Estate Chardonnay

Estate Chardonnay

92 Points James Suckling

The Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay captures the vibrant, complex and classic character of our estate-grown grapes. We are dedicated to making exceptional Chardonnay, and no detail is overlooked. In the vineyard, focused planting of the ideal clone on each vineyard block, managing yields for optimum ripeness and balance, and the work of a dedicated crew are among the keys to our success. Chardonnay is a winemaker’s grape, molded into its most interesting self by native yeast fermentation and aging in carefully chosen French oak barrels and frequent lees stirring. It is a labor-intensive wine, but the rewards are most certainly worth the hard work and attention.

Tasting Notes
The 2022 vintage was another warm and fast-paced year. Warm temperatures continued into summer setting the stage for full ripening, fresh acidity and beautifully balanced fruit. Our 2022 Estate Chardonnay is creamy, rich and elegant with complex aromas and flavors of baked bread, pear, hazelnut, and toasted marshmallow. This is an age-worthy wine of exceptional quality known for its full mouthfeel and exquisite long finish.
$52
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Wine Fact Sheet
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Past Vintages

Estate Chardonnay Vintages

  • 2021

    95 Points Wine Enthusiast
    Fact Sheet
    Our 2021 Estate Chardonnay is creamy, rich and elegant with complex aromas and flavors of baked pear tart, lemon curd, toasted marshmallow, star fruit, caramel, exotic spice, vanilla and a fresh acidity.

  • 2020

    95 Points Tasting Panel
    Fact Sheet
    The 2020 Estate Chardonnay is made with nine different clones on the estate, including our very own Chalk Hill Proprietary Chardonnay Clone 97, to provide aromatic and flavor profile differences, balanced acidity and creamy texture. It is creamy, rich and elegant with complex aromas and flavors of poached pear, lemon cream, toasted marshmallow, baked apple, exotic spice, vanilla and a fresh acidity.

  • 2019

    93 Points Wine & Spirits
    Fact Sheet
    This Chardonnay exhibits beguiling aromas of orange peel, pears, juicy peaches and baked bread. On the palate it is rich and creamy with notes of lemon curd, apple pie, stone fruit and balanced minerality.

  • 2018

    92 Points Wine Advocate
    Fact Sheet
    This Chardonnay exhibits beguiling aromas of vanilla, orange blossoms, crisp apples and toasted marshmallows with a bit of spice from the barrels. Rich and creamy on the palate with notes of zested lemon oil and pear.

  • 2017

    93 Points Wine.com
    Fact Sheet
    Both poised and expressive our 2017 Estate Chardonnay delivers aromas of lemon, zested orange peel and a hint of toasted marshmallow from the oak influence. Balanced and full with concentrated flavors of lemon oil are followed by rich and creamy minerality.

  • 2016

    91 Points Wine Advocate
    Fact Sheet
    Our 2016 Estate Chardonnay expresses beguiling aromas of lemon meringue, orange blossom and a hint of toasted almond from the oak influence. Balanced and full with concentrated flavors of Meyer lemon, yellow apple, and crème brûlée follow on the palate.

  • 2015

    93 Points Wine Spectator
    Fact Sheet
    Our 2015 Estate Chardonnay expresses aromas of lemon, orange blossom and a hint of vanilla bean from the oak influence. Balanced, complex and full flavors of lemon oil, orange zest, and crème brûlée follow on the palate.

  • 2014

    92 Points Wine Spectator
    Fact Sheet
    Our 2014 Estate Chardonnay displays delicate aromas of lemon, peach and cream with a hint of caramel from the oak influence. The palate is full and balanced with flavors of lemon oil, yellow peach, tangerine and toasted almonds. Its rich and elegant texture carries the wine to a long, pleasurable finish.

  • 2013

    Fact Sheet
    This Chardonnay exhibits beguiling aromas of hazelnut, vanilla, peach, orange blossoms and notes of nutmeg and toasted almond coming from the French oak barrels. Flavors of red apples, pears and cream follow with a slightly sweet honey finish.

  • 2012

    Fact Sheet
    This Chardonnay exhibits beguiling aromas of limes, orange blossoms, peaches and toasted almonds with a bit of spice from the barrels. Flavors of red apples, pears and cream follow.

  • 2011

    Fact Sheet
    The Chalk Hill signature baked apple, pear and marzipan flavors are featured in this lovely Chardonnay. This is an elegant wine, with beguiling aromas of orange blossoms and nutmeg. Delicacy and finesse characterize this vintage.

  • 2010

    Fact Sheet
    Our 2010 is a great example. While displaying a bit more elegance than recent vintages, the wine is still wonderfully intense and powerful with notes of baked apple, hazelnuts, lemon peel, nutmeg, brioche and cream.

  • 2009

    Fact Sheet
    Our 2009 Chardonnay is rich, concentrated and structured. The aromas and flavors feature white peach, golden delicious apples, vanilla and crème brûlée. The palate is rich and concentrated with spice and toasted oak while fine natural acidity keeps the wine in balance.

  • 2008

    Fact Sheet
    Aromas are concentrated and complex featuring caramel, toasted hazelnut, apricot, pear, and lemon oil. The rich palate of tropical fruit is balanced by a distinct minerality typical of Chardonnay wines from the Estate.