Season of Giving Donations: ZD Wines donated 50% of winery retail proceeds in the month of December to UC Davis Endowment for a Non-toxic Cure of Lymphoma.
Total Donation Amount in December was $86,543.93 » Donations in kind: $2,650.
ZD Wines Chardonnay
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Learn about ZD Wines Chardonnay Winemaking,
or enjoy one of our Chardonnay Wine Pairing Recipes.
$34
2007 Chardonnay, California - Buy Now
2007 was an exceptional vintage for Chardonnay. A long, cool growing season allowed for extended hang times with an excellent balance of flavors and natural acidity. The fruit was harvested at optimal maturity from several vineyards in California’s coolest growing regions – Napa and Sonoma Carneros, Monterey and Santa Barbara counties. A long, cold fermentation in 100% American oak barrels and no malo-lactic fermentation define ZD’s signature winemaking style. ZD’s rich, balanced, fruit driven Chardonnays drink amazingly well when young, and have the ability to age beautifully for many years. This wine exhibits aromas of ripe pineapple, apricots and fresh orange blossoms. Subtle hints of sweet vanilla, pear, honey and toasted nuts round out a full palate of lush tropical fruit and well balanced acidity.
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
$71
2006 Chardonnay, California - Buy Now (1.5 liter)
ZD’s 2006 Chardonnay delivers traditional “ZD Style”. Our pursuit of richness and balance is achieved through careful selection of quality vineyards from California’s esteemed cool growing regions including Napa, Sonoma, Monterey, and Santa Barbara counties. A unique winemaking approach of cold barrel fermentation in toasted American oak barrels gives this wine a deep opulence with aromas of fresh tropical fruit and a hint of vanilla and coconut. No malo-lactic fermentation results in a preservation of crisp acidity that gives the wine a clean finish in addition to a lingering aftertaste. Drink this wine now to enjoy the fruit forward characters or allow some bottle aging to develop an impressive depth and complexity. Enjoy!
-Robert deLeuze, Winemaster & CEO
- Gold Medal - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2008
- Gold Medal - Monterey Wine Competition 2008
- 4 Star - Excellent - Restaurant Wine, Issue # 124
- 92 points - Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, June 2008
$55
2006 Reserve Chardonnay, - Buy Now
Napa Valley
The cool, foggy Carneros mornings provide an ideal climate for growing Chardonnay. The fruit from our dry-farmed, organically certified deLeuze Family Vineyard is the backbone for our Reserve Chardonnay. Careful winemaking techniques, such as 100% barrel fermentation in American Oak barrels, no malo-lactic fermentation and extended barrel aging, all contributed to this unique wine.. This 2006 Reserve Chardonnay offers a wonderful combination of citrus and tropical fruit in the aroma (pineapple/lemon/orange blossom), and pleasantly surprises you with hints of pear, floral and spicy toast notes lingering in the background. On the palate, the fruit remains ever present from start to finish with a rich, creamy mid-palate balanced beautifully with bright natural acidity. The sweet, vanillin oak is well integrated and leads to a long, rich finish. This Reserve Chardonnay will complement a wide range of foods; especially delicious with Lobster and Dungenous Crab. This wine will age gracefully for many years. Enjoy!
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
- Best of Class Gold Medal - New World International Wine Competition 2008
$71
2005 Chardonnay, California - Buy Now (1.5 liter)
ZD’s 2005 Chardonnay shines with traditional “ZD Style”. Our pursuit of richness and balance is achieved through careful selection of quality vineyards from California’s esteemed cool growing regions including Napa, Monterey and Santa Barbara counties. A unique winemaking approach of cold barrel fermentation in toasted American oak barrels gives this wine a deep opulence with aromas of fresh tropical fruit and a hint of vanilla and coconut. No malo-lactic fermentation results in a preservation of crisp acidity that gives the wine a clean finish in addition to a lingering aftertaste. Drink this wine now to enjoy the fruit forward characters or allow some bottle aging to develop an impressive depth and complexity. Our suggestion is to buy at least a case, and experience the wine over time to determine your personal optimum aging regime! Enjoy!
-Robert deLeuze, Winemaster & CEO
- Gold Medal - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2007
- Gold Medal - International Eastern Wine Competition 2007
- Gold Medal- Taster's Guild International Wine Judging 2007
2005 Reserve Chardonnay, Napa Valley - unavailable
Zero Defects in mind, both of our Napa Valley Chardonnay vineyards were hand picked under the cover of night. Working under light booms that stretched out like wings from the tractor, the crew had the look of an alien invasion in our vineyard. The fruit quality was beautiful, arriving at the winery at an ideal temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The freshly crushed and pressed juice was sent to slowly ferment in barrels for several weeks in our 47 degree barrel room. This wine did not undergo malo-lactic fermentation, preserving the natural acidity to balance the rich fl avors of this ripe fruit. Fermenting and aging in toasted American Oak barrels has given the wine additional softness and complexity. Enjoy!
