2016 Hanzell "Estate" Sonoma Valley Chardonnay (Elsewhere $65+)

It's hard to top the stellar remarks posted by my colleagues for this specific wine. Our collective praise is far from hyperbole. This historic estate has the proven track record of producing some of the greatest expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Old vines perfectly situated on hillside vineyards which are meticulously farmed will ultimately yield magnificent wines. The 2016 vintage Chardonnay is one such example. I loved our offering for the 2015 vintage, which was a smashing success with our clientele, but I would argue that the 2016 is an even better wine. It's quite delicious right out of the bottle but I found that with a little time in the decanter, all new aspects of were revealed. There's plenty of crushed stone minerality complimented with an array of lemon drop, bosc pear, and golden delicious apple. There's both great intensity and freshness with a sense of luxury and pedigree. This one is well worth loading up on. Simply put, it's great.

Lovely Chardonnay that has so much to offer! It reminds me Meursault in every aspect of it. Texture and weight are well balanced and supported by fresh acidity. Wine shines with rich citrus and supple long finish. It's a must buy for everyone who loves dry Chardonnay.

I absolutely love wines of Hanzell, with some of the oldest producing vines in all of Sonoma, they are a true classic in every sense of the word. Yet, as good as their Pinot Noir can be, their Chardonnay is what gets my heart racing. Hanzell is one of my top 5 favorite Chardonnay producers of all time, and the 2016 is a perfect example of why I love their Estate Chardonnay. The nose is a pure essence of lemon drop, complemented by white flowers, subtle baking spice and a nuance of pear. Full and round on the palate with acidity the cracks right through the center of the palate, the age on this wine is absolutely perfect for me. Hints of marzipan, blanched pear and the slightest touch of caramel only add to its brilliant complexity. This is a perfect example of why I think Hanzell is an absolute top player in American Chardonnay.

The old adage says lightning doesn't strike twice...well in this instance it certainly did! Once again we've managed to secure a phenomenal price on this iconic, benchmark, California Chardonnay. Hanzell is one of the most historic and celebrated estates in the nation. On the mountain slopes above the town Sonoma you will find some of the oldest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines in the state dating back to 1953! Since 2014, under the guidance of President and Director of Winemaking, Jason Jardine, Hanzell have taken their farming to a whole new level by moving to organic, biodynamic, regenerative farming. The wines, that were already some of the best in the region, have taken on an even keener focus and sense of place. The 2016 shows wonderful floral notes of orchard blossom and summer meadow, baked pear tart with warm pastry notes. The mid-palate is elegant and vibrant with a soft but almost ethereal texture. Lots of savory yeasty notes and stony minerals lead into a wonderfully flavorful and persistent finish with lifted acidity and freshness for days. This wine is drinking beautifully right now, but will age like top white Burgundy for a decade or more without question. This world-class bottle is worth every cent of its typical $65 price...but right now we're offering this at a stunningly low price you have to see to believe! The last vintage was one of the best selling wines of the year, and our staff are all ready filling their own cellars with the 2016...so get it while you can!