Cambria’s Jill Russell Makes Classy, Full-Flavored Chardonnay Magic!
In today's multi-faceted wine landscape, "Chardonnay" can mean a ton of things. The most broadly planted wine grape on the planet, it is capable of a humongous range of style, even within a single growing region.
The simple punchline to today's feature is that quality-to-price doesn't get any better than this for California Chardonnay.
Made by Jill Russell, it is full in flavor and simply delicious with a classic California richness. It has earned multiple 92-Point reviews and, to seal the deal, we're letting it fly today for a sixteen buck price that beats every listing in the country.
This wine put a smile on our face, and we're pretty sure it will put one on your and your friends too. Scroll down for the details, and for a crack at a special "secret" bottling of Syrah from the charismatic Pax Mahle, then hammer down on that Big Green Button!
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2023 Cambria "Katherine's Vineyard" Chardonnay
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, California
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Delicious layers of nectarine, macadamia butter, salty sea spray, lemon oil, ginger, apple pie, pineapple lassi, almond blossom and white peach cascade from the very first sip.
“The 2023 Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard is rich yet energized, driven by taut minerality and juicy acidity."
- Vinous, August 2025
Pulling fruit from Cambria's vines abutting the Santa Maria Valley's legendary Bien Nacido vineyard, winemaker Jill Russell uses French oak and malolactic fermentation on 70% of the blend with stainless steel for the balance. The deftly balanced wine that results is textbook Chardonnay, with a combination of intensity, complexity and balance you simply do not normally get at this price!
“The 2023 Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard is rich yet energized, driven by taut minerality and juicy acidity. Barrel spice and ripe orchard fruit marry in harmony, with serious complexity, deep minerality and impressive finesse, especially for the price. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2031.”
- 92 Points, Vinous - Billy Norris (8/2025)
“Based on 100% Chardonnay, the 2023 Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard offers ripe stone and orchard fruits intermixed with honeysuckle and subtle spice. It’s medium-bodied, plush, round, and supple. Fermentation was split between 30% stainless steel and 70% barrel, and the wine was then aged seven months in French oak, 20% of which was new. This is a well-made, ready-to-drink California Chardonnay that delivers terrific value.”
- 90 Points, Jeb Dunnuck (9/4/2025)
Wine Spectator quotes $22. Our price beats all 34 online listings. There's a ton of old-vine, single-vineyard Chardonnay goodness here, and we love it!
Vin Chicago Price: 15.99
Hush, Hush!
Pax Mahle Makes a Secret, Soul-Shaking Sonoma Syrah on the Cheap.
2023 Pax Syrah
Sonoma Coast, California
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Sticking to foot trodden grapes from sustainable and organically farmed vineyards, Pax Mahle has dialed in on an almost impossible-to-imitate style of vivacious, high-toned, low-ABV Syrah that are stunningly delicious odes to the Northern Rhône.
Earlier this year we swiped some of an El Dorado County bottling that was intended to be a glass pour at swanky Michelin-star targeting restaurants. We sold through our supply fast and let Pax know we wanted more. He promised he had something in the works for us and, well, Christmas came a few days early this year!
While that El Dorado bottling was achingly refined and pretty, this Sonoma Coast cuvée has got some serious spunk. Explosive aromatics include Syrah's telltale smoky pepperiness along with enough wild herbal qualities to write a love letter to Loire Valley Cabernet Franc and Spanish Mencia.
Crushed blue flowers, green peppercorn, grape stems, blackberry, tea tree oil, olive, iron and crushed stone conspire with fresh thyme, lemon leaf, teriyaki jerky, spruce forest and allspice to create an experience that is wild, savory and invigorating.
At 12.5% ABV, the aromatic intensity here is off the charts. Pair with lamb kabob, roasted tomatoes and peppers, steak au poivre or black lentils with mint and sesame oil and the combo will be sublime.
It is very rare for a charismatic, cool-climate, small-batch wine like this to exist for such a good price. And, as far as we can tell, we're the only ones who have it. Grab this Vin Chicago exclusive while supplies last!
Vin Chicago Price: 22.99
