Atelier 2021 Chardonnay Russian River Valley 750ml

Atelier is a Russian River Valley project built around craft, with a winemaker, Ondine Chattan, who treats Chardonnay as the star. The winery describes its philosophy as honoring “winemaking technique, tradition, and innovation,” with “meticulous attention to detail,” and “the Russian River Valley as a muse.” The 2021 is 100% Chardonnay, using two clones with complementary roles: clone 4 for “fruit-driven aromas” and clone 17 for “a textured mouthfeel.”

The result is a Russian River Chardonnay on the brighter, more mineral side of the spectrum, at 13.5% ABV. The winemaker’s notes describe a “pale gold color with a green hue,” with a nose of “Bartlett pear, quince, honeydew melon, and almond paste,” and a “streamlined palate” that is “elegant, with flavors of apple, lemon curd, nougat, honeycomb, and sea salt,” and a finish with “balanced creaminess and a minerality indicative and prized as a nod to the soil of its origin.”

Wine Enthusiast’s Jim Gordon scored it 94 Points and gave it an Editors’ Choice designation: “Steely in mouthfeel, this vibrant mineral- and acid-driven wine from Ondine Chattan showcases the bright side of Chardonnay’s fruit spectrum, with lime juice and Granny Smith apples meeting subtle butter and vanilla notes on the palate and finish.” Tastings.com scored it 89 and listed it as a Best Buy, with “an excellent balance of ripe fruit and balanced oak that should please anyone that loves Chardonnay,” noting “yellow apple and candied Meyer lemon, apricot jam on brioche, and vanilla and delicate baking spices.” James Suckling also reviewed it (“drink or hold”). The 2021 vintage in California was widely regarded as superb.

It’s a good fit for customers who like a Chardonnay with real oak and richness but also freshness: not a big buttery style, and not a stripped-down one. It’s a natural pairing with roast chicken, lobster, crab, creamy pasta, and soft cheeses, and a good match for the Atelier Pinot Noir.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Atelier 2021 Chardonnay is produced by Atelier, winemaker Ondine Chattan, from 100% Chardonnay grown in the Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, using Chardonnay clones 4 and 17. 13.5% ABV, 750ml.

Critics Reviews

Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast — 94 Points, Editors’ Choice (July 2023):
“Steely in mouthfeel, this vibrant mineral- and acid-driven wine from Ondine Chattan showcases the bright side of Chardonnay’s fruit spectrum, with lime juice and Granny Smith apples meeting subtle butter and vanilla notes on the palate and finish.”

Tastings.com — 89 Points, Best Buy (March 2023):
“Same as aromas with notes of yellow apple and candied Meyer lemon, apricot jam on brioche, and vanilla and delicate baking spices. Bottom line: an excellent balance of ripe fruit and balanced oak that should please anyone that loves Chardonnay.”

James Suckling (June 2023): Reviewed; “drink or hold.”

Atelier (winemaker’s notes):
“Pale gold color with a green hue, this Chardonnay opens with a nose of Bartlett pear, quince, honeydew melon, and almond paste. The streamlined palate is elegant with flavors of apple, lemon curd, nougat, honeycomb, and sea salt with the finish revealing balanced creaminess and a minerality indicative and prized as a nod to the soil of its origin.”

Tasting Profile

Nose
Pale gold with a green hue. Bartlett pear, quince, honeydew melon, and almond paste.

Palate
Elegant and steely, with apple, lime, lemon curd, nougat, honeycomb, and sea salt, with subtle butter and vanilla.

Finish
Balanced and creamy, with a mineral note.

Quick Overview

Food Pairings

• Roast chicken and lobster
• Crab and shellfish
• Creamy pasta
• Soft cheeses

Serving Note

Serve lightly chilled, at about 10-12°C.