Mayacamas Vineyards, an iconic Napa Valley producer, is likely better known for its Cabernet Sauvignon than its Chardonnay because their 1971 bottling of it was included in the famous 1976 Judgement of Paris competition pitting California wines against their French counterparts. (It took 2nd place among California reds and 7th place overall.) When John and Mary Taylor purchased the property and resurrected the vineyards in 1941, they planted Chardonnay along with Cabernet and, indeed, records show that the 1951 Chardonnay was their first commercial wine. More importantly, they have always eschewed a voluptuous and oaky style, so common in California Chardonnay in the past, and even to a certain extent now, by limiting the use of small oak barrels and blocking malolactic fermentation to preserve energy and life that the mountain-grown grape had to offer. With just the right amount of ripeness, the vibrant 2024 fits that profile. A beautiful tension exists between its subdued fruitiness and its zingy freshness. Although restrained in its weight and ripeness, there’s no restraint when it comes to the pleasure it provides. Drink now but don’t rush it as its complexity unfolds as it sits in the glass. Surprisingly, it actually goes well with mildly spicey food because of its energy.
95 Michael Apstein – May 27, 2026