Winemaker Notes
The 2022 DAOU Chardonnay displays a rich, ample nose of pineapple, vanilla bean, mango, hazelnut and nutmeg spice. Floral tones of honeysuckle and star jasmine are accented by sweet ginger and lemon zest. The palate is weighty and mouthfilling, delivering round, silky flavors of Bartlett pear, Crenshaw melon, kiwi and fresh pineapple. Notes of Golden Delicious apple and papaya are complemented with lemon cream pie and crushed almonds, while hints of white peach, citrus peel and cinnamon linger on a long, graceful finish.
About Winery
In the golden, oak-studded hills of Paso Robles' fabled west side, not far from William Randolph Hearst's magnificent castle, there is a man with a Homeric vision. His name is Daniel Daou and he is devoting his life and every imaginable resource to creating, first and foremost, a Cabernet Sauvignon that rivals the very best in the world.
Gracefully perched atop a stunning promontory at 2,200 feet, the DAOU Spanish Colonial style winery is embraced by a tangible serenity. Hawks wheel and bank while the all-day sun caresses close planted rows of lush, emerald green vines. The 100 percent calcareous soil makes no sound as it passes out nourishment and only a gentle breeze flows up through the Templeton Gap from the Pacific. The quiet is bewitching; you want to lay down roots here, just as the four-year-old vines have done. But the sense of peace belies the serious industry at work on this 100 acre estate. No effort is spared to create the luscious varietals and blends that flow from this limited production winery. This kind of synergy happens rarely: superlative climate and terroir, super intensive vineyard culture, and cutting edge viticultural practice. You're more likely to find it in Bordeaux than Central California. Coupled with the infectious passion and gracious, family style hospitality of the Daou brothers, Georges and Daniel, the result is pure magic. The kind of magic that comes in a bottle.
2023 | TP 97
Richly aromatic with notes of white fig, and citrus. blossom, this captivating Chardonnay slowly builds on the palate, progressing from silky notes of honeydew, nectarine and lemon zest to a full finish supported by elegant, toasted oak. Crisp minerality and juicy acidity lift and support the generous fruit and provide the framework for graceful aging.
About Winery
Founded in 1885 by Gold Rush Forty-Niner John Benson, Napa Valley's Far Niente prospered until Prohibition forced its abandonment in 1919. In 1979, Gil and Beth Nickel purchased and meticulously restored the stone shell, excavating North America’s first modern wine caves and successfully resuming winemaking with their 1982 vintage.
Far Niente, which translates from Italian to "without a care" or "sweetness of doing nothing", has grown to become a benchmark Napa Valley producer.
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.
Winemaker Notes
The 2022 DAOU Chardonnay displays a rich, ample nose of pineapple, vanilla bean, mango, hazelnut and nutmeg spice. Floral tones of honeysuckle and star jasmine are accented by sweet ginger and lemon zest. The palate is weighty and mouthfilling, delivering round, silky flavors of Bartlett pear, Crenshaw melon, kiwi and fresh pineapple. Notes of Golden Delicious apple and papaya are complemented with lemon cream pie and crushed almonds, while hints of white peach, citrus peel and cinnamon linger on a long, graceful finish.
About Winery
In the golden, oak-studded hills of Paso Robles' fabled west side, not far from William Randolph Hearst's magnificent castle, there is a man with a Homeric vision. His name is Daniel Daou and he is devoting his life and every imaginable resource to creating, first and foremost, a Cabernet Sauvignon that rivals the very best in the world.
Gracefully perched atop a stunning promontory at 2,200 feet, the DAOU Spanish Colonial style winery is embraced by a tangible serenity. Hawks wheel and bank while the all-day sun caresses close planted rows of lush, emerald green vines. The 100 percent calcareous soil makes no sound as it passes out nourishment and only a gentle breeze flows up through the Templeton Gap from the Pacific. The quiet is bewitching; you want to lay down roots here, just as the four-year-old vines have done. But the sense of peace belies the serious industry at work on this 100 acre estate. No effort is spared to create the luscious varietals and blends that flow from this limited production winery. This kind of synergy happens rarely: superlative climate and terroir, super intensive vineyard culture, and cutting edge viticultural practice. You're more likely to find it in Bordeaux than Central California. Coupled with the infectious passion and gracious, family style hospitality of the Daou brothers, Georges and Daniel, the result is pure magic. The kind of magic that comes in a bottle.
