SOLD OUT! It's back, and the 2020 Novellum Chardonnay makes a strong case for being the top Chardonnay value in the world. Rated 94 points by Jeb Dunnuck, who has compared this to a Chardonnay from Mark Aubert, this comes to you at a price you are not going to believe.
Crafted by Jean-Marc Lafage, one of the Roussillon's most gifted winemakers, Novellum is made with 30+ year old, organically farmed vines. No disrespect to California producers, but if they were able to craft a wine like this, it would cost $40+. If you want to try a world-class Chardonnay at a ridiculously low price, get by the store and get some of this.
2020 Novellum Chardonnay
94 points Jeb Dunnuck
SOLD OUT
I can't think of any other Chardonnay made anywhere in the world that scored 94 points and retails for less than $15. Can you? Plus, this isn't a new development for this wine. Almost every vintage scores 90+ points, but 94 points puts it in another league. Trust me, I tasted this one last week, and it's worthy of those points!
Here's what Jeb Dunnuck had to say, and I honestly have nothing to add. His tasting notes are nearly identical to mine. "A richer styled wine (I've compared this cuvée to a Chardonnay from Mark Aubert), the 2020 Novellum has a medium gold hue as well as a rich, powerful bouquet of caramelized lemon, honeyed almonds, candle wax, and toasted bread. Rich, medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured, and balanced, this is another no brainer purchase."
The only difference in our tasting notes is that I didn't mention Aubert, mainly because it will run you $100+, and it's nearly impossible to find. A joint venture between importer Eric Solomon and Team Lafage, this is made with some unique techniques. It is fermented in stainless steel, but it gets interesting from there. 80% of the finished wine is aged in tank on the lees of a Viognier, and 20% is aged in neutral oak.
The finished wine must be smelled and tasted to be believed. Rich yet fresh and layered yet easy to drink, this is my pick for the Chardonnay deal of the year. There are 14 cases up for grabs at deal pricing. Based on the past popularity of this wine, I do not expect it to last long.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville