HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

90–94pts

Scheid Family, District 7 Chardonnay, Monterey 2018

Decanter average score: 93/100pts

Individual judges’ scores: Susy Atkins 95 Romain Bourger 93 Keith Kirkpatrick 92

£15

North South Wines, Ocado

Slightly buttery, cooked oranges scent. Delicate stone fruits and saline texture, ripe mango and guava; long, succulent, quite pithy finish. Drink 2021-2023 Alcohol 13.5%

Nielson, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County 2018

92 SA 93 RB 90 KK 93

£20.99

Handford

Restrained nose with nice stone fruit and floral character underneath. Light lemon sherbet notes with toasted pineapple, pleasingly dry and youthful finish. Drink 2021-2025 Alc 14.2%

Roederer Estate, Quartet Brut, Anderson Valley NV

92 SA 91 RB 91 KK 93

£23.50-£30

Champagne Direct, Cambridge Wine Merchants, Davy’s, Hedonism, Majestic, Philglas & Swiggot, The Champagne Co, The Oxford Wine Co, The Wine Society Aromatic nose with a touch of toffee apple and vanilla. Rich, creamy, with juicy strawberries and apple crumble. Drink 2021-2028 Alc 12.5%

Domaine Carneros, Brut, Carneros 2016

91 SA 94 RB 89 KK 91 £22.95-£30

Dalling & Co, Tannin & Oak, The Whalley Wine Shop, Vinvm, Wine Direct, WoodWinters Delicate creaminess on the nose with subtle smoke. Lovely raspberry ripple, pear and apple on the palate with some yeasty depth; elegant, long finish. Drink 2021-2030 Alc 12%

Calera, Chardonnay, Central Coast 2016

92 SA 93 RB 93 KK 90 £28.99

9 Elms Wines, Hedonism

Full of dried tropical fruits on the nose. Rounded texture on the palate, rich and ripe, notes of fresh juicy pineapple and candied peel followed by a fresh and lifted finish. Excellent. Drink 2021-2028 Alc 14.2%

Spell, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 2016

92 SA 92 RB 92 KK 92 £29.99

Wanderlust Wine

Lovely vibrant nose of candied lemon and apricot tart. Lifted on the palate by slightly sour satsuma, along with light pastry notes and an orange blossom streak at the very end. Drink 2021-2025 Alc 13%

Firestone, Riesling, Santa Barbara County 2018

91 SA 92 RB 88 KK 92 £15.49

All About Wine, Ministry of Drinks,

The Drink Shop

Lime cordial, wet wool and jasmine on the nose. Slightly off-dry palate with vibrant aromas of ripe lemon, fresh mango and baked pineapple with a touch of pepper. Gorgeous. Drink 2021-2030 Alc 13.3%

Ferdinand, Garnacha Blanca, Vista Luna Vineyard, Lodi 2018

92 SA 93 RB 90 KK 92

£28.50

Nekter Wines

Lovely apple skin and hints of lime on the nose. Delicate leafy notes on the palate developing nicely from the mid-palate, with ripe, fleshy but well-balanced pear and citrus on the finish. Drink 2021-2025 Alc 12%

Qupé, Y Block Chardonnay, Santa Barbara 2016

92 SA 91 RB 90 KK 94

£24.99

Alliance Wine

Stylish, beautiful balance to the citrus and lightly buttery nose. Ripe Seville oranges with wood spice, palate building to a rich, lengthy finish. Refreshing. Drink 2021-2024 Alc 13%

Tatomer, Steinhügel Riesling, Santa Barbara County 2017

92 SA 94 RB 90 KK 93

£23

Roberson

Firm nose of jasmine, green apple and wet slate. Dry palate with an oily texture, notes of fresh white stone fruits, lime juice and a touch of minerality. Classic. Drink 2021-2030 Alc 13%

Alma de Cattleya, Chardonnay, Sonoma County 2018

90 SA 94 RB 87 KK 88

£26.95

Jeroboams

Delicate nose of light oak and slightly earthy components, then a creamy texture and ripe peachy notes on the palate with a subtle hint of oak, well integrated. Medium finish.

Drink 2021-2024 Alc 14%

‘I was impressed to see Fiano, Grenache, Grüner Veltliner – some really nice wines’

Keith Kirkpatrick