Winemaker Notes
The 2020 Chardonnay presents luscious aromas of pineapple, pear and Granny Smith apple with appealing hints of lemon chiffon, nectarine and honeysuckle. As the experience unfolds, the nose further reveals hints of star jasmine, nutmeg and vanilla bean. The palate is plush and graceful, offering mouthwatering flavors of peach, mango, kiwi and fresh Crenshaw melon. The rich fruit is perfectly complemented by suggestions of lemon zest and baking spice, while a voluptuous finish lingers with notes of pineapple, guava and hazelnut.
About Winery
In the golden, oak-studded hills of Paso Robles' fabled west side, not far from William Randolph Hearst's magnificent castle, there is a man with a Homeric vision. His name is Daniel Daou and he is devoting his life and every imaginable resource to creating, first and foremost, a Cabernet Sauvignon that rivals the very best in the world.
Gracefully perched atop a stunning promontory at 2,200 feet, the DAOU Spanish Colonial style winery is embraced by a tangible serenity. Hawks wheel and bank while the all-day sun caresses close planted rows of lush, emerald green vines. The 100 percent calcareous soil makes no sound as it passes out nourishment and only a gentle breeze flows up through the Templeton Gap from the Pacific. The quiet is bewitching; you want to lay down roots here, just as the four-year-old vines have done. But the sense of peace belies the serious industry at work on this 100 acre estate. No effort is spared to create the luscious varietals and blends that flow from this limited production winery. This kind of synergy happens rarely: superlative climate and terroir, super intensive vineyard culture, and cutting edge viticultural practice. You're more likely to find it in Bordeaux than Central California. Coupled with the infectious passion and gracious, family style hospitality of the Daou brothers, Georges and Daniel, the result is pure magic. The kind of magic that comes in a bottle.
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.
2022 | Vivino 4.3
Features aromas of Anjou pear, white flowers, fresh peach, and warm pastry, complemented by stony minerals, citrus lemon drops, and subtle toasty notes.
2023 | Vivino 4.3
Features an attractive nose of citrus and exotic fruits with delicate toasty undertones. The palate is rich and balanced, offering a smooth mouthfeel backed by a taut, mineral structure and long, persistent finish.
About Winery
Domaine Faiveley, founded in 1825 by Pierre Faiveley in Nuits-Saint-Georges, is one of Burgundy’s most historic family-owned estates, now led by the seventh generation, Erwan Faiveley. Over nearly two centuries, the domaine has expanded its holdings across prestigious appellations, acquiring iconic vineyards such as Corton Clos des Cortons Faiveley—a rare grand cru monopole—and parcels in Clos Vougeot and other renowned crus. Each generation has contributed to its growth, with François Faiveley extending the estate’s reach in the late 20th century, and Erwan modernizing winemaking practices while preserving tradition. Today, Domaine Faiveley is celebrated for producing terroir-driven wines that balance authenticity with contemporary refinement, making it a cornerstone of Burgundy’s legacy.
2023 | JS 95
Attractive nose offering subtle and seductive notes of citrus and exotic fruits combined with delicate toasty notes. The palate is rich and well-balanced with a smooth mouthfeel and taut, mineral structure. A very harmonious wine with exceptional aromatic persistency.
About Winery
Domaine Faiveley, founded in 1825 by Pierre Faiveley in Nuits-Saint-Georges, is one of Burgundy’s most historic family-owned estates, now led by the seventh generation, Erwan Faiveley. Over nearly two centuries, the domaine has expanded its holdings across prestigious appellations, acquiring iconic vineyards such as Corton Clos des Cortons Faiveley—a rare grand cru monopole—and parcels in Clos Vougeot and other renowned crus. Each generation has contributed to its growth, with François Faiveley extending the estate’s reach in the late 20th century, and Erwan modernizing winemaking practices while preserving tradition. Today, Domaine Faiveley is celebrated for producing terroir-driven wines that balance authenticity with contemporary refinement, making it a cornerstone of Burgundy’s legacy.
