Reverse Wine Snob

Wine doesn't have to be expensive to be good

  • About
  • Aldi® Picks
  • Costco® Picks
  • Trader Joe’s® Picks
  • FREE GUIDE
  • Insider Deals
menu icon
go to homepage
Get Our Free Guide!
search icon
Homepage link
  • FREE GUIDE!
  • Insider Deals
  • Best Of Lists
    • - Costco
    • - Trader Joe's
    • - Aldi
  • About
  • The Rating System
  • More Helpful Links
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Chardonnay! The 2023 Guide To The Best Chardonnay Wines

    Chardonnay can be a bit of a love/hate proposition for a lot of people, but it doesn't have to be that way!

    On the one hand you have the big, buttery style of wines that undergo malolactic fermentation and are usually aged in oak. (On a side note, because oak aging is associated with this style most people presume that is where the buttery notes come from but that is not the case - see the full explanation in our Ask The Expert episode on this question.)

    The Best Chardonnay - The Reverse Wine Snob Picks!

    On the other hand you have the naked, or unoaked, style that lets the true beauty of the grape shine through. While we naturally gravitate towards the latter group some of our very favorite Chardonnays are those that blend a bit of both styles together.

    In this category we call out our favorites in both the oaked, unoaked and combined styles which means that we've got something for everyone!

    Click here to get a printable shopping list of the best Chardonnay!

    Not only that, but we don't restrict our search for the best Chardonnay to California. One of the most grown grapes in the world, there's plenty of good Chardonnay to be found in places like France, Italy, Chile and more.

    Read on for our picks of The Best Chardonnay Under $20!

    Photo Credit: Brandon Bourdages/Shutterstock.com

    Kirkland Signature Sonoma County Chardonnay - Butterlicious

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: March 4, 2023 Last Updated: March 4, 2023

    Kirkland Signature Sonoma County Chardonnay - Butterlicious

    If you like your Chardonnay buttery and slightly sweet, this is the one for you. We review the latest vintage of the Kirkland Signature Sonoma Chardonnay from Costco. Chardonnay from Sonoma County, California. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Chardonnay, Costco, Kirkland Signature

    Toad Hollow Unoaked Chardonnay - Tasty!

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: March 2, 2023 Last Updated: March 2, 2023

    Toad Hollow Unoaked Chardonnay - Tasty!

    Unassuming, unoaked and delicious, the Toad Hollow Unoaked Francine's Selection Chardonnay. 100% Chardonnay from long-time family-owned vineyards along the Russian River in Mendocino County plus a small amount from Monterey County, California. The wine was aged in … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Chardonnay, Highly Recommended

    INSIDER DEAL! Bulk Buy Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay 47% Off

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: February 20, 2023 Last Updated: February 22, 2023

    INSIDER DEAL! Bulk Buy Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay 47% Off

    THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. Get the 93-point J Wilkes Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay for just $14 a bottle! Bulk Buy alert! … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Bulk Buy, California, Chardonnay, Deals, Insider Deals

    INSIDER DEAL! Effort Chardonnay - Mission Accomplished

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: January 30, 2023 Last Updated: February 1, 2023

    INSIDER DEAL! Effort Chardonnay - Mission Accomplished

    THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. Looking for a rich, balanced, Burgundian style Chardonnay well under $20? Mission accomplished, we say, with the 92-Point Effort … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Chardonnay, Deals, Highly Recommended, Insider Deals

    INSIDER DEAL! Pedroncelli Bulk Buy and Perfect 10 Chardonnay

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: September 22, 2022 Last Updated: September 29, 2022

    INSIDER DEAL! Pedroncelli Bulk Buy and Perfect 10 Chardonnay

    THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. Three bottles of Bulk Buy rated Chardonnay plus one bottle of a single vineyard, Perfect 10 Saturday Splurge! The QPR Kings at … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Bulk Buy, California, California - Dry Creek Valley, Chardonnay, Deals, Insider Deals, Saturday Splurge

    Le Fat Bastard Chardonnay - Just Right

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: September 3, 2022 Last Updated: November 14, 2022

    Le Fat Bastard Chardonnay - Just Right

    Surprisingly balanced and light on its feet, we review Le Fat Bastard Chardonnay. 100% Chardonnay from Languedoc, France. The wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation and just a portion is aged in oak. It has just 0.39 g/L residual sugar and is vegan friendly. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Chardonnay, France, Languedoc, Thanksgiving, Vegan

    Kirkland Signature K Vine Chardonnay – High Expectations

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: July 2, 2022 Last Updated: January 19, 2023

    Kirkland Signature K Vine Chardonnay – High Expectations

    $10 Single vineyard Chardonnay from a big name winemaker (Charles Smith), we check out the latest vintage of the Kirkland Signature K Vine Chardonnay. Chardonnay from the Evergreen Vineyard in Washington State. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Chardonnay, Costco, Kirkland Signature, Washington

    INSIDER DEAL! Vigilance Chardonnay - Save 60%

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: June 6, 2022 Last Updated: June 19, 2022

