Clos La Chance Chardonnay Monterey

Clos LaChance Chardonnay Monterey is a sustainably produced 100% Chardonnay from Monterey County, California, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2020 vintage earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast, placing it among the stronger values in Central Coast Chardonnay.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Monterey County, California  |  100% Chardonnay  |  Winery: Clos LaChance

Production & Heritage

Clos LaChance Winery is based in San Martin, California, situated roughly 30 minutes south of San Jose and 45 minutes north of Monterey. The estate spans 150 acres and cultivates 16 grape varietals. Notably, Clos LaChance was among the first seventeen California vineyards to earn certification through the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) in early 2009, making it a pioneer in sustainable viticulture across the state. The Monterey County fruit for this Chardonnay benefits from the region's cool marine influence, which preserves acidity and encourages bright citrus and stone fruit character in the finished wine.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe peach and honeysuckle before moving into coconut and light oak. A thread of lemony acidity lifts the bouquet, keeping it fresh rather than heavy.

Taste: On entry, flavors of lemon custard and roasted apple greet the palate. The mid-palate broadens with coconut, pineapple, and a touch of warm spice. A citrus-driven brightness balances the richer, slightly toasty elements throughout the sip.

Finish: The finish runs moderately long, tapering with clean lemon zest, a whisper of crème brûlée, and lingering stone fruit. The texture stays light to medium-bodied with enough acidity to leave the palate refreshed.

How to Drink Clos LaChance Chardonnay

Slightly chilled—around 50–55°F—lets the tropical and citrus notes express themselves without muting the oak-influenced layers. This Chardonnay also performs well in cocktails: try it in a White Wine Spritzer where its bright acidity provides a clean backbone; in a Chardonnay Sangria with sliced peaches, lemon, and fresh mint to echo its natural fruit profile; or in a French 75 variation substituting the sparkling wine for this still Chardonnay when you want a richer, rounder texture in the glass.

Best For

• Weeknight dinner pairing with roast chicken or pasta in cream sauce
• Introducing a friend to quality California Chardonnay without the heavy oak treatment
• Warm-weather patio sipping when you want more body than a Sauvignon Blanc
• Gifting to someone who appreciates sustainably produced wines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Clos LaChance Chardonnay taste like? It leads with ripe peach, lemon custard, and pineapple, balanced by light oak and coconut notes. The acidity is bright and the body is light to medium, finishing with a clean citrus and crème brûlée character.

How does Clos LaChance Chardonnay compare to J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay? Both are Monterey County Chardonnays with sustainability commitments, but Clos LaChance tends toward a lighter body with more pronounced citrus and tropical fruit, while J. Lohr Riverstone is typically richer and more pear-driven with heavier oak influence. The Clos LaChance 2020 scored 91 points from Wine Enthusiast, giving it a slight edge in recent critical recognition.

Is Clos LaChance Chardonnay good for sipping on its own? Yes—its balanced acidity and moderate body make it an easy sipper, especially when served lightly chilled. It has enough complexity from oak and fruit interplay to hold interest without food.

Where is Clos LaChance Chardonnay made? Clos LaChance Winery is located in San Martin, California, in the southern reaches of the Santa Clara Valley. The Chardonnay fruit is sourced from Monterey County, where cool Pacific breezes and long growing seasons develop the grape's signature acidity and aromatic intensity.

What foods pair well with Clos LaChance Chardonnay? Roast chicken or turkey benefit from its citrus brightness. Seafood like seared scallops or shrimp in garlic butter complement the wine's light oak and tropical notes. Mild, creamy cheeses such as Brie or young Gruyère match its texture. Pasta with alfredo or carbonara sauce echoes the wine's lemon custard and crème brûlée undertones. A simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette mirrors its acidity.

What sizes does Clos LaChance Chardonnay come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.

Is Clos LaChance Chardonnay worth the price? It positions firmly in the value tier for California Chardonnay, yet its 91-point Wine Enthusiast score and CSWA sustainable certification give it credibility that competes with bottles priced considerably higher. For everyday drinking with genuine quality behind the label, it delivers well above its weight class.

Why Clos LaChance Chardonnay?

This bottling stands out because of the combination of Monterey County fruit quality and one of California's earliest sustainable-farming certifications. The 91-point score from Wine Enthusiast on the 2020 vintage confirms that the winemaking matches the vineyard pedigree. Where many value-tier Chardonnays lean on heavy oak or residual sugar to mask thin fruit, Clos LaChance relies on natural acidity and clean citrus-tropical flavors—a reflection of cool-climate Monterey growing conditions. For anyone looking for an honest, well-made California Chardonnay that respects both the grape and the land it comes from, this is a bottle that justifies its reputation.