A recent Uncorked column on chardonnay had many readers sending feedback on the continued love of this grape (making me realize I may not be writing about this superstar enough). Along with various emails praising a column devoted solely to chardonnay came a flurry of requests for more values and fewer splurges. Many readers also wanted more 1.5-liter and box options for large parties and cost savings.
I put my palate to the test and searched our market for the best chardonnays that fit into a price range under $15 for standard bottles, boxed for $25 or less and 1.5-liters for less than $20.
VALUES UNDER $15
- 2011 Hess Collection Chardonnay, California (about $13 retail)
- 2011 Santa Rita 120 Chardonnay, Chile (about $10 retail)
- 2011 Gnarly Head Chardonnay, California (about $11 retail)
- 2011 Toad Hollow Chardonnay, California (about $15 retail)
- 2011 Root 1 Chardonnay, Chile (about $12 retail)
- 2011 Little Penguin Chardonnay, Australia (about $8 retail)
- 2011 Concannon Chardonnay, California (about $10 retail)
BOXED OPTIONS
- 2011 Pepperwood Grove, California (about $20 retail)
- 2011 Bota Box Chardonnay, California (about $19 retail)
- 2011 Black Box Chardonnay, California (about $25 retail)
- 2011 FishEye Chardonnay, California (about $16 retail)
1.5-LITER BOTTLE
- 2011 Lorval Chardonnay, France (about $12 retail)
- 2011 Lindeman’s Bin 65 Chardonnay, Australia (about $14 retail)
- 2011 Beringer Vineyards Chardonnay, California (about $18 retail)
- 2011 Columbia Crest Two Vines Chardonnay, California (about $18 retail)