Talent Show

The next generation of Chardonnay stars make their mark

Talent Show
Young California vintners are redefining Chardonnay, the ultimate winemaker's wine. (James Ransom)
From the Jul 31, 2022, issue

Chardonnay is the ultimate winemaker’s wine. The grapes present a blank canvas on which vintners can apply different techniques and explore varying styles, while also expressing their terroir. With many of the wines showing both power and elegance in the latest vintages, now is an exciting time to survey the California vintners who are redefining Chardonnay in the state. Read on for our full report on over 450 white wines tasted over the past year by Wine Spectator senior editor MaryAnn Worobiec and former editor Kim Marcus.

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