It’s Time to Revisit Chardonnay (Yes, Chardonnay) with These Under $50 Bottles
There’s no better way to explore the dynamic world of Chardonnay than by trying an array of styles through these (mostly) affordable bottles. [...] Read More... The post It’s Time to Revisit Chardonnay (Yes, Chardonnay) with These Under $50 Bottles appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.
When it comes to Chardonnay, people either seem to be die-hard fans or staunch supporters of the Anything-But-Chardonnay movement. No matter which side you fall on, you can’t deny this grape’s popularity. After all, it’s one of the most widely-planted varieties in the world.
For what it’s worth: we think Chardonnay deserves your attention.
What’s more, there are many excellent, budget-friendly Chardonnays that showcase the grape’s potential and range, from tropical and fruity expressions to flinty and earthy ones. You just have to know where to look—because there are plenty of not-so-good ones, too.
“Because it’s such a popular grape that’s planted everywhere, there are a lot of bad Chardonnays out there, especially on the cheaper side of the price scale,” says Matt Kettmann, a Wine Enthusiast writer at large who reviews wines from the Central Coast and Southern California, as well as Languedoc-Roussillon in France. “To make it affordable, the mass production process often relies on oak additives, bags of tartaric acid and other tricks to fancy up less-than-ideal grapes. But there are a couple strategies to find needles in all that hay.”
How to Find the Deals
To find high quality, lower-priced Chardonnays, Kettmann recommends looking to established brands that produce consistent Chardonnays year after year, across all price points. “J. Lohr is certainly a model for this on the Central Coast, as are the many brands under the Jackson Family Wines umbrella across California, particularly Cambria and La Crema,” he says. “The newer Bezel brand under Cakebread is also very promising.”
Another tip? Seek out second labels from wineries known for higher-end Chardonnays: think Bishop’s Peaks (made by Talley), Valle de Inez (made by Margerum), Fossil Point (made by Center of Effort) and Private Property (made by Caraccioli).
Kettmann adds, “Look for more specific appellations on the label, rather than broad brush strokes like ‘California’ or even ‘Central Coast. When you see a drilled down AVA like SLO Coast or Sta. Rita Hills or Santa Lucia Highlands, the odds are better that the wine inside will have been treated with a bit more care.”
We’re happy to get you started with these lower-priced bottles that prove there’s a standout Chardonnay for every budget.
Under $50
Samuel Louis Smith 2023 Spear Vineyard Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills)
Clean and austere aromas of seared lemon and delicate honey meet with subtly tropical hints of ginger and lemongrass on the dynamic nose of this bottling. The palate is tense and vibrant, showing waves of white melon and Asian pear as the vivid acidity pushes deep into the finish. 96 Points — Matt Kettmann $46 Solano Cellars
Long Meadow Ranch 2019 Chardonnay (Anderson Valley)
This selection is vibrant with aromas of lemon curd, yellow apple, Asian pear, orange peel, and notes of jasmine on the nose. The flavors on the palate are white peach, white nectarine, crystallized ginger, key lime, sedimentary rock, and a high-acidity finish. pair with grilled stuffed sardines 94 Points — Tonya Pitts $40 Station Plaza Wines
Gilles Morat 2022 Terroirs de Vergisson (Pouilly-Fuissé)
The nose bursts with fresh lemon verbena, peach blossom, tamarind, ginger, and honeycomb aromas. A sharp burst of acidity cuts through the textured, medium-bodied palate, revealing soft baked citrus, ginger, acacia, and rounded stones. Lush and full-bodied, it’s generous on the palate. Aerate and enjoy with poultry dishes such as roasted quail or pheasant. 92 Points — Anna-Christina Cabrales $46 Wine Chateau
Under $30
Kumeu River 2023 Kumeu Village Chardonnay (Kumeu)
