White
North and South America are home to some of the most exciting and innovative white wine producers in the world. From crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blancs to rich and complex Chardonnays, these regions have a diverse range of terroirs and climates that produce exceptional white wines.
In North America, some of the most famous vineyards producing white wines include Napa Valley's Robert Mondavi Winery, known for their full-bodied and rich Chardonnays. Another renowned producer is Washington State's Chateau Ste. Michelle, which produces a range of white wines including Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay.
In South America, Chile's Casablanca Valley is known for producing some of the best white wines in the region, with renowned vineyards such as Viña Casablanca and Matetic Vineyards. These vineyards produce delicious Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs, and even lesser-known varietals such as Gewürztraminer and Riesling.
Argentina's Mendoza region is also gaining a reputation for its white wines, particularly its Torrontés, which is a floral and aromatic white wine that pairs well with spicy foods.
Other notable white wine regions in North America include Canada's Niagara Peninsula, which produces crisp and refreshing Rieslings and Sauvignon Blancs, and Oregon's Willamette Valley, which is known for its crisp and acidic Pinot Gris.
In South America, Uruguay's coastal region of Canelones is emerging as a producer of elegant and mineral-driven white wines made from grapes such as Albariño and Chardonnay.
Overall, the white wines of North and South America offer a wide range of styles and flavors, from crisp and refreshing to rich and complex. With their commitment to quality and innovation, these regions are sure to continue producing exceptional white wines that can compete with the best in the world.
White
-
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
One of my favorites in the lineup was the 2016 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard, which comes from 23-year-old vines planted in one of the reference point vineyards in Carneros. Lemon, apricot, spice, flower oils, and tangerine skin are just some of the nuances here, and it builds with time in the glass. Deep, awesomely concentrated, and structured, yet still seamless and weightless, give it a year or two, count yourself lucky, and enjoy bottles over the coming 10-15 years.HK$3,420.00 -
(6x75cl) 2021Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92-94)
The 2021 Chardonnay Highland Divide is gorgeous. Creamy and beautifully layered, the Highland Divide is especially notable in this vintage. Time in the glass brings out the wine's gorgeous textural richness and intensity. This is one of the stand outs in the range, especially for the money.HK$3,125.00 -
(6x75cl) 2022Jeb Dunnuck (95)
A bright yellow color, the 2022 Chardonnay Wester Reach is a textbook example of this vintage, with a lot of elegance and a wide drinking window. From the Russian River Valley and aged in 25% new oak barrels for 11 months, it takes on more glycerol richness and a rounded profile. A great wine out of the gate, it captures the sunny feel of the region, but it’s light on its feet and closes with a great finish. This is a crowd-pleaser of a wine, and I would be happy to have this on my table at any stage. Drink 2024-2032.HK$2,720.00 -
Vinous (92)
(75% sauvignon musque and 25% sauvignon blanc; bottled the week before my visit): Good bright green-tinged yellow. Expressive, very fresh aromas and flavors of quince, guava, lime and almond, plus notes of underripe pineapple and minerals. Generous, layered and full in the mouth, conveying a captivating floral perfume. Finishes chewy and slightly phenolic, with dusty grapefruit pith and mint nuances. An excellent cooler vintage for this wine.HK$2,060.00 -
(3x75cl) 2019James Suckling (97)
Very subtle aromas of green apple, pear, kumquat and light peach. Medium to full body with a really refined nature, showing similar flavors to the nose, as well as lightly toasted oak and acacia and nut undertones. Honeydew melon and lilac, too. Refined and savory. Delicious complexity. Drink or hold.HK$2,415.00 -
(1x150cl) 2021Jeb Dunnuck (95)
The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, which includes a lot of Musqu clone, is a perfumed, exotic, incredibly floral example of the variety that just about jumps out of the glass. With bright acidity, medium body, and beautiful overall balance, it can be enjoyed today but will be even better with 2-3 years of bottle age and, I suspect, will evolve for over a decade if you're so inclined.HK$2,195.00 -
James Suckling (98)
This is really amazing with an exotic dried-fruit character of pineapple and mangoes. Full-bodied, rich and fruity with cream, pie-crust and caramel character. Crazy chardonnay with a little Jura style and some flor undertones. It really does have flor in the barrel when aging. Love. Get it. Drink now.HK$3,580.00 -
