In 1976, the Judgment of Paris forever changed the course of American wine. At a blind tasting in Paris, Chalone Vineyard’s 1974 Chardonnay placed third among the finest white Burgundies of France—an extraordinary achievement that brought global recognition not only to California, but to the remote Chalone AVA in Monterey County. As the only non-Napa winery among the California winners, Chalone proved that world-class Chardonnay could emerge from its rugged, limestone-rich vineyards high above the Salinas Valley.
Chalone is proudly commemorating the 50th anniversary of this historic moment with a limited-edition release of their 2024 Estate Grown Chardonnay, featuring a special anniversary label honoring their role in redefining American wine. Crafted from estate vineyards first planted many years ago, this wine continues Chalone's legacy as a pioneering icon of California Chardonnay—celebrating 50 vintages since Paris and a future rooted in authenticity, innovation, and place.
The 2024 Estate Chardonnay opens with notes of banana, vanilla, lemongrass, honey, Meyer lemon, and plenty of wet slate and river rock minerality. Flavors on the palate mirror the nose, adding stone fruits and toasty oak characters to round out this medium-bodied delightful Chardonnay.
Chalone is proudly commemorating the 50th anniversary of this historic moment with a limited-edition release of their 2024 Estate Grown Chardonnay, featuring a special anniversary label honoring their role in redefining American wine. Crafted from estate vineyards first planted many years ago, this wine continues Chalone's legacy as a pioneering icon of California Chardonnay—celebrating 50 vintages since Paris and a future rooted in authenticity, innovation, and place.
The 2024 Estate Chardonnay opens with notes of banana, vanilla, lemongrass, honey, Meyer lemon, and plenty of wet slate and river rock minerality. Flavors on the palate mirror the nose, adding stone fruits and toasty oak characters to round out this medium-bodied delightful Chardonnay.
