The 2023 Truchard Carneros Chardonnay is a beautifully balanced expression of one of California’s most respected cool-climate sites. Sourced from the estate vineyards of Truchard Vineyards in the Carneros appellation, the fruit benefits from the region’s cooling bay breezes, allowing for long, even ripening and naturally vibrant acidity. Fermentation and ageing are carefully managed, with a proportion in French oak, adding texture and complexity without overwhelming the purity of the fruit.

In the glass, it opens with aromas of ripe pear, golden apple and citrus peel, layered with subtle notes of vanilla, toasted almond and a gentle hint of spice. The palate is generous yet precise, showing creamy mouthfeel balanced by fresh acidity and a clean mineral line through the finish. Elegant rather than opulent, this is a refined, food-friendly Chardonnay that pairs beautifully with roast chicken, seafood in butter sauces, or creamy vegetable dishes.

Chardonnay (100%)

Chardonnay is one of the most versatile and widely planted white grape varieties in the world, renowned for its adaptability to diverse climates and winemaking styles. Originating in Burgundy, where it reaches its most elegant and mineral expression, Chardonnay can range from crisp and steely to rich and opulent, depending on where and how it is made. Its relatively neutral character allows it to reflect both terroir and technique—whether aged in stainless steel for a lean, citrus-driven profile, or in oak barrels to develop notes of vanilla, toast, and creamy texture. Flavours often include apple, pear, lemon, peach, and tropical fruits, with cool-climate examples offering tension and minerality, while warmer regions yield fuller, rounder styles. From Chablis to Napa, Margaret River to Sicily, Chardonnay remains a benchmark for quality and diversity in white wine.

California