Last Updated on March 26, 2024 by Lydia Martin
As a wine enthusiast, finding the best chardonnay wine can be a daunting task. With so many options, it’s hard to know where to start.
But fear not; we’ve done the hard work for you, wine lovers. After careful consideration and tasting, we’ve compiled a list of the best chardonnay wines that will please your palate.
Top 25 Chardonnay Wines You Should Try
25. Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay 2020
Average Price: around $34.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay 2020 is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes grown in the Kumeu region of Auckland, New Zealand [1], and went through malolactic fermentation.
Upon sniffing this oaked Chardonnay, we immediately picked up citrus, and stone fruit aromas, followed by a subtle note of vanilla and toasty oak.
Our first sip revealed white peach and lemon flavors, balanced with vanilla and minerality.
24. Etude Grace Benoist Ranch Estate Carneros Chardonnay 2019
Average Price: around $30.00 (Cellar Collections)
Alcohol Content: 13.6% ABV
Why We Like It: Etude Grace Benoist Ranch Estate Carneros Chardonnay 2019 is a buttery Chardonnay made in a region known for premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines.
We detected floral, lemon curd, and almond aromas, with a hint of vanilla and butterscotch.
Upon tasting, we noticed apple, citrus, and tropical fruit notes with a creamy texture.
23. Ferrari Perlé 2015
Average Price: around $39.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Ferrari Perlé 2015 is a sparkling wine made in the Trentino region, known for producing high-quality sparkling wines.
We perceived the aromas of peach and apricot from this fine wine, along with notes of vanilla and honey.
It has lively acidity on the palate, and we noticed flavors of citrus, green apple, and a hint of mineral.
22. Louis Jadot Petit Chablis
Average Price: around $23.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Louis Jadot Petit Chablis is a white wine entirely made from grapes in the northern part of the Burgundy region of France.
We got a fresh bouquet of white flowers and citrus aromas from this wine. On our palate, we describe it as a dry and refreshing flavor of lemon and white peach.
21. Macari Vineyards Chardonnay Estate 2019
Average Price: around $19.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 13.9% ABV
Why We Like It: Macari Vineyards Chardonnay Estate 2019 is produced in Long Island, New York, made from grapes grown in the estate vineyards.
The aromas we picked up were pear, apple, and honeydew melon, with a hint of vanilla and toasty oak.
In our first sip on this medium-bodied Chardonnay, we discerned flavors of baked apple, lemon zest, and a subtle nuttiness.
20. Bravium Anderson Valley Chardonnay 2019
Average Price: around $24.99 (Wine.com)
Alcohol Content: 13.4% ABV
Why We Like It: Bravium Anderson Valley Chardonnay 2019 is a fine Chardonnay that gives off aromas of lemon, pineapple, and floral, with a hint of toasty oak.
On the palate, we picked up some stone fruit, citrus notes, and a touch of vanilla with bright acidity and a long, crisp finish.
19. Antinori Castello della Sala Cervaro della Sala 2019
Average Price: around $59.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 13% ABV
Why We Like It: Antinori Castello della Sala Cervaro della Sala 2019 is made from a blend of Chardonnay and Grechetto grapes grown in the Umbria region of Italy.
As we sniffed this wine, we perceived ripe tropical fruit notes, citrus, and white flowers. The oak aging adds vanilla and toasted hazelnut aromas to it.
We also noticed the flavors described as a ripe peach, apricot, and a touch of honey.
18. Bonterra Chardonnay 2020
Average Price: around $13.80 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Bonterra Chardonnay 2020 is a California Chardonnay with aromas of ripe pear, apple, and some tropical fruits, with a hint of vanilla and oak.
It is medium-bodied and creamy, and we picked up flavors of citrus, apple, and a subtle minerality, with bright acidity and a crisp finish.
17. Château Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay 2018
Average Price: around $22.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 14.1% ABV
Why We Like It: Château Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay 2018 is an oaked Chardonnay with a fresh aroma of citrus, pear, and apple, with a hint of vanilla and toast from oak aging.
“You can’t beat a nice glass of Chardonnay after a really long, hard day.”
— Suzanne Shaw, English Actress, Singer and Television Personality
The tasting notes we picked were pear, apricot, and lemon curd flavors with a creamy texture and balanced acidity, leading to a long and smooth finish.
16. Shannon Ridge High Elevation Chardonnay 2020
Average Price: around $13.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 12.6% ABV
Why We Like It: Shannon Ridge High Elevation Chardonnay 2020 is made from grapes grown on the estate’s high-elevation vineyards in the High Valley AVA of Lake County, California.
We got the aromas of ripe peaches, tropical fruits, a hint of vanilla, and a touch of oak. Upon sipping, we noticed flavors of peach, apricot, and a hint of citrus.
