster shell, green apple skin, Meyer lemon, lime blossom, and hints of honeysuckle. Round yet taut, smoky and saline, with refined minerality, candied lime, lemon zest, and briny oyster-like freshness. Long, persistent, with terrific balance and energy. Classic Chablis—crisp, mineral-driven, with excellent structure for aging. About Winery Domaine Sébastien Dampt was founded in 2007 in Milly, near Chablis, by Sébastien Dampt, son of Daniel Dampt and grandson of Jean Defaix, continuing a family winemaking tradition spanning over 150 years. He began with just 6 hectares, producing Petit Chablis, Chablis, and several Premier Crus including Vaillons, Côte de Léchet, and Les Beugnons. Known for his focus on terroir expression, Sébastien uses stainless steel and concrete egg fermenters to highlight minerality while avoiding heavy oak influence. Today, alongside his father and brother (who run their own domaines), Sébastien has established himself as one of Chablis’s promising new-generation producers, crafting wines that balance purity, freshness, and age-worthy structure.

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PRE-ORDER About Winery Founded in 1957 by William Fèvre, a prominent figure in the region, the domaine began with 7 hectares and grew into one of Chablis's largest and most prestigious, now boasting ~78 hectares. Known for advocating for authentic, traditional Chablis, the estate was sold to Champagne Henriot in 1998, with the aim of reducing new oak to emphasize mineral, terroir-driven styles. The estate is highly regarded for its Premier Cru Beauroy, which features old vines, and has been under the leadership of Didier Séguier since 1998. 

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PRE-ORDER About Winery Domaine Henri Boillot, based in Meursault, is a prestigious, family-run Burgundy estate with roots dating back to 1885. Known for elite Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the domaine was re-established in 2005 by Henri Boillot after separating from his brother, focusing on high-end, precise wines. Today, Henri and his son Guillaume manage the estate, with 2011 acquisitions strengthening their holdings in Bâtard-Montrachet. 

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PRE-ORDER About Winery Domaine Henri Boillot, based in Meursault, is a prestigious, family-run Burgundy estate with roots dating back to 1885. Known for elite Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the domaine was re-established in 2005 by Henri Boillot after separating from his brother, focusing on high-end, precise wines. Today, Henri and his son Guillaume manage the estate, with 2011 acquisitions strengthening their holdings in Bâtard-Montrachet. 

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2022 | WE 92 The 2022 Riverstone display enticing aromas of ripe orange, white peach, nectarine, cocoa, and baking spices. The rich texture and balance on the palate from barrel aging sur lie offers flavors of ripe Meyer lemon, citrus cream, hazelnut, and a hint of oak on the long finish. THE J LOHR STORY Fifty years ago, Jerry Lohr embarked on a career change. What followed would reshape the landscape of the California wine industry and create one of the country’s most popular wine brands. In the late 1960s, Jerry Lohr began an extensive investigation of California grape growing regions – searching for the ideal location for his first vineyard. Jerry was raised on a South Dakota farm; his agricultural roots armed him with an innate sense for the relationship between climate, soil, and location. His research and instincts led him to the Central Coast, an area just beginning to explore its potential for winegrowing. Four decades ago, the California Central Coast had not yet emerged as one of North America’s world-class winegrowing regions. With little history or viticultural precedent, planting on the Central Coast was a gamble. One of a handful of early pioneers, Jerry Lohr was among the first to realize the inherent potential of Monterey and Paso Robles for producing high quality grapes and superb wines. PIONEERING MONTEREY AND PASO ROBLES -JERRY LOHR LEGACY-It’s no coincidence that the Central Coast’s emergence as a world class winegrowing region runs parallel with the establishment and growth of J. Lohr Vineyards & Winery. Founder Jerry Lohr is one of the region’s pioneers and has played a larger-than-life role in bringing the area to prominence. Jerry’s instincts led him to two regions located about 75 miles apart. In the early 1970s, he chose Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco district for its cool, windy climate and rocky soils as ideal for Chardonnay. In the 1980s, he recognized the potential of Paso Robles for growing Bordeaux varietals, especially Cabernet Sauvignon – given the area’s rich soils and dramatic diurnal temperature swings between warm days and cool nights. After Jerry Lohr’s nearly decade-long search for the right place to plant his first vineyard, he chose a site in Monterey County that was to become the heart of the Arroyo Seco appellation. Jerry originally planted 280 acres in 1972 and 1973 near Greenfield. Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco appellation has proved ideal for growing layered, complex Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Brisk winds and fog off Monterey Bay, stony, well-drained soils, and a lack of damaging fall rains all combine to produce grapes with trademark fruit intensity and balancing acidity. In 1974, Jerry unveiled the first J. Lohr winery in San Jose. In the early 1980s, Jerry Lohr saw the potential for great Cabernet Sauvignon further south. Borrowing a lesson from the French—that great Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon excel in very different growing conditions—Jerry began planting Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varieties in San Luis Obispo County’s little-known Paso Robles region in 1986. With the hands-on devotion of an artisan farmer, Jerry tended to the vines while diligently working toward the creation and development of an adjacent winery and barreling cellars; J. Lohr’s Paso Robles production facility was opened in 1988.

