Frog's Leap Chardonnay Carneros Shale and Stone 2023
96 Points! The 2023 Chardonnay Shale and Stone, from Truchard in Carneros, is all class. Apricot, lemon confit, marzipan, tangerine peel, tropical fruit and a kiss of French oak grace this exotic, dynamic Chardonnay from Frog's Leap. Airy and gracious, with stunning balance, the 2023 is fabulous in every way. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Most California Chardonnay follows a formula.
Oak. Butter. Weight. Power.
This wine does the opposite.
The Frog’s Leap “Shale & Stone” Chardonnay 2023 is one of the purest expressions of Chardonnay coming out of California right now. No oak. No additives. No tricks.
Just vineyard and winemaking restraint.
That’s not easy to do.
Because when you take everything away, the fruit has to be perfect.
This wine comes from northern Carneros, a slightly warmer pocket of this cool-climate region that allows the fruit to develop a little more mid-palate richness while still retaining freshness and acidity.
The soils matter here.
Shale and stone soils give the wine its mineral backbone, while aging in concrete with extended lees contact builds texture without relying on oak.
In the glass, it delivers exactly what you want.
Clean apple, citrus, and saline minerality, layered with a subtle richness that keeps the wine balanced and complete.
It’s fresh, but not thin.
Textural, but not heavy.
Simple, but not basic.
And that’s the whole point.
Critics took notice.
96 points, which is almost unheard of for a Chardonnay under $40.
The price is $34.98.
For this level of precision and quality, that’s a no-brainer.
If you love Chardonnay and want something clean, mineral-driven, and incredibly drinkable, this is the move.
| Color | White |
|---|---|
| VM Score | 96 |
| Grapes | Chardonnay |
| Vintages | 2023 |
| Sizes | 750ml |
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