2024 Walt Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 6pk 6x750ml

Kathryn Hall returned to winemaking in 2001 after earning degrees in economics, law, and business from UC Berkeley and Columbia. Walt is her side project—Sonoma Coast Chardonnay built to punch above its price, sourced from one of California's coolest, most fog-wrapped appellations.

The 2023 vintage saw a long, wet winter that replenished soils, followed by cooler spring weather that delayed budbreak by weeks. Late spring brought moderate warmth and substantial canopy growth, then mild temperatures through summer and early fall created perfect ripening conditions. The longer hang time allowed fruit to reach optimum ripeness, resulting in a fresh vintage with great balance and fruit density.

In the glass: smoke, pineapple, grilled citrus. Mango, mandarin orange, wildflower honey. Golden apple, vanilla bean, toasted hazelnut. Zesty acidity provides structure. The palate is silky and precise, unfolding with layers of citrus curd, baked apple, and toasted almond. Firm, juicy, and a little coastal in character—the kind of Chardonnay that makes you wonder why you're spending twice this on Napa.

Wine Spectator scored it 92. Owen Bargreen went 93 and called it "gorgeous" with "great poise and richness in this slightly cooler vintage." $39.99 for six bottles. If you're paying $20+ per bottle for grocery-store Chard, stop.