Wine Enthusiast:  Rated as Excellent, extremely well made and highly recommended.  "A beautifully elegant, refined Chardonnay. Because it’s not overloaded with oak, it displays the basic finesse of the grapes from this cool-climate vineyard. Crisp and dry, it’s rich and complex in citrus, tropical fruit, peach, mineral and honeysuckle flavors, at a fair price."  Jun 2010

Winery:  "A bright straw yellow in the glass, the wine offers a delightful range of aromas ranging from tropical mango to floral honeysuckle and apricot. Additional citrus notes of orange and lemon are followed by hints of thyme and cardamom and a finish of caramel and custard. A bright acidity and delicate minerality add structure while sweet vanilla oak nuances give suppleness to the wine. This Chardonnay is a clear expression of the great potential of the varietal in the Carneros region."

Wired For Wine:  This Artesa Carneros Chardonnay is the perfect companion for sitting in front of your fireplace these days.  Its delightful minerality and acidity, luscious citrus and tropical fruit, hints of herb and very subtle oak will pair gorgeously with many food choices.  Enjoy your first glass with crispy cornmeal-battered oysters and a creamy horseradish dip.  Make sure it's a big platter...  A classic Caesar salad is another great option for kicking off the meal.  This crisp, dry Chardonnay is perfect with most any fish or seafood, chicken and lots of vegetables.  Bring on the cream and butter too; the lovely acidity of this supple Napa Chardonnay will balance it beautifully.  We suggest warm crab cakes with a Dijon-garlic cream sauce.  Pan-roasted red snapper with sauteed pea shoots and a gingered lemon-scallion sauce will bring out the Artesa's citrus side.  As for comfort food, you can't go wrong with buttermilk fried chicken served with bacon-flecked collared greens. The tropical fruit side of this fresh white will bring the meal to an end with oohs and ahhs if you pour those last few glasses with a coconut rice pudding.  On the savory side, we love this Chardonnay with a French Cabecou de Poitou, a smooth goat cheese with just the right amount of tang to show off this rich, refined "jewel of Carneros".  And they say diamonds are a girl's best friend...

Size:        750ml
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol:  14.3%
Ageing:   8 months in 30% new, 70% used French oak
Region:  Carneros, Napa Valley, California