15. Charles Krug Winery Carneros Chardonnay 2019
Average Price: around $19.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 14.4% ABV
Why We Like It: Charles Krug Winery Carneros Chardonnay 2019 is made from grapes grown in the Carneros AVA, known for its cool climate and ideal growing conditions for Chardonnay [2].
We detected aromas of ripe pear, apple, and citrus, with a hint of vanilla and oak, and we perceived flavors of apple, lemon, and a touch of butterscotch.
14. Régnard Grand Régnard Chablis 2019
Average Price: around $51.99 (Wine.com)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Régnard Grand Régn
ard Chablis 2019 is made from grapes grown in the Chablis region, known for its unique terroir and cool climate that produces mineral-driven Chardonnays.
Upon smelling the wine, we detected aromas of green apple, lemon, and a hint of minerality. On the palate, we tasted citrus, green apple flavors, and a distinct minerality.
13. Catena Alta Chardonnay 2017
Average Price: around $35.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 14% ABV
Why We Like It: Catena Alta Chardonnay 2017 is made from grapes grown in high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza’s Uco Valley and Tupungato regions.
This wine gave off aromas of ripe pear, apple, and citrus, with a hint of honey and vanilla. Once we took a sip, we picked up flavors of ripe tropical fruit, pear, and a touch of oak.
12. Kokomo Winery Peters Vineyard Chardonnay 2019
Average Price: around $31.99 (Wine.com)
Alcohol Content: 14.0% ABV
Why We Like It: Kokomo Winery Peters Vineyard Chardonnay 2019 is made from grapes grown in the Peters Vineyard, located in the Russian River Valley AVA.
The aromas of the wine deliver lemon, apple, and pear, with a hint of vanilla and oak, while we noticed some flavors of ripe stone fruit, citrus, and a touch of oak after tasting.
11. Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2017
Average Price: around $49.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2017 is made from grapes grown on the Sonoma Coast in California.
This Sonoma Coast Chardonnay has aromas of lemon zest, sour apple, and a hint of vanilla and toasty oak. At the same time, it bursts with flavors of citrus, apple, and a distinct minerality [3].
10. Treana Chardonnay 2019
Average Price: around $17.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 14.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Treana Chardonnay 2019 grapes are sourced from California’s Central Coast and the Santa Lucia Highlands AVAs.
It delivers aromas of ripe fruit flavors such as pear, apple, and citrus, with notes of vanilla, honey, and a hint of toasted oak.
On the palate, we tasted flavors of ripe tropical fruits, baked apples, and a touch of spice, with a creamy palate and a balanced acidity, leading to a long and satisfying finish.
9. Black Stallion Estate Winery Heritage Napa Valley Chardonnay 2020
Average Price: around $19.99 (Wine.com)
Alcohol Content: 14.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Black Stallion Estate Winery Heritage Chardonnay Napa Valley 2020 is made from Chardonnay sweet grapes sourced from various vineyards in the Napa Valley AVA.
We picked up aromas of ripe pear, apple, and some tropical fruits, with vanilla notes and a hint of buttered toast.
When we took a sip, we immediately noticed the flavors of ripe peach, lemon, and a hint of oak.
8. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay 2019
Average Price: around $35.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 14.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay 2019 is a white wine produced in the Napa Valley region of California.
This wine boasted aromas of lemons, green apples, and a hint of vanilla, with notes of hazelnut and toasty oak.
Upon sipping, we perceived fruit notes of pear, pineapple, and a subtle mineral.
7. Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Grand Cru ‘Les Clos’ 2018
Average Price: around $88.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 13% ABV
Why We Like It: This wine has aromas of citrus flavor, floral, and a hint of minerality, with notes of honey and a touch of oak.
Upon tasting, we quickly picked up flavors of lemon, apple, and a subtle mineral note, with bright acidity and a long, lingering finish.
6. Domaine Skouras Almyra Chardonnay 2020
Average Price: around $19.00 (Wine Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Domaine Skoura Almyra Chardonnay 2020 is a white wine from the Peloponnese region of Greece. It is made from Chardonnay grapes and is aged in French oak barrels.
We immediately noticed the aromas of citrus fruit, peach, and a hint of tropical fruit, with notes of honey and a touch of oak.
Upon tasting, there were flavors of lemon, peach, and a subtle mineral.
5. Sebastiani Butterfield Station Chardonnay
Average Price: around $12.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 13.9% ABV
Why We Like It: Sebastiani Butterfield Station Chardonnay, named after the Butterfield Station, is made from the cool climate of the Chardonnay grape regions of California’s North Coast.
We picked up aromas of ripe fruit, green apple, and a hint of vanilla, with notes of toasty oak and butter, owing to the malolactic fermentation [4].
We also noticed that buttery Chardonnay provides flavors of apple, pear, and a subtle mineral.
4. Seghesio Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2020
Average Price: around $19.99 (Wine.com)
Alcohol Content: 14% ABV
Why We Like It: Seghesio Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2020 is made from grapes from various vineyards across the Russian River Valley.
