'My 12 Best Napa Chardonnays of All Time' – our expert picks a dozen greats
While it’s true that Sonoma and Santa Barbara counties are the best-suited appellations in California for growing Chardonnay, in the right hands and conditions the results from Napa Valley are extremely impressive.
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**Steelman:** The article makes a compelling case that Napa Valley, often dismissed for Chardonnay due to its warmth, can produce world-class examples when leveraging cooler microclimates, thoughtful viticulture, and precise winemaking. It highlights specific vineyards (Hyde, Hudson) and sub-regions (Carneros, Coombsville) where maritime influences and volcanic soils create conditions conducive to balanced, complex Chardonnay. The piece also challenges stereotypes by showcasing a range of styles...