    INSIDER DEAL! Vigilance Chardonnay - Save 60%

    THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. 90-Point Chardonnay over 60% off! A combination of aging in new oak (20%) and stainless steel (80%) combine to create a beautifully … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, California - Lake County, Chardonnay, Deals, Highly Recommended, Insider Deals

    INSIDER DEAL! 57% OFF Two 91-93 Point Marshall Davis Estate Chardonnays

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: April 18, 2022 Last Updated: April 20, 2022

    INSIDER DEAL! Save 57% On Two 91-93 Point Marshall Davis Estate Chardonnays

    THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. Marshall Davis Wines returns with a discount of over $25 a bottle on two Estate Chardonnays from the Marshall Davis Vineyard in the … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Chardonnay, Deals, Insider Deals, Oregon

    INSIDER DEAL! Raised by Wolves 777 Chardonnay - Stock Up

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: April 8, 2022 Last Updated: April 11, 2022

    INSIDER DEAL! Raised by Wolves 777 Chardonnay - Stock Up

    THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. 60% OFF 94-point South African Chardonnay, the Yardstick Raised by Wolves Cuvee 777 Chardonnay. Heads up Chardonnay lovers, … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Chardonnay, Deals, Highly Recommended, Insider Deals, South Africa

    INSIDER DEAL! Farmstrong Field White - Pure Pleasure

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: March 11, 2022 Last Updated: March 13, 2022

    INSIDER DEAL! Farmstrong Field White - Pure Pleasure

    SOLD OUT! Sign up below to make sure you don't miss the next deal. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. Stock up for warmer weather with our 43% discount on this fantastic, Bulk Buy rated (93 points) white blend, the Farmstrong Field White. It's … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Bulk Buy, California, Chardonnay, Deals, Insider Deals, White Blends

    INSIDER DEAL! $42 Chardonnay for less than $15 a bottle

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: December 20, 2021 Last Updated: January 12, 2022

    INSIDER DEAL! $42 Chardonnay for less than $15 a bottle

    THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. Major discount alert on this Double Gold Medal winner. The Sonoma Highway Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is discounted over 60% for the next … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Chardonnay, Deals, Highly Recommended, Insider Deals

    Kirkland Signature Premier Cru Chablis - Inexpensive Elegance

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: December 1, 2021 Last Updated: January 15, 2023

    Kirkland Signature Premier Cru Chablis - Inexpensive Elegance

    We check out the new vintage of this big time Burgundy at a bargain price, the Kirkland Signature Premier Cru Chablis. 100% Chardonnay from Burgundy, France. The wine sees no oak and is aged in stainless steel for 12 months. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Chardonnay, Costco, France, Kirkland Signature, Thanksgiving

    Mumm Napa Blanc de Blancs - Quite Quaffable

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: November 22, 2021 Last Updated: January 21, 2023

    Mumm Napa Blanc de Blancs - Quite Quaffable

    A highly recommended sparkling wine, the Mumm Napa Blanc de Blancs. 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Gris sparkling wine from Napa Valley, California. The wine is made using the méthode champenoise like Champagne where the secondary fermentation that creates the bubbles … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Chardonnay, Highly Recommended, Pizza Wine, Sparkling Wine, Thanksgiving

    La Vieille Ferme Reserve Brut - Budget Bubbly

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: November 9, 2021 Last Updated: January 21, 2023

    La Vieille Ferme Reserve Brut - Budget Bubbly

    The crisp, bright and tasty La Vieille Ferme Reserve Brut sparkling wine. 90% Chardonnay and 10% Ugni Blanc sparkling wine from France. The secondary fermentation that creates the bubbles happens in the bottle, like Champagne. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Chardonnay, France, Highly Recommended, Sparkling Wine, Thanksgiving

    Pam's Unoaked Chardonnay - Light, Fresh and Tasty

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: October 27, 2021 Last Updated: January 22, 2023

    Pam's Unoaked Chardonnay - Light, Fresh and Tasty

    A solid Chard, the Pam's Unoaked Chardonnay from Ron Rubin Winery. Chardonnay from family-owned vineyards in Clarksburg and Lodi, California. As you probably guessed from the name, the wine does not spend any time in oak. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Chardonnay

    INSIDER DEAL! Save Over $16 A Bottle On Perfect 10 Chardonnay

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: September 5, 2021 Last Updated: January 12, 2022

    INSIDER DEAL! Save Over $16 A Bottle On Perfect 10 Chardonnay

    THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER IS NOW SOLD OUT! Sign up below to make sure you get the next one. Learn more about our winery direct INSIDER DEALS here. The 92-point Center of Effort Chardonnay is 48% off for the next day. I gotta say right off the bat, I was blown away by … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Chardonnay, Deals, Highly Recommended, Insider Deals

    Peaks & Tides Sonoma Coast Chardonnay - Agreeable

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: August 18, 2021 Last Updated: January 23, 2023

    Peaks & Tides Sonoma Coast Chardonnay - Agreeable

    A pleasing, lightly oaked Chardonnay from Aldi, the Peaks & Tides Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Aldi, California, Chardonnay

    Butternut Chardonnay - Tasty Stuff

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: July 2, 2021 Last Updated: January 25, 2023

