SANDHI Chardonnay, Central Coast Raj Parr of Sandhi and Domaine de la Cote goes outside Santa Barbara to source fruit for this excellent value Californian Chardonnay. He carefully partnered with several multi-generational growers of old vine Chardonnay, wholly chemical-free and with a sustainable outlook which is not that simple in the huge Californian wine industry. The Central Coast Chardonnay is a fine, luscious but linear white, full of orchard fruits and floral notes, quite open and textured on the palate.

MATTHIASSON Linda Vista Chardonnay, Napa Valley Made from certified organic vines that grow on the Mathiasson estate in Napa, this wine pairs beautifully with lighter summer fare. Medium acidity is balanced by pleasant fleshiness, finishing very clean with a hint of minerality. A diversity of ripeness is created by using the traditional method of harvesting the fruit a number of different times during the ripening period, achieving complexity, completeness, and balance. The earlier harvests contribute acidity and minerality, and the later harvests contribute flesh and richness..

A vibrant, warm vintage is on full show here, with just enough oak coming through to ensure that—while it’s drinking superbly now—it’ll still thrive with another year or two in the cellar.