The Best Chardonnay Wines at Merchant of Wine

Mar 07, 2022

The weather is starting to warm and spring is our favorite time of year for a cool glass of chardonnay! Chardonnay is a white wine grape that is grown in vineyards throughout the world. It is the world’s second-most planted white grape variety. Chardonnay originated in France but is found all over the world. California is particularly renowned as a location that yields great chardonnays. Chardonnay is typically a dry, medium to full-bodied white wine with moderate acidity and alcohol. Within those parameters there a quite a few incredible expressions of Chardonnay.

The Best Chardonnay

This group of chardonnay have a wood influence or a focus on oak integration. They're bright, crisp and have high acidity.

ALBERT BICHOT, CHABLIS, BURGUNDY, FRANCE, 2020

Very pure nose that is typical of Chablis (white flowers, flint) opening up to a palate that boasts an elegant combination of almond notes and lovely vivacity. Keep it classic with this Chablis! Enjoy its freshness as an aperitif or, with a meal, pair it with seafood or fish in order to appreciate its richness.

PHILIPPE COLIN, BOURGOGNE BLANC, BURGUNDY, FRANCE, 2018

From St Aubin and Chassagne, this wine has density and ripe fruit. There’s a slight oyster shell note, and good density. Simply delicious.

KUMEU RIVER VILLAGE KUMEU CHARDONNAY, NEW ZEALAND, 2017

best chardonnay wine at merchant of wine

Incorporating approximately 20% Hawke's Bay fruit from a recently acquired vineyard, the 2017 Village Chardonnay is one of the strongest I can recall, despite a challenging vintage. Mainly fermented and aged in older barrels, it's medium-bodied and plump in the mouth, with notes of peach and pineapple.

6 More Chardonnay We Love With the Same Flavor Profile (Grab Them Now Before They're Gone Forever)

GLENELLY ESTATE, RESERVE CHARDONNAY, STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA, 2019

DOMAINE SEGUINOT-BORDET, CHABLIS, VIEILLES VIGNES, BURGUNDY, FRANCE, 2019

DOMAINE DE LA DENANTE, MACON LA ROCHE VINEUSE, BURGUNDY, FRANCE, 2019

BODEGA CHACRA, MAINQUÉ CHARDONNAY, PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA, 2020

DOMAINE PINSON FRÈRES, CHABLIS, LA FORÊT 1ER CRU, BURGUNDY, FRANCE, 2019

DOMAINE DANIEL DAMPT ET FILS, FOURCHAUME, CHABLIS PREMIER CRU, BURGUNDY, FRANCE, 2016

Unique, Full Chardonnay Taste

This group of chardonnay has a full oak influence, and MLF or lees stirring to craft a richer rounder style. These wines are bigger, rounder, richer and creamier. These three wines are a great value!

PAHLMEYER, "JAYSON" CHARDONNAY, NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, 2018

great chardonnay taste at merchant of wine

Jayson Chardonnay opens with notes of fresh-cut pears and orange blossom that permeate the aroma. In the glass, the wine evolves and deepens, adding bright, zesty hints of creamy lemon meringue and tangy lemon curd. On the inviting palate, the wine’s lively acidity is balanced with rich notes of pear, tangerine and baked apricot, wrapped up with a subtle kiss of caramel and vanilla on the playful finish.

DOMAINE MICHEL PRUNIER ET FILLE, MEURSAULT "LES CLOUS" COTE DE BEAUNE, BURGUNDY, FRANCE, 2015

On a vast plain slightly sloping, with a soil of limestone rich in ferruginous, the appellation Meursault does not produce Grands Crus, but very high quality Premiers Crus. Meursault wines are famous throughout the world for their golden color, their intense aromas of honey, lime, hazelnut butter and sometimes chamomile and hawthorn. Their silky and round taste enchants the amateur with a long finish reminiscent of plums and yellow bread spices. Their good freshness gives the wine a good aging potential.

DEHLINGER ESTATE CHARDONNAY, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, SONOMA, CALIFORNIA, 2018

Dehlinger has long been recognized for its Russian River Valley Chardonnays, which are known for their balance, fresh acidity, and unctuous flavor. The 2018 Chardonnay Estate is an absolutely beautiful wine and classic Chardonnay from Goldridge soils. Orchard fruit, lemon confit, flowers and mint all grace this exquisite, wonderfully nuanced Chardonnay from Dehlinger. Bright saline notes confer energy.