Winemaker Notes
Features prominent aromas of citrus oil, lemon, lime, white peach, Bosc pear, and fresh mint, complemented by subtle buttery, vanilla, and hazelnut undertones.
About Winery
Founded in 1859 by Louis Henry Denis Jadot, Maison Louis Jadot is a premier Burgundy producer with roots dating back to 1794. The house focuses on expressing terroir, holding over 60 hectares of vines. Their Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru "Les Baudes" is a structured, long-aging Pinot Noir sourced from vines near Morey-Saint-Denis.
Winemaker Notes
The 2015 Kistler Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard is a highly regarded, medium-to-full-bodied California white wine from the Carneros region, known for its vibrant citrus, stone fruit, and mineral complexity.
About Winery
Kistler Vineyards is a small winery in the Russian River Valley specializing in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Founded in 1978 on the notion that compelling wines of site can and should be made in California. Kistler has been working with their own heritage selection of Chardonnay since the mid-1980s and is known the world over as a single clone Chardonnay house. They plant one heritage selection of Chardonnay across fifteen vineyards, giving rise to eleven vineyard designate Chardonnays. Similarly, Kistler produces four Pinot Noirs; each of these wines is crafted from the two small-clustered, low-yielding clones that were imported from a Grand Cru vineyard in Burgundy, which they began propagating over 20 years ago. Geoff Labitzke, MW, is the National Director of Sales for Kistler Vineyards and will be our guide as we explore five distinct bottlings of Kistler’s highly sought-after wines.
2022 | V 93
The nose shows notes of sugared almond, lemon peel, marzipan, salted butter, jasmine, and mustard flowers, with hints of mint, spice, and flint. There is a distinct marine minerality on the palate; it possesses balanced acidity with a slightly honeyed note on the smooth yet voluptuous finish.
About Winery
In 2015, Angelo Gaja and Alberto Graci met for the first time. As the Gaja’s got to better know Alberto and his family over time, Angelo’s deep curiosity for their culture and land kept growing, and the desire of working together came naturally. Toward the end of 2016, based on the mutual respect and love of the artisanal approach in winemaking, Gaja and Graci decided to form a joint venture, a first for both of their families.
“Idda” (ee-duh) means “she” in the Sicilian dialect, which is a term of endearment and expression of awe with which Sicilians refer to Mt. Etna. For the people of Sicily, Etna is more than a mountain; it is a breathing being with her own identity and personality, a quick-tempered, capricious, yet maternal and protective mother on whom they depend on each day. In honor of Etna, IDDA is the name of our new adventure. A joint venture involving two families: Gaja and Graci (Gra-chi), that began in 2016, founded to explore the southern slope of Etna. Together searching for vineyards that express elegance and complexity driven by the specific site, soil & sunlight- that is unique to this land. IDDA is pure energy
2021 | JS 96
A classic example of Chardonnay from Langhe. The nose shows bright notes of citrus, lemon zest, verbena, and lemongrass that evolve into more complex hints of graphite, white pepper, and marjoram, all with underlying tones of delicate white flowers. In the mouth, the citrus-like acidity and soft, enveloping, barely perceptible wood come together to create a fresh entry on the palate. The lingering acidity and hints of honey make for a long, elegant finish. Marked aromatic persistence and after taste of anise and almond.
About Winery
Perched atop a steep hill in the Langhe sits the small village of Barbaresco, home of the GAJA winery. The story of the GAJA Winery can be traced to a singular, founding purpose: to produce original wines with a sense of place which reflect the tradition and culture of those who made it. This philosophy has inspired five generations of impeccable winemaking. It started over 150 years ago when Giovanni Gaja opened a small restaurant in Barbaresco, making wine to complement the food he served. In 1859, he founded the Gaja Winery, producing some of the first wine from Piedmont to be bottled and sold outside the region. Since that time, the winery has been shaped by each generation’s hand, notably that of Clotilde Rey, Angelo Gaja’s grandmother. Her passion for uncompromising quality influenced and informed Angelo Gaja. Through Angelo, these values have become the cornerstone of the GAJA philosophy and are engrained in every aspect of wine production
2021 | WA 94
Sliced pears and limes with some pear blossom aromas. Hints of fennel. Medium body. Pretty phenolics. Spicy and tangy finish. Some lemon zest. 60% in stainless with the rest in barrels. Uses some fruit from Alto Langa. Drink or hold.
