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Originally from France, Chardonnay is now grown in every major winemaking country, and is the most famous white wine on the planet. Because the grape itself is fairly neutral, the resulting wine's style is defined by where and how it's made.
California is well-known for full-bodied, oaky Chardonnays, but has also developed more restrained styles, notably from cooler-climate areas. The grape has reached new qualitative heights up and down the West Coast: Today's selection from Washington, Oregon and California represents the breadth of flavor that Chardonnay has to offer, with both classic and atypical characteristics.
Starting up north in Washington, the Browne and Sagelands Chardonnays are both from Columbia Valley, the state's largest AVA. The region is between the same latitudes as those of France's Burgundy region, which is famed for Chardonnay. Both wines are easy-drinking and exhibit spice notes.
The Argyle, Brick House and A to Z Wineworks versions hail from Oregon. The first two come from Willamette Valley, in the northwest of the state, and show a little more elegance and complexity. All three display classic Chardonnay characteristics, notably orchard fruit and spice.
Last but not least, we have an array of California Chardonnays, all from northern appellations, like Carneros, Mendocino and Napa Valley. They show an assortment of fruit, from the typical apple and pear to less common gooseberry and mango flavors. Some have California Chardonnay's quintessential buttery note, but the most prominent common thread is spice.
ARGYLE Chardonnay Eola-Amity Hills Nuthouse Master Series 2016
Vibrant and graceful with crisp pear and lemon flavors accented by apricot and spice flavors that linger. Drink now through 2021. 250 cases made.
GLORIA FERRER Chardonnay Carneros José S. Ferrer Selection Reserve 2016
Concentrated Gala apple, Bosc pear and dried apricot flavors are well-structured. Light and buttery midpalate, with an elegantly spiced and focused finish, featuring some savory hints. Drink now through 2022. 770 cases made.
BRICK HOUSE Chardonnay Ribbon Ridge 2016
Refined and harmonious with pretty pear and toasty spice flavors that glide on a long elegant finish. Drink now through 2022. 340 cases made.
BUENA VISTA Chardonnay Carneros 2016
Juicy white, with opulent flavors of mango, peach cobbler and apple pastry that are swathed with plenty of spiciness. Luscious finish. Drink now through 2021. 2,074 cases made.
A TO Z WINEWORKS Chardonnay Oregon 2017
Easygoing and snappy with floral apple and spice flavors. Drink now through 2019. 25,041 cases made.
BROWNE Chardonnay Columbia Valley Heritage 2016
Easygoing and delicately plush with pear and toasty spice flavors. Drink now through 2020. 6,000 cases made.
BRUTOCAO Chardonnay Mendocino Bliss Vineyard 2016
Plenty of rich, spicy overtones accent the baked apple and pear tart flavors, with dried mango notes on the structured finish. Drink now. 2,200 cases made.
THE HESS COLLECTION Chardonnay Napa Valley 2016
Aromatic spiciness dominates this lively white which is reminiscent of a dry Riesling. Gooseberry and dried savory flavors linger into the finish. Drink now. 21,700 cases made.
HOOPLA Chardonnay Yountville 2016
A lively and fruity style, with amply spiced flavors of lemon bar and green apple. Green nectarine notes show on the finish. Drink now. 1,800 cases made.
LLOYD Chardonnay Clarksburg Prescription 2016
Rich smoky and buttery notes accent the ripe white fruit flavors, with luscious tropical fruit and spice notes on the finish. Drink now. 8,000 cases made.
ROUTESTOCK Chardonnay Carneros 121 2017
Spicy white, with some seductive smoky notes to the apple, ripe pear and melon flavors. Toasty accents on the finish. Drink now. 2,750 cases made.
SAGELANDS Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2016
Easygoing and mildly zesty, with hints of tropical fruit and spice. Drink now. 2,063 cases made.