The 2010 Chardonnay is one of the top values in California wine. It possesses tons of ripe, varietal fruit in a style that is quite rich but not heavy. Clean citrus and floral notes add freshness on the long finish. Lees stirring gives the wine much of its richness, while aging in steel helps maintain freshness. There is remarkable depth and textural finesse here, never mind a price that is mind-boggling for this level of quality. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. I was blown away by the two wines I tasted from Foxglove, Bob and Jim Varner’s negociant label. The Varners clearly have the magic touch. These are among the finest values readers will find anywhere in the world. (8/ 2011)
*Good Value* If not one to impress by way of noteworthy power or depth, this well-made wine gets it right with respect to fresh, nicely defined Chardonnay fruit. Its no-nonsense approach keys on the grape's crisp-apple themes with wispy highlights of lees off to the side. Its brisk finish is charged with plenty of cleansing acidity, and, while it will hold well for a couple of years, it is a thoroughly sympathetic partner to sundry seafoods right now. (1/ 2012)
The Varner brothers (Varner, Neely) make some of our favorite value wines in California under the Foxglove label--always fruit-filled, balanced and polished--and this under $15 Chardonnay is a fantastic offering from the cooler 2010 vintage. The majority of the fruit comes from Los Alamos in Santa Barbara County, with about a third coming from Paso Robles and Greefield in Monterery County. Leesy and rich, without being overtly buttery (this doesn't undergo malo) this vintage is packed with pear and citrus fruit, with a streak of minerals and great freshness. Better and more balanced than a lot of California Chardonnays twice the price.
Below is a listing of the wine review scores we frequently reference in our notes. While these sources remain an excellent source of information, we always recommend that you trust your own palate. Scores in these publications often represent the personal taste of an individual critic, which may not always coincide with your own. We have a huge team of excellent wine professionals that can match wines you've had in the past with new arrivals that meet your flavor profile.
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2010 Brewer-Clifton Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay $24.99
2010 Walter Hansel "The Meadows" Russian River Valley Chardonnay $24.99
2011 ButterNut California Chardonnay $14.99
2011 Spellbound California Chardonnay $11.99
2011 Napa Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay $13.99