2022 | V 93
Alteni 2022 is an intense and well-balanced wine with a wide range of aromas. It has citrus, botanical, and mineral notes, along with complex scents of resin, juniper, cucumber, fig leaves, sap, and a hint of gunpowder. As the wine breathes, you'll detect geranium, grapefruit, ripe pear, sage, and mint notes. The taste is well-balanced, with a salty savoriness that complements the acidity. There's a slight toastiness mixed with a sweet, fresh sensation. The wine has a fine mouthfeel, marked by tension and minerality.
About Winery
Perched atop a steep hill in the Langhe sits the small village of Barbaresco, home of the GAJA winery. The story of the GAJA Winery can be traced to a singular, founding purpose: to produce original wines with a sense of place which reflect the tradition and culture of those who made it. This philosophy has inspired five generations of impeccable winemaking. It started over 150 years ago when Giovanni Gaja opened a small restaurant in Barbaresco, making wine to complement the food he served. In 1859, he founded the Gaja Winery, producing some of the first wine from Piedmont to be bottled and sold outside the region. Since that time, the winery has been shaped by each generation’s hand, notably that of Clotilde Rey, Angelo Gaja’s grandmother. Her passion for uncompromising quality influenced and informed Angelo Gaja. Through Angelo, these values have become the cornerstone of the GAJA philosophy and are engrained in every aspect of wine production
2023 | JD 93-96 PTS
Tasted as a barrel sample, the 2023 Vistamare is lifted and packed with aromas of citrus zest along with a floral bouquet of concentrated key lime, starfruit, sea spray, and loads of floral citrus blossom. Medium to full-bodied, with a bit of white pepper spice, it has a fresher, more linear drive at this stage that should round and flesh out over time. (AF)
About Winery
Perched atop a steep hill in the Langhe sits the small village of Barbaresco, home of the GAJA winery. The story of the GAJA Winery can be traced to a singular, founding purpose: to produce original wines with a sense of place which reflect the tradition and culture of those who made it. This philosophy has inspired five generations of impeccable winemaking. It started over 150 years ago when Giovanni Gaja opened a small restaurant in Barbaresco, making wine to complement the food he served. In 1859, he founded the Gaja Winery, producing some of the first wine from Piedmont to be bottled and sold outside the region. Since that time, the winery has been shaped by each generation’s hand, notably that of Clotilde Rey, Angelo Gaja’s grandmother. Her passion for uncompromising quality influenced and informed Angelo Gaja. Through Angelo, these values have become the cornerstone of the GAJA philosophy and are engrained in every aspect of wine production
2023 | VIVINO 4.3 PTS
The 2023 Rossj-bass presents a powerful burst of tropical fruit and citrus flavors. The concentrated flavors reveal layers of mango, mandarin, cedar, and a slight hint of spice, floral notes, anise, and vanilla. The structure is solid, delivering elegance through its woven acidity. The finish is well-balanced, leaving a lasting impression of sweet citrus.
