Wines Napa Valley Matthiasson - Linda Vista Vineyard Chardonnay - 2017

Viniou Reviews

Matthiasson's 2017 Linda Vista Vineyard Chardonnay from Napa Valley is a superb example of Californian precision and finesse. This wine is crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes sourced from the celebrated Linda Vista Vineyard in the Oak Knoll District, a site renowned for its vibrant fruit and balance. The 2017 vintage, marked by a mild growing season, allowed the grapes to achieve perfect ripeness while retaining refreshing acidity. The winemaking philosophy here leans towards minimal intervention: fermentation takes place with native yeasts, and the wine is aged in mostly neutral oak barrels to preserve the pure character of the fruit. This approach highlights ripe citrus, green apple, and stone fruit flavours alongside subtle mineral notes and a gentle touch of creaminess.

Napa Valley, though globally famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon, yields some remarkable Chardonnays thanks to its diverse microclimates and soils. The Oak Knoll District, located in the southern reaches of the valley, benefits from cooling morning fog and afternoon breezes from San Pablo Bay. This moderates the heat, extending the growing season and allowing for elegant, nuanced white wines with natural acidity. The area’s gravelly and alluvial soils contribute structure and minerality, aspects that shine through in this Chardonnay. A relatively recent addition to the valley’s viticultural tapestry, Linda Vista Vineyard has quickly established a reputation for quality and expressiveness.

For food pairings, the Linda Vista Chardonnay’s freshness and subtle texture make it versatile at the table. It beautifully complements roast chicken with tarragon, lemon-butter scallops, or a creamy mushroom risotto. If you wish to celebrate its roots, consider pairing with Dungeness crab or grilled Pacific halibut. Milder cheeses such as brie or triple cream will also highlight the wine’s delicate, creamy notes.

This wine is best enjoyed at a cool yet not icy temperature of 10-12°C. Serve in medium-sized white wine glasses to allow the bouquet to unfold, and ideally decant for 15–20 minutes to bring out its subtle complexity. The wine is drinking beautifully now but can be cellared for a few more years if you prefer more developed tertiary aromas.