    Butternut Chardonnay - Tasty Stuff

    Smooth, creamy and a bit buttery, the Butternut Chardonnay. Available widely including Trader Joe's. Chardonnay from California. The wine is aged in 100% new French oak for 7 months. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Chardonnay, Highly Recommended, Trader Joe's

    Zolo Unoaked Chardonnay – Simple and Fruity

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: June 26, 2021 Last Updated: January 26, 2023

    Zolo Unoaked Chardonnay – Simple and Fruity

    A good value at the $8 Costco price, the Zolo Unoaked Chardonnay. 100% Chardonnay from estate vineyards in Agrelo and Tupungato in Mendoza, Argentina. The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks and has 5.0 g/L of residual sugar. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Argentina, Chardonnay, Costco

    Kirkland Signature Russian River Valley Chardonnay - Flavorsome

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: June 17, 2021 Last Updated: January 19, 2023

    Kirkland Signature Russian River Valley Chardonnay - Flavorsome

    A fruity, lightly-oaked, crowd-pleasing Chard from Costco, the Kirkland Signature Russian River Valley Chardonnay. Chardonnay from Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California. The wine is aged in French oak. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, California - Russian River Valley, Chardonnay, Costco, Kirkland Signature, Thanksgiving

    Taymor Chardonnay - Nothing Not To Like

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: March 27, 2021 Last Updated: October 1, 2021

    Taymor Chardonnay - Nothing Not To Like

    Russian River Valley Chardonnay for just $6.99 at Trader Joe's! It's the Bulk Buy rated Taymor Chardonnay. Chardonnay from Russian River Valley, California. The wine does not spend any time in oak. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Bulk Buy, California, California - Russian River Valley, Chardonnay, Trader Joe's

    Exquisite Collection Chardonnay - Good Enough

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: March 27, 2021 Last Updated: May 23, 2021

    Exquisite Collection Chardonnay - Good Enough

    Well made and easy to drink, the Exquisite Collection Chardonnay from Aldi. Chardonnay from California. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: Aldi, California, Chardonnay

    Mumm Napa Brut Prestige - Classic Classy Bubbles

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: December 29, 2020 Last Updated: February 8, 2023

    Mumm Napa Brut Prestige - Classic Classy Bubbles

    And tasty too! A solid sparkler, the Mumm Napa Brut Prestige. 45% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Meunier and Pinot Gris from Napa Valley, California. The wine is made in the traditional method and aged for 18 months. It has 11 g/L of residual sugar. … [Read more...]

    Filed Under: California, Chardonnay, Costco, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wine, Thanksgiving

    • 1
    • 2
    • 3
    • …
    • 5
    • Next Page »
    Reverse Wine Snob Insider Deals Header Square
    Limited Time offers with amazing discounts just for our readers.

    Don't Miss Out!

    About Reverse Wine Snob

    Wine doesn't have to be expensive to be good! Jon Thorsen is an independent wine consumer who has been helping millions of people find great wines without breaking the bank since 2011. If you're new to Reverse Wine Snob® sign up for my free guide and don't miss our exclusive Insider Deals! Read more about Reverse Wine Snob in the news and about me.

    Reverse Wine Snob Logo

    Join over 450,000 followers on social media!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Get Our Free Guide! How To Drink Great Wine...Without Breaking The Bank

    Free Guide! How To Drink Great Wine Without Breaking The BankReady to start drinking the best wine of your life, and save money doing it? Sign up for our 5 Day Free Guide!

    Learn More

    Helpful Links

    • - Ask The Expert Series
    • - Browse by Variety, Region, etc.
    • - Buy My Book on Amazon
    • - Get Our Free Guide
    • - How To Choose A Good Bottle of Wine
    • - Insider Deals
    • - Insider Deal FAQ
    • - Printable Lists of Recommended Wines
    • - Ten Tenets of Reverse Wine Snobbery
    • - The Rating System
    • - Wine Tasting Basics

    • - Advertise
    • - Contact Info
    • - Submit Samples for review

    How To Drink Great Wine...Without Breaking The Bank

    Tired of wasting money on bad wine? Sign up for our Free Guide!

    No commitments, no spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

    Best Of Lists!

      • - Aldi Wine
      • - Best Pizza Wines
      • - Best Red Wines of 2022
      • - Box Wines
      • - Cabernet Sauvignon
      • - Chardonnay
      • - Chianti
      • - Costco Wine
      • - French Wines
      • - Italian Wines
      • - Malbec
      • - Merlot
      • - Oregon Wines
      • - Organic Wines
      • - Pinot Noir
      • - Red Blends
      • - Rosé
      • - Riesling
      • - Sauvignon Blanc
      • - Spanish Wines
      • - Sparkling Wine
      • - Syrah
      • - Thanksgiving Wines
      • - Trader Joe's Wine
      • - Vegan Wines
      • - Zinfandel
      • And Many More Best of Lists

    Reverse Wine Snob®: Wine doesn't have to be expensive to be good.

    Copyright © 2011–2023 · Reverse Wine Snob, LLC. | Privacy, Editorial & Advertising Policy