Grgich Hills Chardonnay, Napa - 2023

California Chardonnay gets a bad rap. Too often, people assume that California is generic plonk (read: overripe, buttery, and flabby) without ever diving into the transformative, and delicious, work of Mike Grgich. Before founding the renowned Grgich Hills Estate in Napa, Grgich was the winemaker at Chateau Montelena when their Chardonnay beat a flight of top Burgundies at the 1976 Judgement of Paris. Over 50 years later, Grgich Hills continues to defy expectations by making wines that are bold and expressive while somehow remaining elegant and balanced, and the 2021 Estate Chardonnay is no exception. Aromas of ripe apple, lemon, asian pear, peach, and hazelnuts give way to a balanced, juicy palate that will make skeptics rethink their anti-California bias. Pair with soft cheese, shellfish, or a sense of smug satisfaction.