The key factors that make today’s sub-$20 Chardonnay deal extra special are the vineyard and the winemaking. Knights Valley, as proven by Peter Michael Winery since the 1970s, is one of California’s foremost appellations for Chardonnay and the Franz Valley School Road corridor this single vineyard is situated in offers ideal conditions for Chardonnay that many winemakers dream of. Secondly, the Maldonados are among the lucky few to be have been under the tutelage and influence of John Kongsgaard whose school of winemaking is up there with the very best given many 100-pointer Chardonnays under his belt.

A shade of gold leaning to a brighter yellow reminiscent of a field of sunflowers. Buttery apple fruit intertwined with the scents of flowers and roasted hazelnuts all elevate the nose to great heights. With substantial texture, almost honeyed, with hints of lemon curd and popcorn on the rich palate. Spicy, long and creamy with lingering candied citrus and a pleasant nutmeg edge on the finish. Pair with steamed lobster, corn on the cob, truffle mac & cheese, and pineapple coleslaw. Available today only at The Wine Spies for $19.99, this single-vineyard Knights Valley golden elixir of opulence is a not to miss value at a 40% plus discount! While it’s firing on all cylinders today with sufficient intensity to stay at peak throughout the rest of this year, would not wait beyond that to catch it at its optimum drinking window.

Here’s what the wine press has to say:

Wine Spectator - “We’ll help you stretch your dollar further with six exciting Chardonnays for $30 or less. For a few dollars more, try Maldonado’s Parr Vineyard. Mexican native Lupe Maldonado has been growing grapes in California since the 1960s. He spent more than two decades at Newton, where he studied under John Kongsgaard. After retiring, Maldonado and his son Hugo started their own winery, focusing on a 10-acre Chardonnay vineyard in Carneros. This wine is barrel-fermented and comes from a vineyard they work within Knights Valley. Presents a complex mix of white peach, nectarine and pear flavors and hazelnut-tinged oak, making for a distinctive style. Drink now through 2021.”