-Robert deLeuze, Winemaster & CEO
- Gold Medal - International Eastern Wine Competition - May 2007
- Highly Recommended - California Grapevine April-May 2007
- Best of Class Gold - Pacific Rim International Wine Competition
- Gold Medal - Taster’s Guild International Wine Judging 2007
$42
2004 Chardonnay, California - Buy Now
An important component of this wine is our 2004 Carneros Estate Chardonnay which was hand harvested and night harvested for the first time. The fruit was picked with the use of light booms starting at 2:00am. An early morning harvest allowed us to bring the grapes into the winery by 6:00am at a cool 55°. Harvesting the fruit at night has several advantages including reducing the need to cool the must at the winery, thus saving energy. It helps to preserve flavors and enhances structure by slowing the extraction of harsh or astringent components in the skins.It is also easier on the field workers who pick the grapes, since they don’t have to work in the hot sun surrounded by bees all morning! The grapes were harvested at optimal maturities and barrel fermented in 100% American Oak barrels in our state-of-the-art cellar; which is kept at a cool 48°F during fermentation. This slow, cold fermentation lasts upwards of 8-10 weeks, and helps preserve the lush tropical and citrus aromas that can dissipate during more traditional warmer fermentations. No malo-lactic fermentation ensures a perfect balance of forward fruit and crisp acidity. Aged for 10 months in barrel adds a richness and complexity that rounds out this distinctive chardonnay. With aromas of sweet pineapple, vanilla, pear and lemon zest, this wine exudes richness. Full bodied on the palate, pineapple, pear and sweet vanilla predominate, with a rich creamy mouth-feel that is perfectly balanced with the natural acidity. This chardonnay is all about balance! Enjoy!!
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
- Gold Medal - International Eastern Wine Competition 2006
- Gold Medal- Taster's Guild International Wine Competition 2006
$62
2004 Reserve Chardonnay, Napa Valley - Buy Now
This 100% Napa Valley Chardonnay is a blend from two of our favorite vineyards located in the coolest part of the Napa Valley, one of which is the dry farmed, organically certified deLeuze Family Estate Vineyard in the Carneros. The other vineyard is the Soscol Vineyard which sits just outside of the Carneros appellation, but enjoys the same proximity to the San Pablo Bay which gives us the long, cool growing season that Chardonnay thrives in. The fruit was all hand harvested at optimal maturity and barrel fermented at 46-48°F in our cellar. No malo-lactic fermentation further ensures a perfect balance of forward fruit and crisp, natural acidity. This wine was aged for 15 months in American oak barrels, selected for their delicacy, and bottled in December 2005. In the aroma, pineapple, pear and sweet vanilla mingle with subtle notes of lime, coconut and toast. This wine is full bodied and rich on the palate, with more tropical pineapple and apricot flavors that integrate beautifully with the spicy American oak. The fruit lingers throughout the incredibly long finish. Enjoy!!!
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
- Gold Medal - Taster’s Guild International Wine Judging 2006
- 91 Points - Wine News June/July 2006
$103
2003 Chardonnay, California - Buy Now (1.5 liter)
Produced from grapes grown in California’s coolest climates, from as far north as the Carneros to the Arroyo Seco appellation in Monterey, this 2003 ZD Chardonnay has it all! The grapes were harvested at optimal maturities and barrel fermented in 100% American Oak barrels in our state-of-the-art barrel cellar which is kept at 48°F during fermentation. This slow, cool fermentation lasts upwards of 8-10 weeks and helps to preserve the lush tropical and citrus aromas that can sometimes dissipate during more traditional warmer fermentations. No malo-lactic fermentation ensures a perfect balance of forward fruit and crisp acidity. This wine was aged for 10 months in barrel adding a richness and complexity that rounds out this distinctive chardonnay. In the aroma, ripe pineapple, pear and sweet vanilla are accented with subtle notes of lime and orange blossoms. On the palate, this wine is rich, ripe and intense. Lush pineapple, guava and pear integrate beautifully with the sweet, toasty American oak. The balanced acidity and the lingering tropical fruit leads to a wonderful, long fruity finish. This wine is drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop complexity for some time. Enjoy!