James Suckling (98)
This is really amazing with an exotic dried-fruit character of pineapple and mangoes. Full-bodied, rich and fruity with cream, pie-crust and caramel character. Crazy chardonnay with a little Jura style and some flor undertones. It really does have flor in the barrel when aging. Love. Get it. Drink now.HK$1,795.00 -
James Suckling (98)
A tight and beautiful white with a dense palate of beautiful, ripe lemons and apples. Layered and refined with phenolic tension. Complex yeast and hints of oak and flor. Full body. Great length. 80 per cent flor-growth in barrel. Drink now.HK$1,480.00 -
James Suckling (97)
This is another rock-star chardonnay from here with dried-apple, pear-skin, crushed-stone and peach-pit character. Full body. Creamy texture. Phenolic form and a long, flavorful finish. Drink or hold.HK$1,199.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Cooked apple, lemon curd and light vanilla on the nose, together with stone, mineral and some dried flowers. Medium to full body with a creamy texture and beautiful fruit. Hints of vanilla and pie crust in the aftertaste. Always great quality for the price. Drink or hold.HK$1,199.00 -
James Suckling (96)
This has aromas of ripe apricots, buttercream, baked apples and pastries. Medium-to full-bodied with a creamy, round and almost oily texture. Lovely balance of ripe fruit and toasted-pastry notes with bright acidity. Delicious finish. Fantastic value, as always. Drink now or hold.HK$1,200.00 -
James Suckling (97)
A hint of flint and gunpowder with waxed lemon, oyster shell, mango and salted green apples. Quite a textured, saline expression of chardonnay with tangy flavors and a mineral drive. Full-bodied and reductive with phenolic support. Savory, saline and mouthwatering finish. Love the austerity here. Drink or hold.HK$1,035.00 -
Vinous (95)
El Enemigo is leading the way in redefining Torrontés, producing wines from high-altitude sites in Gualtallary. Aged for 18 months in foudres, the 2021 Torrontés Gran Enemigo delivers a distinctive flavor that broadens the scope of this variety. Aromas of acacia and nards blend with basil and a subtle hint of sandalwood. Dry, chalky and refreshing, the white floral flavors burst on the palate, lingering with a compact mouthfeel. This is a bold new direction for Torrontés.HK$2,390.00 -
James Suckling (95)
This has rich, lemon and lightly grassy aromas in a very fresh, pure and focused mode. Some fresh-pastry and chalky notes, too. The palate is succulent and piercing. Some smooth, lees-derived texture sits nicely around the fresh, lemon flavor with pastry-like resolve. Impressive textural complexity really makes this special. Drink over the next six years.HK$1,715.00 -
(1x75cl) 2020El Molino Rutherford Chardonnay 2020 epitomises the elegance and precision of Rutherford’s renowned viticulture. Crafted in the heart of California’s acclaimed El Molino Winery, this Chardonnay benefits from meticulously selected Sonoma County vineyards, where the terroir imparts a distinctive minerality and balanced acidity. The grapes undergo gentle hand-harvesting, followed by cold fermentation in French oak barrels, enhancing the wine’s complexity without overpowering its innate character. The 2020 vintage showcases layers of ripe orchard fruits, subtle citrus notes, and a hint of vanilla, seamlessly integrated with a crisp, refreshing finish. El Molino Winery, celebrated for its commitment to sustainable practices and exceptional quality, brings forth a Chardonnay that is both sophisticated and versatile. Ideal for pairing with seafood, poultry, or creamy pasta dishes, El Molino Rutherford Chardonnay 2020 is a testament to fine winemaking and offers an exquisite experience for the discerning connoisseur.
HK$990.00 -
(12x75cl) 2022Ernest Vineyards Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2022 exemplifies the artistry and precision of Sonoma Coast viticulture. Crafted from meticulously selected Chardonnay grapes grown in the region’s cool, maritime climate, this vintage benefits from slow ripening that preserves vibrant acidity and intricate flavours. Hand-harvested and gently pressed, the juice undergoes fermentation in French oak barrels, imparting subtle vanilla and toasty nuances while maintaining the wine’s elegant structure. A brief malolactic fermentation enhances its creamy texture without overshadowing the fruit’s purity. Ernest Vineyards, renowned for their commitment to sustainable farming and traditional winemaking techniques, ensure each bottle reflects the unique terroir of Sonoma Coast. The 2022 Chardonnay presents a luminous golden hue, with aromas of citrus blossom, pear, and a hint of minerality. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious balance of richness and freshness, culminating in a long, refined finish. Ideal for both immediate enjoyment and cellaring, this Chardonnay is a testament to Ernest Vineyards’ dedication to exceptional quality.
