09 Jun Everyday Chardonnay – 2019 Hess Select
Chardonnay.
It’s one of the five most popular types of wines in the U.S.
The question is asked often…
While there are plenty of reasonably priced
American Chardonnays available,
are there any good American Chardonnays in the $10-$15 range?
The answer is yes
but “good” is a relative term.
It always comes down to individual preference.
Wine drinkers might have to do a little digging
to find the $10-$15 Chard that clicks for them
i.e., they might have to kiss a frog or two.
But the pursuit and the process is worth the effort.
It’s Wine Thursday!, our weekly writeup
focused on a good, affordable wine that’s easy to find,
either at your store, online or both.
If you’re on the lookout for an inexpensive, quality Chardonnay,
we suggest that you include this week’s featured wine
in your quest.
Where it’s from
Over 40 years ago in Napa Valley, Donald Hess
began making small-lot wines. Since then,
The Hess Collection has become one of the largest
family-owned, owner-operated wineries in California.
The Hess portfolio now runs the gamut,
from entry-level offerings to $200 Cabernet Sauvignon.
What it is
While Hess has expanded its reach into the luxury category,
the winery continues to produce a substantial amount of
high-quality affordable options,
including their 2019 Monterrey Chardonnay.
This is a crowd pleaser.
The oak and butter flavors
that you would expect from a California Chardonnay
are present but neither is out of proportion.
Butterscotch, vanilla and lemon notes are up front.
It’s somewhat lacking in acidity. Thus, it comes off
as just a tiny bit on the flabby side.
But that’s nitpicking.
If you are evaluating inexpensive Chardonnays,
you should include the Hess Monterrey
in your audition line-up.
Make sure it is well-chilled before you pour.
Where to find it
The “Member Price” at Safeway for the Hess Chardonnay is $9.99.
BevMo has it for $10.99.
It’s at Vons for $11.10.
The price at Total Wine is $11.49.
Ralphs has it for $12.49.
It’s on the shelf at QFC and Fred Meyer for $13.99.
You can order it from Buy Wines Online for $9.95
B-21’s price is $9.99
Binny’s sells Hess Chardonnay for $10.99
Wine Library’s price is $11.09
Wine.com has it for $11.99