About Winery
Perched atop a steep hill in the Langhe sits the small village of Barbaresco, home of the GAJA winery. The story of the GAJA Winery can be traced to a singular, founding purpose: to produce original wines with a sense of place which reflect the tradition and culture of those who made it. This philosophy has inspired five generations of impeccable winemaking. It started over 150 years ago when Giovanni Gaja opened a small restaurant in Barbaresco, making wine to complement the food he served. In 1859, he founded the Gaja Winery, producing some of the first wine from Piedmont to be bottled and sold outside the region. Since that time, the winery has been shaped by each generation’s hand, notably that of Clotilde Rey, Angelo Gaja’s grandmother. Her passion for uncompromising quality influenced and informed Angelo Gaja. Through Angelo, these values have become the cornerstone of the GAJA philosophy and are engrained in every aspect of wine production
Winemaker Notes
This native-yeast-fermented Chardonnay features bright, zesty lemon aromas complemented by charming white flower notes. On the palate, it offers fresh and mouthwatering flavors of ripe pear, apple, quince, and hints of baking spice and chalky minerality
About Winery
Sojourn Cellars was founded in 2001 by two tennis friends, Craig Haserot and Erich Bradley, who shared a passion for great wine and tennis. They started with small bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon from exceptional vineyard sources. Over the years, Sojourn Cellars has grown into a boutique winery producing highly acclaimed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their hands-off winemaking style allows the character of the vineyard sites to shine through in the wines.
Winemaker Notes
Bottega Gold is a Prosecco DOC, obtained by the vinification of Glera grapes. The elegance, freshness and liveliness of its bubbles stem from the beauty and tradition of its territory, where unmistakable panoramas are shaped by vineyards. The cultivation area of Glera grapes is located in the hilly area of the province of Treviso up to the slopes of Valdobbiadene, which is close to the Venetian Prealps. This area is characterised by long but not excessively cold winters and by hot but not sultry summers. The vines in this region grow on different types of land, each characterised by a variety of soils, exposures and slopes that make this Prosecco a wine with many nuances. The hilly terrain is subject to high temperature ranges between day and night. This variation in temperature enables the development of finer, more elegant and at the same time more intense aromas.
About Winery
Bottega has a history of four centuries in the world of wine and grappa. Since the 17th century, when our ancestors cultivated the vine as tenant farmers, up to now, with Bottega wines, grappa and liquors being appreciated all over the world. TodayBottega wines and liqueurs have won more than 450 awards and accolades, and can be found in more than 160 countries around the world, in major duty free shops and airlines. As of 2022, Bottega Gold is the top-selling sparkling wine in travel retail according to IWSR rankings.
Winemaker Notes
The 2024 Vasse Felix Chardonnay is a powerful, highly acclaimed release from Margaret River, Western Australia, available in key expressions including the Estate, Filius, DHH1, and Heytesbury. It is widely celebrated by critics as one of the finest vintages produced by chief winemaker Virginia Willcock.
About Winery
Vasse Felix is the oldest wine estate in the Margaret River region of Western Australia, founded in 1967 by cardiologist Dr. Thomas Brendan Cullity. Cullity planted the first 8 acres of vines to prove the area's potential for fine winemaking, naming the estate after French sailor Timothée Vasse. David and Anne Gregg bought it in 1984, and the Holmes à Court family took over in 1987.
Winemaker Notes
The 2023 Vasse Felix Sauvignon Blanc is a complex, textural skin-contact white wine from Margaret River, Australia, though it is not currently listed for direct purchase on Wine.com (which instead stocks other Vasse Felix expressions like their Filius Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay).
About Winery
Vasse Felix is the oldest wine estate in the Margaret River region of Western Australia, founded in 1967 by cardiologist Dr. Thomas Brendan Cullity. Cullity planted the first 8 acres of vines to prove the area's potential for fine winemaking, naming the estate after French sailor Timothée Vasse. David and Anne Gregg bought it in 1984, and the Holmes à Court family took over in 1987.
Winemaker Notes
The 2025 Vasse Felix Filius Chardonnay is a vibrant, modern Margaret River wine featuring aromas of peach blossom, lemon sorbet, and subtle flint. It offers a juicy palate with mouth-watering natural acidity and a dry, saline finish.
About Winery
Vasse Felix is the oldest wine estate in the Margaret River region of Western Australia, founded in 1967 by cardiologist Dr. Thomas Brendan Cullity. Cullity planted the first 8 acres of vines to prove the area's potential for fine winemaking, naming the estate after French sailor Timothée Vasse. David and Anne Gregg bought it in 1984, and the Holmes à Court family took over in 1987.
