About Chardonnay from USA

About Chardonnay from USA
The United States is one of the most important players in the wine industry. On sheer numbers alone, the US is the fourth largest country in terms of total production; but it is the outstanding quality of wines from the US that is an additional part of its worldwide prestige. While the first wines produced in the colonies date back to the late 18th century, it has only been since the mid-1960s that the US has entered the premium wine market on a large scale. California, especially Napa Valley and Sonoma County were the areas that drove the new quality movement. Other areas in California also were home to great wines; soon Washington and Oregon were home to first-class wines as well. New York State, especially the Finger Lakes are was rediscovered for its Rieslings and soon wineries started opening in states such as Texas, Virginia and North Carolina. Today, 90% of domestic premium wine is produced in California and there are several wine types that share the spotlight; these include Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, Pinot Noir from Sonoma's Russian River Valley as well as Santa Barbara County and Chardonnay from several regions, such as Monterey and Sonoma County. Bordeaux-styles reds from Washington State have received great acclaim as have Oregon Pinot Noirs. Today, the United States is in an enviable position of being one of the largest producers of wine as well as one of the most celebrated.

Top Picks for USA

Chardonnay

Mira Winery 2019 Napa Valley Chardonnay
94 points
$50
Beautiful fruit, light oak that is well in balance with potential for some cellar age and improvement with secondary characteristics; exactly what you want for benchmark Napa Chardonnay.
Bright Leaf Vineyard 2021 Estate Chardonnay
94 points
$18
Best Buy
Light and crisp with pleasing aromas of green apple, citrus, and creme fraiche; this is a stellar domestic version in line with a Village Chablis.
94 points $18 Best Buy
Jarvis 2021 Finch Hollow Chardonnay
94 points
$195
With a harmonious balance of fruit, floral, malo, and barrel, this is excellent now and will likely become something special in 5 to 10 years.
Jarvis 2021 Unfiltered Finch Hollow Chardonnay
94 points
$215
A special wine that will benefit with age and it would be fun to taste this side by side with some white Burgundy, particularly Corton Charlemagne and Chassagne Montrachet to see where it stacks up.
Canoe Ridge Vineyard 2021 Expedition Chardonnay
94 points
$15
Best Buy
A delightfully balanced and elegant Chardonnay that will be quite versatile, balancing New World tropical fruit and Old World acidity.
94 points $15 Best Buy
Davis Family Vineyards 2021  Chardonnay
93 points
$40
Rich, smooth, and decadent with enough acid to pair with foods; try with lobster or King Crab.
Wine Spots 2021  Chardonnay
93 points
$25
A Chardonnay showing exquisite balance; food friendly, and would make a great BTG at many restaurants.
Blackbird Vineyards 2021 Muir-Hannah Vineyard Chardonnay
93 points
$75
Oak forward on the nose, and then opens up beautifully on the palate showing bright citrus and complex fruit flavors.
Hibou Wine 2021  Chardonnay
93 points
$60
A round and welcoming Chardonnay with nicely integrated fruit and creamy, spicy oak.
One Woman 2016 Estate Reserve Chardonnay
93 points
$42
A plush, oak-driven Chardonnay with tropical fruit in fine support of the fancy oak.