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
- Gold Medal - Hilton Head Wine Festival "Springfest" 2005
- Gold Medal- Monterey Wine Competition 2005
$174
2003 Reserve Chardonnay, - Buy Now (1.5 liter)
Napa Valley
This 100% Chardonnay is a blend from two of our top Napa Valley vineyards. The majority of the grapes came from ZD’s dry farmed, organically certified deLeuze Family Vineyard in the heart of the Carneros appellation. The vineyards are in the coolest part of the Napa Valley, and are influenced by the cool morning fog from the San Pablo Bay. The grapes were hand harvested at full maturity and barrel fermented at 46-48°F in our barrel cellar. This slow, cool fermentation and harvesting at optimal maturity has given us a wine of great balance and elegant richness. No malo-lactic fermentation further ensures a perfect balance of forward fruit and crisp natural acidity. Extended aging in small toasted American oak barrels provides a richness and complexity that rounds out this distinctive chardonnay that shows beautifully now and will continue to age gracefully for years to come. The wine is bursting with ripe tropical fruit, with hints of pineapple, guava and apricot. Full bodied on the palate, with more pineapple/apricot notes and a well integrated spicy clove and vanilla note from the American oak. The finish is incredibly long and rich. Only 950 cases of this wine were produced.
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
$55
2002 Chardonnay, California - Buy Now
The fruit for this 100% Chardonnay was hand harvested at full maturity from select vineyards in California’s coolest coastal regions. A long, cool fermentation in toasted American Oak barrels and no malolactic fermentation highlight ZD’s signature style of producing rich, balanced, fruit driven Chardonnays that not only pair amazingly well with a wide range of food but also age gracefully. Bright, forward aromas of apricots, lime and tart apple are supported by lovely floral, mineral, honeysuckle and pear notes. Full bodied on the palate, with ripe apricot, honey and toast, this wine perfectly balances the forward fruit and natural acidity that leads to a lingering finish.
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
- Gold Medal- Taster's Guild International Wine Competition 2004
$180
2002 Reserve Chardonnay, - Buy Now (1.5 liter)
Napa Valley
2002 was another superb year for Chardonnay. A long, moderate growing season allowed for long hang times and a perfect balance of flavors and natural acidity. This Napa Valley Chardonnay comes from several vineyards in one of Napa’s coolest regions, including ZD’s own organically certified deLeuze Family Vineyard in Carneros. The grapes were hand harvested at optimal maturities and barrel fermented at 46-48°F in our state of the art fermentation cellar. This slow, cool fermentation lasts upwards of 8-10 weeks and helps to preserve the lush tropical and citrus aromas that can “blow off” during warmer traditional fermentations. No malo-lactic fermentation ensures a perfect balance of forward fruit and crisp acidity. Extended aging in toasted American oak barrels provides a richness and complexity that rounds out this distinctive chardonnay that shows beautifully now and will continue to age gracefully for many years. Only 1,200 cases of this wine were produced. Pineapple, apricot, and pear predominate with subtle notes of vanilla and spice. Full bodied on the palate, with ripe apricot, pear, vanilla and a subtle honey note, all integrate beautifully with the spicy American oak to produce an incredibly long, rich finish.
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
- Double Gold Medal - Monterey Wine Competition 2005
- 92 Points - The Wine News Feb/March 05
$60
2001 Chardonnay, California - Buy Now
Crisp,bright aromas of green apple and tropical fruit lead to notes of vanilla oak with a hint of spice. A fruit forward palate of citrus and pineapple integrate and balance the bright acidity and toasty oak. The long, slightly sweet finish round out this beautiful wine. A long, cool fermentation, preserve the wonderful, complex fruit and natural acidity that gives this wine its richness and delicate balance. This wine is a classic example of our consistent and unique style.
-Chris Pisani, Winemaker
$188
2001 Reserve Chardonnay, - Buy Now (1.5 liter)
Napa Valley
2001 was a superb year for Chardonnay. A long, moderate growing season allowed for long hang times and a perfect balance of flavors and natural acidity. This 100% Napa Valley Chardonnay comes from three vineyards in one of Napa’s coolest regions, including ZD’s own deLeuze Family Vineyard in Carneros. The grapes were picked at optimal maturities and barrel fermented at 46-48°F in our state of the art fermentation cellar. Extended aging in toasted American oak barrels provides a richness and complexity that rounds out this distinctive chardonnay that shows beautifully now and will continue to age gracefully for many years. On the palate this wine is rich, ripe and intense. Lush tropical fruit up front: pineapple, guava, and pear integrate beautifully with the sweet and spicy American oak. The fruit lingers throughout and the balanced acidity rounds out the incredibly long, lush finish.
- Chris Pisani, Winemaker
$65
2000 Chardonnay, California - Buy Now
Our 2000 California Chardonnay is packed with forward, ripe aromas of pineapple, apricot and lime with subtle floral notes reminiscent of orange blossom. On the palate, the lush pineapple and citrus flavors integrate beautifully with hints of vanilla, coconut, and toasted nuts. A long, cool fermentation in toasted American oak barrels, and no malo-lactic fermentation, preserve the wonderful, complex fruit and natural acidity that gives this wine its richness and delicate balance. This wine is a true testament to ZD’s consistent and unique style.
