Handley Estate Vineyard Chardonnay Anderson Valley 2018

This is a really cool estate run by Milla Handley. She worked for legendary winemakers, Richard Arrowood and Jed Steele before setting out on her own in Anderson Valley in 1978. At the time, Anderson Valley was just discovering its potential. She established Handley Cellars in 1982 and it became the leader in the region in sustainable farming and organic practices.

Her Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are two of the better expressions coming out of Anderson Valley today and a must-try if you’re unfamiliar with the winery. Today Milla and her daughter Lulu run operations. This is a juicy, full-bodied Chardonnay with pristine fruit, a little bit of that buttery richness but good firm acid to keep everything in balance and harmony.