Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a well-made, powerful wine. Elegant, integrated and effusive in oak, it has pretty apple blossom aromas and boldly layered flavors of green apple, crème brûlée and lemon meringue. The finish is lush in a honeycomb tone. This will do well in the cellar; enjoy 2020–2025.
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Wine Spectator
This taut expression of Chardonnay defines understated elegance, wearing a light oak cloak and wowing on the finish, where the flavors fan out and gain. Drink now through 2024.
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Jeb Dunnuck
I loved the 2015 Chardonnay Reserve Carneros from Mondavi and this classically styled, yet ripe, concentrated effort has loads of orchard fruits, caramelized peach, and brioche aromas and flavors. With good richness as well as vibrant acidity, it’s capable of lasting for 5-7 years, if not longer.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.