Jaw-Dropping Chardonnay from Brian Talley!
Brian Talley has NAILED it! His 2024 Estate Chardonnay is so jaw-droppingly gorgeous that we actually went back twice to make sure we weren't drinking one of his premium single-vineyard bottlings!
From the first pour, this is classic California Chardonnay done right. Pure, fresh, bright, aromatic, rich and beautifully textured. It's been a while since we've had a Chardonnay that elicited as many smiles and "wows" as this from our entire team.
Earning an easy 93 Points on the Vin Chicago scale and selling today for a very special $25.99 price, you're going to love this stuff.
Read on for all the details, and for a multiple 96-Point single-parcel bottling from Brian, then slam down on the Big Green Button to get this absolutely fantastic white wine in your glass!
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2024 Talley "Estate" Chardonnay
San Luis Obispo Coast, Central Coast, California
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We were knocked out by the first sip and multiple tastings and bottles later are still convinced: The 2024 Talley "Estate" Chardonnay is a triumph.
This year marks 40 years since Brian Talley's parents founded Talley Vineyards. Clearly, they are on top of their game. The moment you pour this in the glass, you know you have something special. The aromas, the textures, the balance, the long finish. A combination of fruit from Oliver's, Rosemary's and other Talley family vineyards, this is rich, ripe and vibrant in such a wonderful way.
"The wines shine for their purity, balance, and complexity, and while comparisons to Burgundy certainly make sense (guilty as charged), they are pure California brilliance."
— Jeb Dunnuck, September 2025
We bring this uncommonly complete wine to you before even a single critic has released their review. We're expecting big things, and put a full-throated 93-Point rating out there to get things started.
This is world-class Chardonnay. At the winery it goes for $38. Median online retail is $33. At our price, Chardonnay doesn't get any better!
Vin Chicago Price: 25.99
Plus Brian's 96-Point Single Vineyard Chardonnay!
2023 Talley "Rosemary's" Chardonnay
Arroyo Grande Valley, Central Coast, California
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We've got to admit, Brian's 2024 Estate Chardonnay is a tough act to follow. Looking to do more business in Chicago, he was in town last week and made a visit to our Highland Park store. After pouring us the Estate bottling, he gave us a sample of this wine. Earning absolutely gobsmacking reviews from Vinous, Wine Advocate and Jeb Dunnuck, it's an incredibly impressive bottle of wine. Honestly, though, it's only a little bit better than the Estate!
Crafted from vineyards first planted 40 years ago surrounding Rosemary and the late Don Talley's family home, this can hold its own with Burgundy costing multiple times the price.
"The 2023 Chardonnay Rosemary's Vineyard begins with a flicker of flinty reduction before delving deeply into layers of lemon oil, mint, lime zest, green apple and chalk. Mineral-driven and very cool-climate in feel, it pulses with energy. Site expression is front and center here, amplified by an extra measure of tension and drive that elevates the Rosemary's above the rest of the range. This is a strikingly complete Chardonnay from Brian Talley. Bravo. Drinking Window 2025 - 2035.”
- 96 Points, Vinous - Billy Norris (8/2025)
"The most dynamic and multifaceted Chardonnay from Talley is the 2023 Chardonnay Rosemary's Vineyard, which derives from vines planted in 1988 and 1998 on shale and loam soils. Fennel, flint, hazelnut and crushed stone aromas gradually build in intensity on the nose, followed by a palate that combines nimble energy with punchy textural breadth, a tensile core and exceptional finesse. It concludes with a weightless, deep, rich finish while sacrificing no verve, clarity or dimension. This functions like an amalgam of the other Chardonnays in the range, and it should develop beautifully into its second decade. Drink Date: 2025 - 2036.”
- 95 Points, Wine Advocate (12/4/2025)
"The 2023 Chardonnay Rosemary's Vineyard reveals a medium gold hue and a stunning nose of stone fruits, ripe melon, spicy wood, and salty minerality. Aged sur lie for 14 months, it's balanced and medium-bodied, with a juicy, lively mouthfeel and a great finish. This is another truly brilliant Chardonnay from this estate that you could put in a blind lineup of top White Burgundies. Drink 2025-2035.”
- 96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck (9/4/2025)
We have 60 bottles available, and are hoping to be able to get a few more cases from the winery. Drink now or a decade down the line. Wow!
Vin Chicago Price: 59.99
