That’s correct, and Rombauer still does 350k cases a year and runs out every vintage, and not by design.
Aubert, Ramey, Paul Hobbs
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Maybe the other thing to consider is region - my somewhat naive view is my favorites tend to come from RRV, Sonoma Coast, Carneros. Somewhat cooler areas so my point is focus on some diversity in region to kind of consider what difference this makes.
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I always used to throw in Sebastiani North Coast Chardonnay for these kinds of tastings. It was $10 and always blew people’s socks off.
Ah I love K&L, any excuse to stop by
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I think its more in between. Sure, that style is still popular but if you taste widely enough you realize that its not the default style anymore by any stretch. Extreme styles rarely stay the default widely popular style for anything.
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I think it’s important to consider the topic…it isn’t what’s your favorite Chardonnay from California (or the US). Like many others, I prefer cool-climate chardonnays and have rarely bought from California and focus mostly on Oregon. But that’s not what the OP is asking. They want something that “best represent’s” the style. That is certainly a moving target and that is open to debate. But again I would argue that Kutch/Ceritas and many other producers who are loved by many on this board are making wines that are a REACTION to the prevalent buttery/oaky style.
I stand by my recs. No one has been more influential in SBC than the late Jim Clendenon at Au Bon Climat. They work with many of the most hearalded vineyards and he’s mentored Tyler, Chanin, Qupe, Rajat Parr (Sandhi), etc.
In Napa, Grgich was literally the winemaker behind the chardonnay that bested the French in the famous Judgement of Paris. Few have more experience making classic chardonnays than them.
In Santa Cruz, same goes for Mount Eden. Their vineyards and clonal selection goes back to the very beginning of California chardonnay.
And in Sonoma/RRV Ramey is a bit more modern, but it splits the difference between Kutch/Ceritas and Aubert/Rombauer. He’s also been around long enough that he has in turn influenced Burgundy. I believe PYCM credits him with learning about “browning the juice”. He also works with a number of very “classic” vineyards like Rochioli.
There are certainly MANY others, but they are likely to be very niche or harder to find. I think these producers would fit into a Venn diagram of being clearly identifiable as “California Chardonnay” while also being high quality producers, even if it isn’t your preference.
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Definitely one of the best. Have only bought two vintages but the Trout Gulch is one of my favorite CA chards by far. I also enjoy RM quite a bit as well.
Great take, thanks
Kistler is still a good one for the more hedonistic ripe/oaked style, and not crazy expensive.
Kosta Browne and Sea Smoke make very good chardonnay in a medium-large style.
Hanzell is a very well made one in more of a medium ripeness/oak style, plus it’s easy to source, and it ages well so you can consider a pretty wide range of vintages.
Agree with Kutch Trout Gulch being an excellent representative of the higher acid, low oak style, and great value at its price point. Tyler is another excellent one in this style, a level more expensive than Kutch but sometimes you can find deals on it at retail. Ladd is great here, and crazy good value.
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Another mention for Mount Eden Estate Chardonnay which is a fantastic example of a Santa Cruz Mountains chardonnay and is consistently good year after year, with some acid and some tension. They need at least 5 years of age and are still great at 15 and even 20 years. Mount Eden has a movie coming out soon, too, EDEN Trailer on Vimeo. K&L usually has aged bottles for sale, else check the winery’s website.
Marcassin is a natural selection. I might suggest the 2013.
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Excellent list especially Mt Eden. Make sure to get main cru.
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Enfield “Citrine”. This has depth and freshness (and is way under priced)
For classic - echoing those mentioning Mount Eden.
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There are some great options in this thread and some really good smaller producers which I think you should definitely seek out for your own. I actually have done a similar tasting (I went with some of the more widely available wines that are mentioned in this thread). I think this would be a good sampling:
– Rombauer (it is probably the wine that will be most recommended at a wine store if you ask for a buttery chardonnay).
– Ramey Hyde Vineyard – this is probably my favorite Chardonnay less than $70.
– Far Niente
– Chateau Montelena
– Sandhi
I think all of those will be in your stated price range. If you want to seek out something higher end I would definitely look at:
–Kosta Browne One Sixteen – It is very restrained and NOT like the Kosta Browne Pinots of the 2000s.
–Domaine De La Cote Juliet – the best domestic Chardonnay I have ever had, but it needs a lot of cellar time to come together. Incredible minerality.
I will also echo the others above that in the super-high-end category that Aubert and Kongsgaard The Judge are cult icons for California Chardonnay.
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There is one in Commerce Corner right now
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Dave,
If you are truly interested shoot me an email joe@arcadianwinery.com
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Shafer “Red Shoulder Ranch” Chardonnay Napa Carneros 750ml.
This to me is textbook and fits your budget perfectly.
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Alex,
What stores do you shop at/are easy for you to get to? I assume K&L is one of them, but are there others? I’m just thinking it might be easiest, and most productive for you, to have us quickly browse your preferred retailers’ selections and give you suggestions from there.
Hey Brian,
I’m in Los Angeles in Echo Park. The only good wine shops near me (that I know of) are K&L, Vendome, Wine House LA, Total Wine.
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