“Village” may be the entry level wine of this famed producer’s range, but this vintage, particularly, is one of the best bargains in Chardonnay. Smoky, struck match and toasted nut characters are at the fore, the citrus rind notes just behind. In the mouth, there’s lovely salt-flecked citrus that, combined with the bright tingly acidity, makes it easy to take another sip. And another. And another. Editor’s Choice. 95 Points — Christina Pickard $26 Champion Wine & Cellars
Golan Heights 2022 Yarden Chardonnay (Galilee)
This is a delicately-balanced wine. Regally-gold in color, the wine opens with a nose of baked golden apple, pear compote, dried pineapple and orange peel with just the faintest suggestion of sweet baking spice. Orchard fruit wrestles with lightly-toasted oak on the palate with bright acidity and honeysuckle blossom cheering all the way to the lingering finish where the fruit-character prevails. Serve with toasted bread, charcuterie and avocado toast. 93 Points — Reggie Solomon $27 Argonaut Wine & Liquote
Under $25
Madroña 2023 Hillside Collection Chardonnay (El Dorado County)
It is unusual to find high-elevation, Chardonnay, especially at 3,000 ft. The aromatics in this offering are sublime: youthful, yellow apple, vanilla bean, spearmint, and sedimentary rock on the nose. The flavors on the palate work intricately together; the golden apple, mineral, and fresh caramel are a burst of energy in the mid-palate, leaving the drinker wanting to continue with another sip. 93 Points — T.P. $24 Madroña Vineyards
Under $20
Xanadu 2022 Circa 77 Chardonnay (Western Australia)
Nine North Wine Company 2023 Chasing Lions Chardonnay (California)
This is a clean, bright expression of California Chardonnay. The aromas are golden apple, baked yellow plum, green papaya, and notes of vanilla bean on the nose. The flavors on the palate are fresh, stone fruits, orange cream, cinnamon, and a good amount of acidity on the finish. pair with seafood alfredo pasta Best Buy. 91 Points — T.P. $17 Saratoga Wine
Les Costières de Pomerols 2023 Le Jade Chardonnay (Côtes de Thau)
This delightful Chardonnay has structure and personality. The wine entices the nose with apple pie, clove baking spice, dried papaya and baked pear aromas. Flavors of grilled orange slice and quince join on the palate that hosts a healthy streak of acidity while accentuating the fruit core. Best Buy. 91 Points — R.S. $18 Yiannis Wine Shop
Under $15
William Hill Estate 2022 Chardonnay (California)
This wine is rich, opulent, with aromas of baked pear, golden delicious apple, caramel, and notes of toasted oak on the nose. The flavors on the palate are peach, apple, cinnamon, layered with orange slices, and a dry supple finish. Pair with shrimp scampi linguine. 92 Points — T.P. $15 Varmax Liquor Pantry
Stone Fence 2022 Chardonnay (Lodi)
Memories of fresh orchard fruit in the summertime permeate the glass—aromas of ripe apple, peach, and honeysuckle power through the nose. The flavors on the palate are green guava, kiwi, green apple, nutmeg, orange blossoms, and a long, dry finish. pair with seafood pineapple fried rice. Best Buy. 90 Points — T.P. $11 Wine Deals
River Road 2024 Un-Oaked Chardonnay (California)
The nose has aromas of ripe apple, peach, guava, and orange blossom honey. The palate is rich with ripe, golden, delicious apple, melon, creamy vanilla, cinnamon, and lively acidity. Best Buy. 90 Points — T.P. $10 Total Wine & More
More Chardonnay Coverage
- We explain why people use words like “wet stone,” “yeast” and “butter” to describe Chardonnay.
- Did you know that the color of your Chardonnay explains a lot about how it was made?
- Read all about why the world of Italian Chardonnay is flourishing.
- If you’ve never had a Willamette Valley Chardonnay, now is the time to change that.
- With pink skins, Rosa Chardonnay is a rare (and gorgeous) mutation.
From the Shop
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A refrigerated wine cooler is the best way to ensure your wine is stored properly, and these attractive units allow you to show off your collection in style.
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