It delivered aromas of ripe tropical fruit, green apple, and a hint of citrus, with tasting notes of toasted oak and a touch of vanilla.
Upon sipping this medium-bodied Chardonnay, we tasted crisp and refreshing flavors of citrus fruits, green apples, and subtle notes of floral and minerals.
3. 2015 Puligny-Montrachet Les Champs-Gains Premier Cru
Average Price: around $149.99 (Wine.com)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Why We Like It: 2015 Puligny-Montrachet Les Champs-Gains Premier Cru is a white wine aged in a French oak barrel. It gives off citrus, light-buy juicy fruit, and notes of vanilla, toasty oak, and minerality.
It is medium-bodied and well-balanced, with tasting notes of apple, pear, and lemon, bright acidity, and a long, complex finish.
2. Rombauer Vineyards Chardonnay 2019
Average Price: around $42.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 14.5% ABV
Why We Like It: This Chardonnay wine is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from several vineyards in the Carneros region of Napa Valley.
This wine provided us with flavors of ripe fruits, such as pineapple and mango, along with notes of vanilla and caramel and a hint of toasty oak.
We also noticed a buttery texture and a subtle hint of spice.
1. Dugat-Py’s Chassagne-Montrachet
Average Price: around $100.10 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Dugat-Py’s Chassagne-Montrachet is an excellent example of the high-quality white wines produced in Burgundy, France, and is the best chardonnay wine on our list.
It has aromas of citrus and stone fruits upon our first smell and notes of vanilla and toast from the oak aging.
It is rich and creamy on the palate, accompanied by flavors of ripe fruits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you pick the best Chardonnay?
To pick the best Chardonnay wine, you must consider the winemaking style, region, and vintage while looking for a balanced fruit, oak, and acidity that reflects your preferred style.
Furthermore, choose oaked and unoaked Chardonnay wines from reputable producers and seek recommendations from wine professionals, trusted sources, or other wine lovers.
Is Chardonnay the best white wine?
It’s hard to say that Chardonnay is the best white wine. It’s subjective and depends on personal taste.
While oaked and unoaked Chardonnay is one of the famous white wines, many other excellent varietals, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Chenin Blanc, are also excellent wine options.
Is Chardonnay a cheap wine?
Chardonnay can be a cheap wine. However, it can also be found at various price points, from budget-friendly options to high-end, luxury wines, depending on the region, winemaking style, and producer’s reputation.
What Chardonnay wine is sweet?
Chardonnay wines typically range from dry to off-dry, with very few considered sweet. However, some winemakers produce Chardonnays with residual sugar, resulting in slightly sweeter wines.
These sweeter Chardonnays may be labeled as “off-dry” or “semi-sweet.” It’s essential to read the label or consult with a wine expert to determine the sweetness level of a specific Chardonnay.
Additionally, Chardonnay-based dessert wines, such as late-harvest Chardonnays or botrytized Chardonnays, can be sweeter due to higher sugar content resulting from grape ripening or noble rot.
If you prefer a sweet Chardonnay, look for off-dry or dessert-style Chardonnays from reputable producers, or explore late-harvest or botrytized versions for a sweeter experience.
Is Chardonnay expensive?
The price of Chardonnay wines can vary significantly depending on factors such as the region of origin, winemaking techniques, brand reputation, and vintage.
While some Chardonnay wines may be relatively affordable, others can command higher prices due to their quality, scarcity, or prestige.
Chardonnay wines from renowned wine regions such as Burgundy (France), California (USA), and Margaret River (Australia) often come with a premium price tag, reflecting the region’s terroir, winemaking traditions, and brand reputation.
Wines from prestigious producers or single-vineyard bottlings may also be more expensive due to their limited production and high demand among collectors and enthusiasts.
However, it’s essential to note that not all Chardonnay wines are expensive. There are many affordable Chardonnay options available from various wine regions around the world, offering excellent quality and value for wine lovers on a budget.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly everyday wine or a special occasion bottle, there’s a Chardonnay to suit every taste and price point.
Final Verdict: Best Chardonnay Wines
Finding the best Chardonnay wine can be challenging, considering many options are available on the market.
However, if you like Chardonnays with a creamy, velvety texture, Kumeu River Estate, Bonterra, and Treanna Chardonnays are perfect.
Domaine Skouras Almyra and Bravium Anderson Valley Chardonnays make excellent choices if you prefer a citrusy taste.
You can try out the other Chardonnays on our list that might pique your interest until you find the best wine for your taste buds.
References:
- Wine of the Week: 2007 Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay
- Carneros: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir And More From Napa And Sonoma
- What does “minerality” mean in a wine’s flavor profile? Aren’t minerals flavorless?
- Effects of Different Techniques of Malolactic Fermentation Induction on Diacetyl Metabolism and Biosynthesis of Selected Aromatic Esters in Cool-Climate Grape Wines
