Winery notes (2023 Vintage)
"America’s #1 selling Chardonnay for 30+ years and counting! Sourced from sustainably farmed, premium coastal vineyards and crafted with artisanal techniques, Vintner's Reserve sets the standard for classic California Chardonnay. Our winemaking team individually ferments and ages 1,000+ vineyard lots in oak barrels, prior to assembling the final blend.
Beautifully integrated tropical flavours such as pineapple, mango and papaya, with citrus notes that explode in your mouth. These flavours delicately intertwine with aromas of vanilla and honey to create depth and balance throughout. A hint of toasted oak and butter rounds out the long, lingering finish. Aged 3 months in 44% French Oak (4% new) and 50% American Oak (7% new)"
Rated Excellent & 93/100 Cameron Douglas MS, September 2025 (2023 Vintage)
"Classic bouquet and palate of the reserve expression from JE. Ripe, fleshy and fruity with layers of oak and vanilla, fine lees and clay earth qualities. Peach and banana, vanilla pod and sweet oak. Red apple and pear then some roasted nut and gentle wood smoke qualities. Acidity, oak and gentle-warming alcohol frame the core palate of fruit well. Balanced and ready to drink from day of purchase through 2029."
Reviews for previous vintages below…
5 Stars & 94/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, December 2024 (2022 Vintage)
"Richly fruited and complex, the inviting bouquet shows mango, grilled pineapple, butterscotch, and cedar aromas, leading to an opulent palate filled with delectable fruit flavours with stylish oak nuances. Mouthfilling and plush, offering terrific drinking. At its best: now to 2028."
90/100 Clive Pursehouse, Decanter, July 2023 (2022 Vintage)
"The Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay from the 2022 vintage is undeniably complex and delicious. Elegant notes of lemon creme are braced by a nutmeg spice and vanilla note that is complementary and far from overpowering. The palate offers plenty of fresh acidity, honey, lemongrass, bee pollen, and citrus, all combined for a tremendous value and Chardonnay that will shock many in a blind tasting."
Wine Enthusiast (2021 Vintage)
"For lovers of ripe, rich Chardonnay – this pour is for you. Yellow apple, Bosc pear, yellow peach, mango skins and banana peel fruit notes intertwine with candied almonds, vanilla, nutmeg and buttery popcorn."