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Tasting Notes A lovely deep saturated ruby color, this Cabernet opens with a vibrant nose of black raspberry, blackcurrant and blackberry preserves alongside delicate hints of violet. On the palate, ripe dark plum, black cherry, classic redcurrant and hibiscus flower support savory Chaparral sagebrush notes of lavender and Bay Laurel, while the fruit remains bright and boisterous, enveloping the mouth with a medium to full body and lip-smacking appeal. The texture is soft and silky with velvety-rich tannins that provide a nice grip and firmness with good depth and balance. Concluding with a refined and polished character, the finish is long and sumptuous with an enchanting seductive character. About Winery Domaine Fourrier, based in Gevrey-Chambertin, traces its roots back to the 1930s when Fernand Pernot established the estate, later passing it to his nephew Jean-Claude Fourrier. In 1994, Jean-Marie Fourrier took over at just 23 years old after training with Henri Jayer and Domaine Drouhin in Oregon, bringing a philosophy of minimal intervention, native yeast fermentations, and restrained oak use. With many old-vine parcels planted between the 1930s and 1950s, the domaine quickly rose to prominence for producing transparent, terroir-driven wines. Today, Jean-Marie runs the estate alongside his family, maintaining its reputation as one of Burgundy’s most respected producers.

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2020 | V 94 The 2020 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) is exquisite. That's all there is to it. Creamy and rich, yet not at all heavy, the Napa Valley Chardonnay is perhaps a bit understated, but also avoids the edginess of so many other wines in this vintage. Orchard fruit, mint, lemon confit and tangerine oil open first. Pretty floral and tropical accents grace the finish in this classy, polished Chardonnay from John and Alex Kongsgaard.  2021 | V 97 The 2021 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) is stellar. Wonderfully refined and airy, the 2021 impresses with its total harmony. It is especially elegant. Whether that is due to the vintage, a tendency to pick on the earlier side these days, or the combination of sites, the 2021 is magnificent, if a bit less showy than it used to be. (AG) 2022 | V 93 The 2022 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) is typically a blend of Hyde, Hudson, Arcadia and a few others. In 2022, Hudson was not in the blend. Dried lemon peel, tangerine oil, hazelnut and chamomile unfurl in the glass. The drought conditions of the year produced a wine of considerable intensity. Its weight and viscous intensity make it a sort of mini-Judge. The 2022 is very dense and phenolic.  2023 | V 96 The 2023 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) is a total stunner. Lemon confit, white flowers, tangerine peel, baked apple tart and lightly honeyed notes fill out the layers effortlessly. This large-scale, layered Chardonnay is exceptionally elegant and polished. Readers will find a Chardonnay of tremendous textural breadth and pedigree.   Winemaker Notes The 2021 Kongsgaard Chardonnay is described as a stellar, refined, and elegant wine. It showcases a harmonious blend of citrus and honeyed aromas with a vibrant, saline, and mineral finish. The wine exhibits a full-bodied and creamy texture with a long, lingering finish, featuring notes of lemon oil and wet stone. It is characterized by a bright acidity that balances the rich fruit flavors.  Kongsgaard Winery Kongsgaard Winery is a boutique, family-owned winery located in the heart of Napa Valley, California. Known for producing small amounts of highly acclaimed, world-class wines, the winery has gained a reputation for its exceptional Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignon, which reflect the rich terroir of Napa Valley.

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Winemaker Notes Chardonnay from the Willamette Valley has this uncanny ability to combine the sweet opulence akin to California’s Napa Valley and the racy minerality of Burgundy-fame. About Winery What makes this wine so special is that it’s a true expression of small-lot Chardonnay in the Willamette Valley. It’s not mass-produced, it’s something that we make less than 200 cases of to really focus on bringing the best possible blend we can make. We’re fortunate to have this sweet spot for Chardonnay in the Pacific Northwest that is a bridge between the rich, opulent wines of California and the racy, acidic wines of Burgundy that need to be heavily oaked and sit for years before they’re drinkable. With our Kudos Chardonnay, we make a sensible, partially oaked wine and intertwine it with stainless steel during fermentation to bring a balanced, cool-climate wine with body and structure as well as some of the tasty butterscotch and vanilla notes that we love in Chardonnay.

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