CHARDONNAY
99 Ramey 2020 Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay (Carneros-Napa Valley). This full-bodied, incredibly rich and mouth-filling wine from a near-legendary vineyard saturates the palate with poached pears, marzipan, vanilla bean and crème brulee flavors, while being subtly lifted by a slice of tangy citrus that keeps it well balanced. Best from 2026–2036. Cellar Selection. —J.G.
abv: 13.5% Price: $85
98 Ramey 2020 Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay (Russian River Valley). Great depth comes with impeccable balance in this beautifully proportioned wine that is silky and bracing at the same time. Bright acidity mingles with ripe Bosc pears, cream and toast flavors that linger nicely on the finish. Collectible and age-worthy, it will only improve with time. Best from 2026–2036. Cellar Selection. —J.G.
abv: 13.5% Price: $85
96 Ramey 2020 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay (Russian River Valley). This full-bodied wine offers enticing oak spices and an equally vivid mouthfeel enhanced by fresh acidity and a medium to full body. Aromas of toasted oak and lemon butter lead to vivid and crisp pear and pineapple flavors that build as you sip and linger on the finish. Best from 2026–2036. —J.G.
abv: 14.5% Price: $85
95 Hanzell 2020 Ambassador’s 1953 Vineyard Chardonnay (Moon Mountain District Sonoma County). So rich in fruit flavors that it tastes sweet, this mouth-filling, concentrated wine made from 67-year-old vines coats the palate with poached pears, peach nectar, butter and quince jam. Yet a tangy vein of acidity keeps it lively and balanced. The wine is fun, eye-opening and worth cellaring. Best from 2025–2035. —J.G.
abv: 14.2% Price: $125
95 Lady of the Sunshine 2021 Chêne Vineyards Chardonnay (Edna Valley). The energy that vigneron Gina Giugni brings to this property is vividly evident in this bottling. The complex nose is constantly evolving through aromas of yellow lemon peel, grapefruit pith, verbena, chalk and nectarine. The palate’s intense lemony acidity and chalky grip uphold blanched almond and seared citrus flavors that finish for days. Editors’ Choice. —M.K.
abv: 13% Price: $38
95 Pride Mountain 2021 Chardonnay (Napa Valley). Subtle baking spice and oak-toast aromas lead to a silky smooth palate alive with nuances of white peaches, vanilla bean, cream and poached pears. The wine is luscious but balanced, quiet on the first sip and then growing in flavor impact with each repeated taste. Best from 2026–2036. Editors’ Choice. —J.G.
abv: 14.2% Price: $48
95 Ramey 2021 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley). Both agile and relaxed, this well-balanced, vibrant and concentrated wine carries layers of crisp apple, pastry crust and lemon curd on snappy acidity that complements a fairly rich texture and medium body. Its creamy-tangy finish lingers a long time. —J.G.
abv: 13.5% Price: $45
94 Covenant 2021 Lavan Chardonnay (Sonoma Mountain). Great for a special occasion, this beautifully complex and layered wine offers a seamless blend of ripe Bosc pears, lemon zest, baked apples, toasted oak and cream. Lively acidity deftly balances the rich flavors and helps give it a linger finish. Kosher too. Best through 2030. Cellar Selection. —J.G.
abv: 13.8% Price: $42
94 DiPalermo 2021 John Sebastiano Vineyard Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills). Clean lines of lemon pith and yogurt meet with a warmer pinch of honeysuckle on the nose of this bottling from a vineyard not so well known for its Chardonnay. The palate is zesty and tart with kumquat and citrus flavors, but elevated by a persistent floral tone. Drink now–2035. Cellar Selection. —M.K.
abv: 13.5% Price: $45
Subtle and smooth,
