Lot 9 2023 Napa Carneros Chardonnay 750ml

Lot 9 is sourced from a renowned Stags Leap District producer and is their inaugural 2023 Napa Carneros single-vineyard estate Chardonnay. A relatively new producer in Napa valley (just over 20 years old), they've earned an outstanding reputation for their no-expense-spared, single-vineyard Cabernet's that run the gamut from Stags Leap, Oakville, Rutherford, Howell Mountain, etc., and you can be certain no expense was spared in the production of this wine either.

With a $50+ price tag and barrel-fermented in ~ 80% new French oak with regular battonage, this Burgundian Beauty weighs in right at 13.5% alc., landing smack dab in the middle of the elegant Lot 4 '23 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and rich, ripe, bold Lot 11 '23 Russian River Chardonnay.

So, while Lot 9 hasn't commanded the price point heights of say Lot 4, I have to say this is my favorite of the bunch. Right-up-the-middle stylistically, it has incredible verve and that quintessential, mouthwateringly gorgeous Burgundian palate explosion of marzipan and citrus. Simply put, this is utterly delicious wine - I'll stake my reputation on that.

OMG bouquet blasting with a complex array of orchard fruit, meyer lemon, lime leaf, white flowers and beeswax. With air the more tropical fruit like mango comes out to play along with peach and marzipan with nicely integrated and subtle toasted caramel notes from barrel. Round and smooth yet robust on entry with fantastic mouthfeel riding a spine of nervy, chalky acidity carrying orangsicle, wet stone, keffir lime and mango to a pristine, resplendent finish...mouthwatering, lipsmackin' and gorgeously pure!

The wine came out of barrel last summer and has been zipped up tight in a tank until we bottled it at the end of May (we are currently awaiting labels).

100% Estate Chardonnay
100% Napa Carneros
~80% new French oak
13.5% alc.
~250 cases available

Bottled May 5, 2025