HK$4,340.00 -
(1x75cl) 2016Wine Advocate (95)
I had the luck of tasting two vintages of the Chardonnay from slate/schist soils side by side, including the 2016 Aconcagua Costa Las Pizarras Chardonnay. The juice from the whole clusters decanted for 24 hours, fermented in oak barrels with indigenous yeasts and then aged in barriques for 14 months. It's a little more compressed than the 2017 and has good, vibrant flavors with some floral notes and some gentler flavors, perhaps more similar to the 2014, with the austere schist minerality but with more volume and juicy fruit. There is a little more malolactic in this year. If people have the idea that 2015 is warmer than 2016 and that 2017 is again warmer, the character of these Aconcagua Costa bottlings is the opposite: 2015 and 2017 are fresher, and 2016 is a little warmer. This sometimes happens, as the cooler years are harvested later and the warmer ones see an earlier harvest, so that the wines are exactly the opposite of what you expect. This is great, and its only problem is being tasted next to the 2017, which is otherworldly. 5,000 bottles were filled in May 2017.HK$820.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
I had the luck of tasting two vintages of the Chardonnay from slate/schist soils side by side, including the 2016 Aconcagua Costa Las Pizarras Chardonnay. The juice from the whole clusters decanted for 24 hours, fermented in oak barrels with indigenous yeasts and then aged in barriques for 14 months. It's a little more compressed than the 2017 and has good, vibrant flavors with some floral notes and some gentler flavors, perhaps more similar to the 2014, with the austere schist minerality but with more volume and juicy fruit. There is a little more malolactic in this year. If people have the idea that 2015 is warmer than 2016 and that 2017 is again warmer, the character of these Aconcagua Costa bottlings is the opposite: 2015 and 2017 are fresher, and 2016 is a little warmer. This sometimes happens, as the cooler years are harvested later and the warmer ones see an earlier harvest, so that the wines are exactly the opposite of what you expect. This is great, and its only problem is being tasted next to the 2017, which is otherworldly. 5,000 bottles were filled in May 2017.HK$3,675.00 -
(1x75cl) 2017Wine Advocate (98)
The 2017 Aconcagua Costa Las Pizarras Chardonnay is really fascinating, and it's even sharper, more restrained and with higher acidity than the 2016 that I tasted next to it. Winemaker Francisco Pancho Baettig is really pushing the wine to the limits—harvesting early and with more concentration and structure achieved through lower yields, which provides depth and complexity. The origin is the same as for 2016, and so is the vinification and aging in French barriques for almost 13 months. This is really young and austere, and it took some time in the glass to open up. It has Chablis-like definition, austerity and crispness; it's pure, mineral, long, precise like a laser cut, symmetric and chiseled. Even if it's sharp and citrusy, the palate has more volume and depth, and some nutty notes appear after some time. It's more like a Meursault than a Chablis this time, with great length, and I couldn't help but think of the whites from Jean-Marc Roulot when tasting this. It's a monumental mineral white, with the coastal freshness and the slate tastiness. This is hands down the best vintage of Las Pizarras and the best Chardonnay I've ever tasted from Chile. It's amazing how this wine has developed in only four vintages. As an American friend of mine would say, it's awesome beyond belief! 7,000 bottles were filled in March 2018.HK$770.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2017 Aconcagua Costa Las Pizarras Chardonnay is really fascinating, and it's even sharper, more restrained and with higher acidity than the 2016 that I tasted next to it. Winemaker Francisco Pancho Baettig is really pushing the wine to the limits—harvesting early and with more concentration and structure achieved through lower yields, which provides depth and complexity. The origin is the same as for 2016, and so is the vinification and aging in French barriques for almost 13 months. This is really young and austere, and it took some time in the glass to open up. It has Chablis-like definition, austerity and crispness; it's pure, mineral, long, precise like a laser cut, symmetric and chiseled. Even if it's sharp and citrusy, the palate has more volume and depth, and some nutty notes appear after some time. It's more like a Meursault than a Chablis this time, with great length, and I couldn't help but think of the whites from Jean-Marc Roulot when tasting this. It's a monumental mineral white, with the coastal freshness and the slate tastiness. This is hands down the best vintage of Las Pizarras and the best Chardonnay I've ever tasted from Chile. It's amazing how this wine has developed in only four vintages. As an American friend of mine would say, it's awesome beyond belief! 7,000 bottles were filled in March 2018.HK$3,000.00 -
