1991 Byron Chardonnay, Santa Barbara – Probably still the most interesting wine I have every had, even though I prefer reds. Most complex tastes, starting with oak, pear mid, and finished with sweet apple flavors. Knocked my socks off.

Louisiana George

QOD: The only California Chardonnay that I have had in recent years that I really liked was the Au Bon Climat (I can’t recall the vintage).

– JayZee

ZD Cellars in Napa Vally has some killer Chardonnays, and also a to die for Cab. I also recommend Argyle Nuthouse Chardonnay, an Oregon vineyard. Excellent. They have a terrific Pinot Noir, also.

While at a friend’s home in Cotati, CA we took a drive up the coastline, and visited ZD, which is where we first tasted their products. A hard-core red gal, Sylvia was so impressed with the Chard that she bought 3 bottles (this was, I believe, a 2000 Reserve) and we then drove to Bodega Bay and met the boat coming in to buy fresh scallops to go with the Chard. Spectacular.

1995 De Loach Russian River Valley “Our finest selection”. Lasted for 10 years – unfortunately, the case is empty now…

Hey Gary!
Ok…my fav. CA Chard…..Everyday Chard…Bennett Family, La Crema, Heitz, Charles Creek, Leal, Hess Su’Skol are good. Weekend Chard, Maximus White Blend (2 Chards)& Mi Sueno are good. I think Cakebread, Ferrari Carano Reserve, & Laird are overrated. My absolute FAv. Chard is the Wild Heart Chard. from Santa Barbara. They’re a new/small vineyard, so they’re not over priced and just give you that BAM! effect…you know…put a little shoulder in it effect… just big, smooth, and refreshing.

Qotd: hollywood & vine I guess. Don’t really dislike like those oaky chard’s but not something i’m going outta my way to buy. Rather get something like a gros manseng or some other eclectic thing, than go for one of those bandwagon wines.
Also makes me curious after seeing this episode, when your infamous ‘oak monster’ lament will 1st crop up. Something I’m usually weary of myself.
1 last thing Gary, assuming you are still looking at the comments like you did when you were taping these episodes, I would like to request that you tackle a vin jaune episode. One on tasting different charbono’s would be alot of fun too.

I agree with jayzee’s answer too. Au bon climat does some great chard’s. Was lucky enough to have lunch w Jim [the winemaker] about a month ago. Jim has a fantastic spread for lunch, with his whole staff. They just pass different bottles of their wine all down the tables they sit at the whole time. Taking tiny pours of a bunch of their different wines, from all different vintages. I remember they were passing a chard of theirs from 1990 that was still drinking great. Wonderful winery, and Jim treats his staff like family. Btw if you wanna try one of the most old world tasting wines growing in the new world, get a bottle of his mondeuse if you can find it.

Is this the 1st episode where Gary says Vay-ner-chuk??? its been Yayner-chuk up until now. Good Chards… QOTD-Kongsgard hands down, amazing juice. http://www.winelx.com