Five Chardonnays Worth the Money

Let's face it, when people are going to spend up to buy a bottle of wine, it is more often for a red wine over a white wine. Those that know which white wines are worth the extra pennies typically have a handful of "go to" wines that they enjoy and have come to rely on for consistent quality and high end finesse. When it comes to Chardonnay, who is worth spending a little more on?

Glad you asked. In my experience, I have found Huge Bear Chardonnay, out of Sonoma ($40) to be a consistent show for Chardonnay in all of its oaked, malolactic glory.

Grgich Hills Napa Valley Chardonnay is also a beautiful rendition of what a Chardonnay can and should be - vivid fruit and floral aromas, butter and balance, and ultra elegant year in and year out.

Bouchaine's Estate Vineyards Chardonnay ($25) has been brimming with bright tropical fruit and noticeable character for the last two vintages. Exquisite palate texture and unexpected complexity move this wine to the top of my Chardonnay favorites once again.

Cakebread's Napa Valley Chardonnay ($36) renders a classic California Chardonnay vintage in and vintage out. Plenty of fruit, cream, a touch of minerality and overall palate presence can be found consistently in Cakebread's classic Chardonnay.

The Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay ($32) is always a hit with its big fruit flavors that often veer towards the tropics and its unmistakable buttery base that drives the finish to the very edge of completion. An unforgettable Chardonnay that keeps a steady track record and has been known to help set the varietal standard.

Have a top notch Chardonnay that we've missed? Recommend it here.