Under $15 Chardonnay.   

There’s plenty out there.

Case in point…a quick internet search

will lead you to an article entitled

“2022 guide to the best Chardonnay under $20”

which lists no less than 94 “best” Chardonnays. 

Obviously the premise of the article is flawed. 

By definition, there can’t be 94 “best” of anything. 

But the article does reinforce this fact:  

Chardonnay…inexpensive Chardonnay in particular…

is ubiquitous.

It’s Wine Thursday!, our weekly call out

of a good wine that’s available at a fair price

either at retail or online or both. 

This week, we’re highlighting

one of the standouts in the

crowded inexpensive Chardonnay category.

Drive southeast from Monterrey, California on Hwy. 101

and you’ll find yourself in the Arroyo Seco wine region.

That’s where J. Lohr produces Riverstone,

their flagship Chardonnay. 

Wine Enthusiast gives the 2019 vintage

a 90 point rating and “Best Buy” designation. 

It’s easy to get behind that evaluation. 

This is by-the-book California Chardonnay. 

It’s dominated by creamy fruit flavors

of pineapple, pear and apple.

Fermentation in oak barrels results in an

initial hint of vanilla that moves toward

a long, butterscotch finish.   

It comfortably straddles the line

between dry and sweet.   

In a price point…under $15…where there are no guarantees, 

this Chardonnay delivers. 

The 2019 J. Lohr Riverstone is very easy to find. 

Total Wine has it for $9.97.  It’s $9.99 at Trader Joe’s and Ralphs.

Walmart sells it for $10.98.   The price at Fred Meyer is $12.99.

It’s on the shelf at Target, QFC and Safeway for $13.99. 

You can order it from Empire Wine for $10.39  

https://www.empirewine.com

and Shopper’s Wine for $10.95  

https://www.shopperswines.com