Wines Unspecified Robert Mondavi - Private Selection Vint Buttery Chardonnay - 2023

Viniou Reviews

The Robert Mondavi Private Selection Buttery Chardonnay 2023 is a fine representation of California’s penchant for rich, expressive white wines. Crafted from Chardonnay grapes, this wine undergoes partial oak barrel fermentation and malolactic conversion, giving it the characteristic “buttery” profile. It offers inviting aromas of ripe apple, pear, and tropical fruit overlaid with creamy vanilla and subtle toasted notes from careful oak ageing. The palate is full-bodied, with a velvety mouthfeel, balanced acidity, and lingering flavours of brioche, custard, and a hint of citrus zest.

California’s AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) are known for their diversity, but what unites many top Chardonnay sites is their proximity to the Pacific Ocean. marine influences moderate the grape’s ripening, preserving freshness alongside richness. The cool morning fogs and more temperate afternoons allow Chardonnay to ripen gradually, developing both fruit intensity and balanced acidity. California’s winemaking heritage, strongly influenced by pioneering producers like Robert Mondavi, combines innovative techniques with respect for Burgundian tradition, resulting in wines that are approachable yet complex.

This Buttery Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with dishes that match its opulence and creamy texture. Classic roast chicken with a herb butter rub, lobster thermidor, or a rich seafood risotto will complement the wine’s body and roundness. For regional flair, try it alongside California-style Dungeness crab cakes or grilled corn with lime and cotija cheese. Creamy pasta dishes, such as fettuccine alfredo, also work admirably, marrying the wine’s toastiness with the dish’s richness.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Chardonnay well-chilled but not ice cold, ideally between 10-12°C. Allowing the wine to warm slightly in the glass will help release its full aromatic palette. Consider decanting for 15 minutes if possible to mellow the oak nuances and enhance the wine’s creamy complexity. This wine is best enjoyed young and vibrant, within the first three years of its vintage.