Miner Chardonnay: A Love Letter to Butter, Oak, and a Second Glass

Miner Winery may be a relative newcomer to the Napa Valley scene, but in just a few short years, they’ve managed to stake their claim as one of the most stylish and classy stops in wine country. On a recent trip to Napa, Jen and I found ourselves seduced — yes, seduced — by a ridiculously expensive, outrageously good bottle of their Bordeaux-style red, “Oracle.” It was rich, bold, and absolutely the reason we made a detour to their winery the very next day.

Well, for Jen, it was a blast. I, unfortunately, was the designated driver — which, let me tell you, is not nearly as fun when your friend is sipping her way through Napa with the glee of a kid in a candy store.

Of course, I couldn’t leave empty-handed. I took home several bottles, one of which was their 2009 Chardonnay — and oh, what a glorious decision that was.

Now listen, the very things people don’t like about Chardonnay? I adore. Too buttery? Yes, please — give me the popcorn. Too oaky? Toss it in a barrel and leave it there for a decade. Too heavy? Bring it on, I want my Chardonnay to have presence. The Miner Chardonnay checked every one of my boxes.

It pours a pale gold, lighter than you’d expect from such a powerful wine. On the nose? Apple, citrus, and yes — actual buttery goodness. Add in a deep toasty oakiness, and I was already swooning.

Technically speaking, it’s fermented and aged in 45% new French oak, with malolactic conversion held at 50% to balance the flavor profile. But here’s what you need to know: it tastes like vanilla, cream, and ripe melon, all luxuriously soft and smooth on the palate — and it stays with you, in the best way.

This is not a wine to sip alone. It demands food, a partner, a worthy counterpart. So I did the only sensible thing: made myself a late supper of poached salmon and asparagus with lemon, olive oil, and a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

And the pairing? Perfection. So perfect, in fact, I had to have a second glass just to be absolutely sure. I was right.

This is a Chardonnay for people who unapologetically love Chardonnay. It’s bold, it’s buttery, and it knows exactly what it is.

My Rating: A confident, full-bodied yes.