2022 Materra Cunat Estate Chardonnay

The 2022 Materra Cunat Estate Chardonnay is sourced from the Oak Knoll District, a cooler pocket of Napa Valley acclaimed for producing some of the region's most structured and balanced Chardonnay. The wine's bright acidity and tension reflect the district's marine influence and longer hang time, while restrained oak treatment preserves the purity of the fruit. This is estate-grown, single-vineyard Napa Chardonnay with a sense of place. Materra focuses on small-lot Napa Valley wines that express distinct microclimates rather than generic regional richness. The Oak Knoll District sits at the valley's southern, cooler end, where afternoon fog from San Pablo Bay tempers the heat and allows Chardonnay to ripen slowly while retaining natural acidity. The 2022 vintage was fermented and aged with subtle oak influence—enough to add spice and texture, not enough to obscure the fruit. The result is a wine that balances weight with vibrancy, a hallmark of thoughtful Napa winemaking. The nose opens with white peach, jasmine, and a hint of lychee, moving into tangerine and rose on the palate. There's a creamy, textural mouthfeel balanced by bright acidity that keeps the wine lively rather than heavy. James Suckling awarded it 92 points, noting candied pineapple, orange blossoms, and a silky, flavorful finish; Wine Enthusiast gave it 91 points, calling it "almost rich yet mouthwatering, juicy and persistent." Pair this with roasted chicken, grilled halibut, or creamy pasta with lemon and herbs. It's also elegant enough to drink on its own as an aperitif. The 2022 Materra Cunat Estate Chardonnay is available for pickup at Off Premise Chicago, 1128 W Armitage Ave in Lincoln Park, with local Chicago delivery and nationwide shipping.