Winemaker Notes
The Domaine Billaud-Simon Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses 2023 is an elegant, cool, and mineral-driven white wine featuring aromas of ripe citrus, white orchard fruit, and flinty sea-shell elements.
About Winery
Domaine Billaud-Simon, founded in 1815 in Chablis, is a historic estate whose vineyards lie on the banks of the Serein River, rooted in the region’s famed Kimmeridgian limestone soils rich with fossilized shells. Over generations, the Billaud and Simon families expanded holdings to include prestigious Grand Cru sites such as Les Clos, Vaudésir, Les Preuses, and Les Blanchots, as well as celebrated Premier Crus like Montée de Tonnerre and Vaillons. Known for its pure, mineral-driven Chardonnay, the winery emphasizes stainless steel vinification to preserve terroir clarity, with minimal oak influence. Since 2014, under the stewardship of the Faiveley family, Billaud-Simon continues to honor its legacy while refining quality, producing wines that embody the elegance, precision, and timeless character of Chablis.
Winemaker Notes
The Domaine Billaud-Simon Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots Vieilles Vignes 2024 features a bright hue with green glimmers, a delicate nose of white flowers and honey, and a rich, dense palate balanced by a long, mineral finish.
About Winery
Domaine Billaud-Simon, founded in 1815 in Chablis, is a historic estate whose vineyards lie on the banks of the Serein River, rooted in the region’s famed Kimmeridgian limestone soils rich with fossilized shells. Over generations, the Billaud and Simon families expanded holdings to include prestigious Grand Cru sites such as Les Clos, Vaudésir, Les Preuses, and Les Blanchots, as well as celebrated Premier Crus like Montée de Tonnerre and Vaillons. Known for its pure, mineral-driven Chardonnay, the winery emphasizes stainless steel vinification to preserve terroir clarity, with minimal oak influence. Since 2014, under the stewardship of the Faiveley family, Billaud-Simon continues to honor its legacy while refining quality, producing wines that embody the elegance, precision, and timeless character of Chablis.
Winemaker Notes
The 2023 Billaud-Simon Chablis Bougros Grand Cru features rich, demonstrative aromas of candied fruits, apple pie spice, and intense minerals, balanced by a powerful, unctuous palate with hints of gingerbread and a long, saline finish.
About Winery
Domaine Billaud-Simon, founded in 1815 in Chablis, is a historic estate whose vineyards lie on the banks of the Serein River, rooted in the region’s famed Kimmeridgian limestone soils rich with fossilized shells. Over generations, the Billaud and Simon families expanded holdings to include prestigious Grand Cru sites such as Les Clos, Vaudésir, Les Preuses, and Les Blanchots, as well as celebrated Premier Crus like Montée de Tonnerre and Vaillons. Known for its pure, mineral-driven Chardonnay, the winery emphasizes stainless steel vinification to preserve terroir clarity, with minimal oak influence. Since 2014, under the stewardship of the Faiveley family, Billaud-Simon continues to honor its legacy while refining quality, producing wines that embody the elegance, precision, and timeless character of Chablis.
Winemaker Notes
The 2023 Billaud Simon Chablis 1ER Cru Montee De Tonnerre is a complex, elegant wine featuring lemon peel, green apple, and salty oyster-shell minerality. It is made from a blend of old vines fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel tanks.
About Winery
Domaine Billaud-Simon, founded in 1815 in Chablis, is a historic estate whose vineyards lie on the banks of the Serein River, rooted in the region’s famed Kimmeridgian limestone soils rich with fossilized shells. Over generations, the Billaud and Simon families expanded holdings to include prestigious Grand Cru sites such as Les Clos, Vaudésir, Les Preuses, and Les Blanchots, as well as celebrated Premier Crus like Montée de Tonnerre and Vaillons. Known for its pure, mineral-driven Chardonnay, the winery emphasizes stainless steel vinification to preserve terroir clarity, with minimal oak influence. Since 2014, under the stewardship of the Faiveley family, Billaud-Simon continues to honor its legacy while refining quality, producing wines that embody the elegance, precision, and timeless character of Chablis.
