USA Chardonnay that might impress a French zealot of white Burgundy?

[Mel_Knox]

Here is a left field suggestion:
Yesterday a group of us gathered at a private home in Healdsburg to toast the late Jim Clendenen. We all brought wines from our cellars.
Our hosts opened a magnum of 2010 Au Bon Climat Hildegard. Everyone was blown away but only the hosts and myself knew what it was: a blend of pinot blanc, pinot gris and aligote. I do remember Jon Bonne telling me it was his favorite ABC wine.
Younger vintages are available via the winery’s website.

[Patrick_Taylor]

I list my few on-hand bottles of American Chardonnay below. I am looking for suggestions on which of these might impress a French guest who loves white Burgundy. Beyond that, I would welcome other suggestions for USA Chardonnay that might be “eye-opening” (in a good way) for a French white Burgundy oenophile. Thanks.
2016 Ramey Chardonnay Rochioli
2016 Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay Estate Grown Napa Valley
2016 Chappellet Chardonnay Grower Collection El Novillero

Hey Jim, Wondering how it went.

[Jim_Stewart]

Hi Patrick. I ended up getting a couple bottles of the Ramey Hyde as a good bet to impress. This burgophile is a French friend of my wife and she will hopefully be visiting with us later this summer. I am sure we will be pulling out other bottles during her stay, but I wanted a good shot at an eye-opening wine in her wheelhouse. A very “opinionated” person, if you get my gist. Thanks for asking.

[Todd_Tucker]

Goodfellow Richard’s and Durant, and Walter Scott X-Novo for me. I also think Jamie Kutch’s fit in there. None are Burgundy, nor should they be; but all seem to have the same qualities I love in white Burg.

[Jim_Stewart]

So . . .
A few years later and my wife’s friend is finally visiting. We have opened several bottles over several days, including some USA wines. Tonight with a cheese and charcuterie board, I decided to play my trump cards. A 2017 Roederer Estate Brut and a 2017 Ramey Hyde Chardonnay. The Champagne impressed her. The Chardonnay wowed her. She could hardly stay in her chair while drinking the Chardonnay she was so enthusiastic.
Thanks to all for the recs.

[Mark_Golodetz]

@David_Moore

I’ll 2nd the Mt. Eden Estate.

The reserve is not in the French style, but wonderful. I serve this when I have a winemaker guest.

[PHuff]

@Jim_Stewart

2017 Ramey Hyde Chardonnay. The Champagne impressed her. The Chardonnay wowed her. She could hardly stay in her chair while drinking the Chardonnay she was so enthusiastic.

I haven’t had one in a long long time, but the Ramey Hyde Chardonnay remains one of the best white wines I have ever drank…

[Jonathan_Favre]

I’d have to add the 00 WInes Chardonnays to this - EGW, VGW, Freya Hermann, and the Kathryn Hermann bottlings. Taste them to believe it!

[Dan_Kravitz]

Skimming the thread again, didn’t see Montelena. Consistently outstanding a very ageworthy.