Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay 2023 is America's top-selling Chardonnay, a benchmark California white wine from sustainably farmed coastal vineyards. This celebrated expression showcases vibrant tropical fruits, citrus, and baked apples with subtle butter and vanilla, aged 4 months in French and American oak.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Brilliant pale gold with green highlights, displaying excellent clarity and viscosity that reflects the wine's careful oak maturation and coastal vineyard origins.
Aroma
The nose reveals beautifully integrated aromas of tropical pineapple, ripe mango, and papaya, complemented by vibrant citrus notes and baked apples. Subtle nuances of vanilla, honey, and toasted oak add depth and complexity, whilst hints of butter contribute richness to the aromatic profile, showcasing the signature velvety character achieved through sur lie ageing with monthly bâtonnage.
Palate
Medium to full-bodied with a silky, creamy texture, the palate delivers explosive flavours of tropical fruits, citrus, and baked apple that delicately intertwine with vanilla and honey notes. The wine's structure is beautifully balanced, with the oak influence (47% French, 46% American) adding subtle toasted oak and butter characters that round out the long, lingering finish. Crafted from over 1,000 vineyard lots across Monterey, Mendocino, and Santa Barbara counties, this Chardonnay elegantly reflects its cool coastal heritage with refined complexity ideal for discerning palates.
Pairs With
This versatile Chardonnay pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled lobster, creamy pasta dishes, pan-seared scallops, baked salmon, aged Gruyère or mature cheddar, Caesar salad, and rich seafood bisques.