(1x75cl) 2018James Suckling (99)
I love the aromas of lavender, sandalwood, sliced apples and pears. Some gunpowder and slate undertones. Full-bodied, yet formed and tight with minerality and brightness. Vivid acidity gives this energy and depth. Drinkable, but will age beautifully.HK$765.00 -
James Suckling (99)
I love the aromas of lavender, sandalwood, sliced apples and pears. Some gunpowder and slate undertones. Full-bodied, yet formed and tight with minerality and brightness. Vivid acidity gives this energy and depth. Drinkable, but will age beautifully.HK$2,945.00 -
James Suckling (98)
A complex, structured young chardonnay and clearly the best in Chile. It shows lavender, sliced green apples, white peaches, flint and stone. Quince. Sea wood. Cement. Salt. Very complex. Full-bodied, yet very tight with a linear, compressed palate. Energetic acidity. Endless finish. Drink or hold.HK$3,125.00 -
James Suckling (97)
Real depth for a chardonnay, with lots of limey, smoky green fruit, chalky, flinty citrus, stones and oyster shells. Pure, full-bodied and mouthwatering, with laser beams of acidity cutting through the taut, textured palate. Bright, long and pure with a delicious, austere edge. Drink or hold.HK$2,930.00 -
(1x150cl) 2021James Suckling (98)
Punchy minerals cut through the creamy lemon and limey citrus, almost like licking wet stones! Some green apples, too. Steely, with a hint of white flowers and white almond. Very transparent and vertical but this is not a typical full-bodied chardonnay, it is rather linear, tense and electric. Sharpened minerality lingers in a lengthy, mineral finish. An extremely gastronomic and mouthwatering chardonnay. Drink now or hold.HK$1,030.00 -
James Suckling (98)
Punchy minerals cut through the creamy lemon and limey citrus, almost like licking wet stones! Some green apples, too. Steely, with a hint of white flowers and white almond. Very transparent and vertical but this is not a typical full-bodied chardonnay, it is rather linear, tense and electric. Sharpened minerality lingers in a lengthy, mineral finish. An extremely gastronomic and mouthwatering chardonnay. Drink now or hold.HK$3,240.00 -
James Suckling (98)
Astonishing purity and youthful freshness, the white-peach, Asian-pear and candied Amalfi-lemon aromas incredibly vivid. Super-focused, medium-bodied palate with staggering vitality and energy. This is very concentrated, but the refreshing acidity makes it feel so light on its feet. Then comes the diamond-bright minerality at the finish. Surely the best white wine from this producer to date! Made from vines planted in 2005. Drink or hold. 20th Anniversary Berlin Tasting Event, February 2024.HK$2,685.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2023 Las Pizarras Chardonnay represents another benchmark iteration of this bottling. It fermented and aged in 300- and 400-liter barrels, with 12% being new, and it underwent partial malolactic conversion. It opens with a crystal-clear nose of stone fruits, white flowers and citrus zest, enlivened by an oceanic freshness. On the palate, it perfectly balances vibrant energy and textural breadth, culminating in a snappy, energetic and focused finish with impressive length—a definitive example of contemporary Chilean Chardonnay.HK$2,365.00 -
(12x75cl) 2022Boasting a rich heritage from Oregon's prestigious Willamette Valley, the Evening Land Estate Chardonnay 2022 exemplifies artisanal wine production at its best. This notable Chardonnay is expertly crafted, made from a meticulous selection of hand-harvested grapes from the estate's biodynamically farmed Seven Springs vineyard. The exquisite terroir imparts a unique minerality in the wine. Guarantees of a cool and controlled fermentation process, followed by a maturation in French oak barrels, offers a textured palate profile. The mélange of fruit intensity and well-integrated acidity, coupled with layered notes of honeyed pear, brings forth a tantalisingly complex flavour profile. Evening Land Vineyards' commitment to sustainably producing wines of exceptional character is evident in every sip of the finely balanced Estate Chardonnay 2022. A taste that remains etched in one's memory, making it a sophisticated choice for discerning wine lovers.
HK$4,080.00
