2021 Head High Chardonnay Sonoma County 750 ml

Bill Price is a legend in the Sonoma wine industry. A key figure at renowned producers like Kosta Browne, Gary Farrell, and Three Sticks, he’s also the owner of the Durell and Gap’s Crown Vineyards, two jewels of the Sonoma Pinot and Chardonnay scene—and his 2021 Head High is a chance to see the phenomenal Chardonnay quality he and his team can achieve at a miraculous price.

This is as good as Sonoma Chardonnay gets for the price. Showing big, ripe fruit and a steely brightness that keeps it ultra-refreshing, it combines grapes from its excellent (and secret) vineyard sources with top-notch winemaking to deliver a weeknight Chardonnay of surprising complexity and elegance. It’s no wonder Head High has earned Wine Access member-ratings that place it alongside much pricier bottles from the region.

Aromatically, this Chardonnay is captivating, with a blend of rich golden apple, Meyer lemon preserves, and honeysuckle. The palate is round but energetic and uplifting, showing crushed-limestone notes along with citrus and tropical fruit that fade over a long finish. The dialectic between easy-to-love fruit and refreshing brightness is possible because of Head High’s exquisite Sonoma Chardonnay grapes and an approach to winemaking that emphasizes maximum freshness.

The grapes are sourced by Price Family Vineyard vineyard manager Rob Harris, who is Bill Price’s right-hand man. Harris passes the fruit off to winemaker Britt Richards, who ferments and ages the wine in stainless-steel tanks. The Head High team ensures the wine’s bright fruit flavors and zest by preventing malolactic fermentation, making it a perfect match for sunny afternoons, lemon-thyme grilled chicken, and just about everything in between.