I'm surprised it's taken me this long to try a Liquid Farm Chardonnay. I've seen plenty of glowing reviews, and the wines have always sounded right up my alley, but until recently, they weren't available in North Carolina.
That finally changed, and it took just one glass of the 2024 White Hill Chardonnay to make me a convert. Now I understand what all the fuss is about! White Hill is Liquid Farm's benchmark Chardonnay, with Premier Cru Chablis as its muse. Sourced from four top vineyards in the Santa Rita Hills appellation, it's the clearest expression of the winery's philosophy.
After tasting it, I'd personally put this in the 95–96 point range. From the fabulous 2024 vintage, it delivers ripping acidity right out of the gate. At first, I worried it might be hollow and austere on the palate, but I was totally wrong. There's wonderful texture here, alongside Chablis-like notes of crushed rock, white flowers, mint, green apple, Meyer lemon, and salted citrus.
Pure, persistent, and layered, this is the kind of Chardonnay that really gets the juices flowing. Decanter awarded the 2023 vintage 97 points, and I find the 2024 even more compelling. Better yet, it comes from a vintage that critics have generally viewed as a step up. Antonio Galloni of Vinous Media has already rated the 2024 at 95 points, calling it "a total beauty." He also said it will drink through 2036, a testament to its structure and vibrant acidity.
Owner Jeff Nelson and winemaker James Sparks deserve plenty of credit for this beauty. If you'd like to read more about the Liquid Farm story, click HERE. Or you can just take my word for it: this is a Chardonnay for those who appreciate tension, finesse, and bright coastal character.
While White Hill takes inspiration from the great Chardonnays of Chablis, it has an identity all its own.
I can't wait to have it alongside oysters, sushi, or just a good piece of fish, simply seared in olive oil with a squeeze of lemon. You should do the same!
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
