Top 20 California Chardonnays for the Holidays

While preparing a holiday meal, I often indulge in a glass of wine from my list of Top 20 Holiday Chardonnays. As my friends and family arrive, they join me setting the table, and toasting our time together with a golden-hued wine in hand and a perfectly glazed turkey on the table.

This wine list describes the nuances and flavor characteristics of each wine, along with the general price for a 750 milliliter bottle. Most of these wineries have long-standing reputations of excellence and their wine is available in most areas.

The vintages suggested below are mainly 2005 through 2006. Should you wish to impress the wine connoisseur at your table with a superior vintage, I suggest that you start with the wineries listed below. Inquire at your local wine shop or do a little research on line to distinguish which vintage years are considered exceptional.

After browsing the list, please see my article A Toasty Thanksgiving Dinner for delicious recipes like a Grand Marnier Turkey, Irish Cream Pumpkin Pie, and my famous Rum & Cherry Cornbread Stuffing.

From $10 to $20

2006 Clos du Bois Chardonnay Sonoma County $12
One of the very best values to be had and always consistent! I love this wine with its oaky tones and overall ease. It’s often discounted in stores, when the taste suggests a much higher price.

2006 Husch Chardonnay Mendocino $12
Another very reliable wine, that starts with apples, peaches, and a touch of minerals, and finishes both elegant and smooth.

2005 Beringer Third Century, Central Coast $12
I was introduced to this budget beauty not too long ago, and was amazed by the quality for the price. The tropical aromas and flavors with hints of green apples and juicy pears delight the palate, while balanced acidity and hints of oak deliver a smooth, satisfying finish.

2005 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Chardonnay $12
This treasure has much of the toasty, creamy, buttery notes found in wine over $20. A real quality deal when under $10.

2005 Sterling Vineyards Vintner's Collection Chardonnay Central Coast $12
The winemaking talents of the legendary Sterling Vineyards shine through in this golden, fruity Chardonnay.

2005 St. Francis Chardonnay Sonoma County $13
Rich with notes of citrus, melon, and vanilla, this Chardonnay is a fresh expression of the hand-picked classic varietal.

2006 Acacia Vineyard Chardonnay Carneros $18
The vibrant aromas of this wine combine sweet crème brûlée with ginger, lemon curd, fennel, and peach. The finish is long with vanilla, roasted oats, and nectarine flavors.

2005 Franciscan Oakville Estate Chardonnay Napa Valley $18
Lively and creamy on the palate with a great body and structure, this Chardonnay has notes of honey, lemon tart, green apple and pears that linger with a subtle vanilla tone.

2005 Raymond Napa Valley Reserve Chardonnay $20
An aromatic opening of citrus, green apple, and fresh florals is followed by a long, smooth, finish of vanilla and almond with notes of tropical fruit in every glass of this golden beauty.

2006 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Santa Barbara County $20
This popular Chardonnay is elegant, fresh, and food friendly. Expect nuances of citrus and stone fruit, with smooth, integrated flavors of apricot, apple, and lemon. You’ll enjoy a beautiful finish with every sip.

Over $20

2005 Cuvaison Estate Wines Chardonnay Carneros $22
Peach blossom, wet stone, lime zest and citrus notes dominate this cool vintage Chardonnay. A nice roasted nut and clove spice element complement the natural minerality.

2005 Clos Du Val Chardonnay Carneros $22
Light gold in color this Chardonnay exhibits aromas of pear and pineapple balanced with notes of bread crust and some smoke. Its clean tropical fruit, citrus and green apple flavors are prominent on the palate with a crisp clean finish.

2005 Clos Pegase Mitsukos Vineyard Chardonnay Carneros $24
Luscious hints of nectarine, peach and a lemon-lime splash, are balanced by rich, toasted French oak. Expect a lovely, long finish from this Chardonnay. A great match for Thanksgiving dinner!

2005 Morgan Double L Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands $25
A complex wine, with notes of minerals, nuts, nutmeg, tropical fruits, and orange blossoms, layered in a ripe, rich texture of oak and toasty cream. The first time I tasted this gorgeous Chardonnay, was at an elegant beach party on the California coast. It became my wine of choice that summer and will certainly make an appearance on my holiday table!
2006 Rombauer Vineyards Chardonnay Carneros $30
Fat, rich, and buttery this full-bodied wine marries peach, apple, and mango aromas with classic California Chardonnay flavors. The creamy texture of Asian pears and peaches glides across the palate and the light oak tones highlight the wine's complex and lingering finish. My brother, who lives right on Main St. in Napa Valley always uncorks a bottle of Rombauer at Thanksgiving.

2005 Trefethen Estate Chardonnay Napa Valley $30
Ripe apple, peach, honeyed citrus, and light butter scents, with intriguing hints of anise and tarragon are enjoyed in every glass. On the beautifully structured palate, its bright lemon and pineapple flavors boast a refreshing minerality that persists throughout the wine’s long, clean finish.

2005 Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay Napa Valley $40
This absolutely excellent wine never disappoints with its nuances of citrus, green apples, and ripe pears within an oaky, silk milieu. A delicious blend of butter and vanilla, makes it an excellent choice for holiday meals. One of the finest wineries in the Napa Valley, Cakebread is a personal favorite.

2005 Grgich Hills Cellars Chardonnay Napa Valley $40
A king crafter of Chardonnay, this Napa Valley gem has created a lovely white wine with aromas of baked pear, lychee nuts, and wild honey. Its liveliness in acidity and a balance of oak and body promises a perfect pair for most any entrée.

2004 Chalk Hill Chardonnay Sonoma County $40
This wine boasts intense aromas of citrus, pear, and honeysuckle. A richness and elegance is evidenced by the wine’s crisp flavors of tropical fruit and mineral characteristics of the estate.

2005 Far Niente Estate Bottled Chardonnay Napa Valley $55
Ripe melon and fig, layered with spice, stone and earth, emerge in the nose and combine with notes of hazelnuts and toasted almonds. The wine's smooth, rich entry opens on the palate to tropical notes ending in a long, toasty finish.