Lot 381 | 2022 Rutherford Chardonnay 750ml

Lot 381
2022 Rutherford Chardonnay

Lot 381 offers the barrel-fermented richness of Rombauer with the complexity of Far Niente. Given the source, we're confident the grapes were sourced from the legendary Star Vineyard. Planted back in 1991 on the in Rutherford's west-side alluvial washes coming off the Mayacamas Mountains, Star Vineyard is the source for many a fantastic Rutherford Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. With its well-over $50 price-point and year-in, year-out, mid-90s scores from major critics (producer's label), this Chardonnay will appeal to broad swath of Chardonnay-lovers.

Classic CA Chard fans, get ready; warm butterscotch and spiced apple pie are complexed with warm rain, pineapple, toasted bread, and vanilla blossoms - the 50% new French oak was a wonderful treatment here, even before the entry. On the palate the wine is succulent, ripe, and sappy with incredible weight and exquisite balance showcasing baked pineapple, and toasty, nutty oak that's well integrated with chalky, juicy acidity. For all the wood and rich fruits, this is a wine of terroir with its cobbly, alluvial soils, producing great structure to balance its rich viscosity. Seriously fantastic Chardonnay with an energetic richness that will keep you coming back for more!

Overall rating: 4.64 / 5 from 25 reviews.

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Review topics: ["flavor","color","compliment","chardonnay","wine","chard","acidity","fruit","bottle"].

Review highlights

Reviews

Yummy!

"Another terrific chardonnay sourced through de Negoce! Your detailed (& sometimes amusing) descriptions of wines has not let us down. It really helps us find stellar selections for our growing collection of wines!"

— Denise S. (5/5)

Yum!

"A toasty classic Napa Valley chard. Suitable for a fine dinner or 49ers tailgate. Bold and luxurious."

— Michael W. (5/5)

Almost

"Great weight and mouth feel. A sweetness that quickly turns to acidic finish. Honeysuckle and pineapple but elusive or confused. No flavor stands out. Intense (because of 15+% alcohol?). A bit more oak would be nice."

— Greg (4/5)

Lot 381 2022 Rutherford Chardonnay

"Very nice Okie Chardonnay! I was pleasantly surprised, because I usually go for the Russian river Chardonnay!"

— Char M. (5/5)

Really lovely now but has

"Really lovely now but has the oak to develop beautifully over the next several years"

— Alexander S. (5/5)

Loved this wine. Drinks like

"Loved this wine. Drinks like an elegant and expensive Chardonnay. Nice oak, not overdone. Notes of lemon, nectarine, butterscotch and toast. Long finish."

— Marc G. (5/5)

Great Chardonnay

"Enjoyed 381. Balanced yummy fruit with oak that integrates well with after it warms up a little with some air. Good balanced acidity. Good value"

— John L. (5/5)

Learning to trust

"I've purchased wines online which were...shall we say over hyped? I'm now very skeptical when I read gushing reviews. Having said that I bought Lot 381 because it sounded like something my wife would like. Holy cow was it fabulous! Now I want more but it's sold out. 2 more cases please!"

— Mark H. (5/5)

Delicious

"I was just telling some friends the Lot 371 Rutherford is one of the best Chardonnays I’ve purchased from DeNegoce. And I’ve purchased quite a few. I wish there was more."

— Michael S. (5/5)

Go to chardonnay

"Nothing special but great acidity and balance for a weekday pour"

— Christopher H. (4/5)

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