White stone fruit and grapefruit aromas are layered with a touch of smoky, flinty character. This layered chardonnay has loads of texture, tension, and a hint of oak spice. Pair with risotto or carbonara pastas.

The Frerejean brothers are the latest generation in a line of cannon-makers, who supplied the French army defending the region against the Prussians, during the Napoleonic Wars. Frerejean Frères take a fresh approach to Champagne, which respects traditional methods, but leaves room for innovation. Rooted in the grand cru village of Avize, Frerejean Frères only uses grand cru and premier cru plots from the Côte des Blancs. 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 14% of Pinot Noir vinified. 30% of the reserve wines aged in Argonne oak barrels.The FJF Rosé Blossom Premier Cru is flattering with notes of candied red fruit, blackberries and blackcurrant. The Pinot Noir is expressive; it shows density and minerality with assertive and silky Chardonnay. On the palate, the Pinot Noir has elegant roundness. The aromas of red fruits beautifully intertwine with the toasted aromas of the Chardonnay. This is a Rosé Champagne like no other, a unique representation of the Côte des Blancs.

Domaine Jean Dauvissat Père & Fils manages 22 hectares of vineyards in Chablis, spanning 7 communes with 53 distinct parcels in Chablis and Chablis Premier Cru. In 2009, Fabien assumed control from his father, having undergone training in Beaune and Dijon, culminating in a Masters focused on Bordeaux. While the Domaine originated with Fabien's grandfather in La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne, it was Fabien who continued the legacy by emphasizing bottling and labeling over bulk selling. His philosophy revolves around profound respect for the terroir, addressing each vineyard and parcel individually to showcase the unique characteristics of each site. Moreover, he champions environmental respect, minimizing interventions whenever feasible. Vinification occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel, with premier crus maturing for approximately two years. Fabien is a promising, young Chablis producer making strides in the industry. Domaine Jean Dauvissat Pere & Fils is renowned for crafting rich Chablis wines that strike an impeccable balance between minerality and fruit. With a commitment to eschew oak, their wines undergo an extensive aging period in contemporary stainless steel tanks before bottling, allowing for nuanced development. The classic Cote de Lechet epitomizes the epitome of mineral-laden Chablis. This premier cru Cote de Lechet embodies Left Bank precision, featuring razor-sharp acidity that tantalizes the palate. A distinctive floral introduction and hints of gun-flint smokiness characterize the mid-palate, while the finish is marked by vibrant berry fruit and enduring minerality. Domaine Jean Dauvissat Pere & Fils is a rising star worth keeping an eye on in the world of Chablis

This cuvee offers a very beautiful balance between the different origins of our chardonnay. Cramant mostly of course (so structured and mineral), Chouilly in a large part (Mont Aigu for elegance) and a piece of Cuis (for the freshness and to sign Pierre Gimonnet).. The champagnes of Pierre Gimonnet & Fils are intricately assembled by masterful hands exclusively from enviably positioned and painstakingly tended old vines. Every cuvee sings its aspiration of 'precision, purity and minerality', each speaking articulately of its place in the northern Côte des Blancs through expressive, chalky minerality, without one molecule of detailout of place. With high-strung tension, crystalline structure and rapier-sharp precision, these are blanc de blancs champagnes charged with an energy that will sustain them long indeed. They represent some of the best-value apéritif champagnes of all. The Champagne Guide 2016-2017, Tyson Stelzer www.tysonstelzer.com

Mayacamas is famed today for its thrilling and ageworthy Cabernet Sauvignon, but the estate’s journey to Napa Valley icon status was propelled by acclaim for its Chardonnay. The first Chardonnay vines—all Wente clone—went in the ground at the property in 1975. After the estate’s sale in 2013 to the Schottenstein family, extensive replanting saw the retention of this classic US Chardonnay clone, supplemented by a few blocks of Dijon. The Chardonnay blocks are scattered throughout the 475-acre property (only 50 are planted to vines) and sit on various soil profiles (volcanic ash, gravelly loam, cobbled clay) at different elevations (550-650 metres) and aspects. This mélange of topographical features and clonal material paints a picture of the site, takes a snapshot in time and consistently results in a harmonious and balanced wine with mountainous character and experience-led charm. Each block is picked separately in the cool early morning, and multiple passes are made to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy fruit makes the cut. In the cellar, the fruit is hand-sorted and pressed predominantly (95%) as whole clusters at very low pressure. The juice is cold-settled and racked to old barrels for a long, cool primary fermentation. Importantly—and unusually for the region—malolactic conversion is inhibited at Mayacamas; it has been this way since the Bob Travers days from the 1970s to the 2000s. This gives a beautiful racy character to the broad and powerful framework of fruit. The wine then rests in barrels of various sizes with no stirring for 12 months. The use of new oak is also negligible at just one or two barrels per year… Cali Chardonnay without the make-up, if you like!