- Chris Pisani, Winemaker
$196
2000 Reserve Chardonnay, - Buy Now (1.5 liter)
Napa Valley
This Reserve Chardonnay was blended exclusively from our Napa Valley vineyards. Our traditional style, which focuses on balance with intensity through cold barrel fermentation and no malo-lactic, has preserved the varietal character from an exceptionally long growing season. Lightly toasted American oak barrels, selected from our cellars for their delicacy, were used for an extended barrel aging of 18 months. The slow evaporation, concentration and oxidation have given the wine a velvety richness. Aromas of citrus, ripe pear, vanilla and toasty oak fill the senses and the wine reveals layer after layer of pineapple, lush tropical fruit and spice on the palate. Drink this one now or age it for three to five years for even more intensity.
- Chris Pisani, Winemaker
- Double Gold - Consumers Tasters Guild 2003
- Highly Recommended - California Grapevine October-November 2002
- 89 Points - Wine Enthusiast, March 2003
1999 Chardonnay, California - unavailable
1999 was the latest harvest in our 31-year history. Our first grapes were picked on October second and we did not harvest the last of our Chardonnay until November nineteenth. The long hang time produced fruit with intense varietal character and great balance. This 1999 California Chardonnay exemplifies a late vintage. Caramel apple and toasty vanilla oak accentuate the pineapple and coconut aromas. On the palate, full, round, rich flavors are well balanced with an acidity that flows into a lingering and pleasing aftertaste. I expect this one to improve for several years to come . . . but why wait, it’s great now!
-Robert deLeuze, Winemaker
- 92 Points - Global Vintage Buying Guide - September/October 2001
- Silver Medal- Taster's Guild Consumer Wine Competition 2001
1999 Reserve Chardonnay, Napa Valley - unavailable
The grapes were grown in the cool southern end of Napa Valley. In ZD’s traditional style, the two vineyards involved in the blend were fermented in their individual vineyard lots in 50-60 gallon American oak barrels. The primary fermentation was very long and slow due to the frigid temperature of ZD’s specially designed Chardonnay room. Cool barrel fermentation ensured 6-8 weeks of yeast swirling throughout the fermenting juice giving the final wine richness and complexity. In ZD’s consistent style, the wine did not go through malolactic fermentation, therefore the natural fruit character and wonderful balance are maintained. This Reserve Chardonnay was blended exclusively from our Napa Valley vineyards. Our traditional style, which focuses on balance with intensity through cold barrel fermentation and no malo-lactic, has preserved the varietal character from an exceptionally long growing season. Lightly toasted American oak barrels, selected from our cellars for their delicacy, were used for an extended barrel aging of 18 months. The slow evaporation, concentration and oxidation have given the wine a velvety richness. Aromas of citrus, ripe pear, vanilla and toasty oak fill the senses and the wine reveals layer after layer of pineapple, lush tropical fruit and spice on the palate. Drink this one now or age it for three to five years for even more intensity.
-Robert deLeuze, Winemaker
- Four Stars - Restaurant Wine, Ronn Wiegand, Issue #86, November 2001
- Gold Medal - Hilton Head Wine Festival 2002
$153
1998 Chardonnay, California - Buy Now (1.5 liter)
This beautifully balanced wine has a complex and fragrant nose. Exotic aromas of papaya, grapefruit, pineapple, and citrus are layered with hints of coconut and toasty oak. On the palate, mouth filling flavors are balanced with a creamy texture and crisp acidity that develops into a long lasting aftertaste. Due to the exceptionally long, cool growing season of the ‘98 vintage, this Chardonnay can be expected to develop beautifully for several years to come.
-Robert deLeuze, Winemaker
- 98 Points - California Grapevine
- Connoisseur's Guide - Never known to stint in its quest for character, ZD has once again produced a wine of depth and range.
$84
1998 Reserve Chardonnay, Napa Valley - Buy Now
In 1998 our Napa Valley Chardonnay vineyards achieved full maturity, resulting in a depth of flavor that can only be credited to Mother Nature. Using our traditional ZD techniques of long cold barrel fermentation with no malo-lactic and extended barrel aging of 18 months, we produced a rich yet elegant wine. The 98 Reserve Chardonnay rewards your senses with concentrated aromas of ripe pear, fig, honey and nutmeg. On the palate, velvety rich flavors reveal hints of vanilla and citrus flowing into a lingering aftertaste. Showing beautifully now, this wine will continue to gain depth and complexity for several years to come.
-Robert deLeuze, Winemaker
- 92 Points - Wine Enthusiast, July 2001
- 91 Points - The Insiders' Wine Line, Vol. 4 No. 1
- Gold Medal - Hilton Head Wine Competition
- Gold Medal - Taster’s Guild Wine Competition
