Raise your glass and make a toast with this Chardonnay sprinkled with notes of ginger, toast, and honey, along with butter baked apples swirled with a touch of oak and beeswax. Pack this for the fall picnic and share with friends. Open this bottle now and enjoy. In fact, at this price, open two!
Pairing ideas: roasted chicken, lobster dishes, Dungeness crab, and pesto pasta dish.
2018 was a near-perfect growing season started later than previous years, saw ideal weather conditions throughout and is coming to a close for a majority of wineries throughout the valley. Wines from the 2018 vintage are now quietly developing in cellars, and winemakers are pinching themselves and smiling for the gift it appears Mother Nature has given them.
Specs
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: 100% Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
Barrel Aging: 22% New French Oak and 78% Stainless Steel
Alcohol: 13.9%
Production: 227 cases
Included in the Box
3-bottles:
3x 2018 Cultivar Oak Knoll Chardonnay, Napa Valley
Case:
12x 2018 Cultivar Oak Knoll Chardonnay, Napa Valley
cul·ti·var: [noun] a variety of a plant that has been deliberately selected for specific desirable characteristics
Napa Valley has sixteen unique sub-AVAs stretching from Carneros in the South to Calistoga to the North, providing ideal growing conditions for a wide range of varietals. Cultivar is committed to unique expressions of the various terroirs of these appellations and nurturing the land to showcase different varieties. Cultivar aims for a fulfilling experience of discovery, community, enjoyment, and fun.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2018 Cultivar Oak Knoll Chardonnay - $70 = 34.99%
@WkdPanda This, combined with the Rat review below, does sound like is a nice balanced chard without being either the super-buttery-bomb that was trendy a while ago, or the excessively bright sauv-blanc-style 100% un-oakeds, Maybe waiting for another Rat or two, but this sounds like a nice “default chardonnay” and vintage 2018 means should be fine to store for a bit.
Apparently a gold medal winner at the 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. I say apparently because the category it was awarded was chardonnay over $46 but pretty sure this is the wine. And gold is not the highest award, there is a double gold award as well. Of course there is, after all they taste like 12 million wines a year and pretty sure everyone goes home a winner
@kaolis I don’t even pay attention to those awards especially if they are posted prominently on the label (though that is not the case here, which is good.) It’s become like a “participation award” – “you showed up (and possibly paid an entry fee), here’s your ribbon!”
Good morning all!
I’ve had the good luck of being a rat again!
This chardonnay has a nice pale straw color in the glass with a med-low viscosity. No legs to speak of, when swirling.
When cold (30min out of refrigerator) Nose is restrained with some light lemon and apricot. With warmth and more open time the apricot becomes more apparent and some honey notes come through. The slightest hint of oak is detectable.
The wine is dry, with no noticeable RS. There is a good level of acid that is refreshing when drank alone and a good pairing to milder food offerings. Body is medium to light. While cooler, there are light flavors of tart apple. With warmth and open time, the apple moves more towards a baked green apple with some beeswax and bread-like notes. Oak is a little more apparent, but well restrained.
Overall, this is a well made chardonnay with a crowd-pleasing, wide-usage-range style. Great as a daily drinker and good to bring to group gatherings (whenever those happen again). I like what the winemaker did with the usage of oak. You get some of the best qualities without going “buttery”.
The case price here is a fantastic value. Need to see if I have space in the cellar…
@mtnzj Thanks for detailed review and nice photo of color. I would say at this point, going in to Winter, cellar = basement = garage (unless you’re in a super-freezing area) = hallway.
I hate those styrofoam tubs they’ve been shipping for summer, because they’re almost impossible to recycle anymore, but they do a good job of helping isolate the wine from short-term temperature swings. Not sure if shipping will go back to cardboard for Winter, but luckily(?) I have a bunch of those styrofoam tubs (which I will designate temperature-moderated-wine-storage-units when I organize them on shelves), so that’s my plan for Winter.
Greetings from Napa all. Richard from the winery here just thought Id wish everyone a happy Monday. At Cultivar we make all our wines to go with food. We started producing wines in 2009 that are balanced and represent the appellation they are sourced. Enjoy this broadly appealing Chardonnay. Has just enough of everything to satisfy your Chardonnay desires. Cheers
@wineguy68 Hello Richard, thanks for joining the comments. You mention “represent the appellation” and the marketing blurb says “unique expressions of the various terroirs” – can you describe a bit about how that comes out in this wine, what it actually means in terms of flavor?
@pmarin Well Oak Knoll as an example is a cooler part of Napa. Fog burns off later and winds kick up earlier. Perfect for what we look for in balanced fruit.
@chipgreen both. I let it sit in the fridge for a day before opening it. Tasted both straight out of the fridge and also when it warmed up and in between. Was definitely better closer to room temperature but notes were fairly consistent
Not remembering the last time when two ratters were quite different in their reviews. Hoping me taste buds more reflect the first ratter. Otherwise we will need to work hard thru 2 cases.
@kellybutler Honestly this is one where I might “risk” a half-case, however, I just can’t justify paying that 35% price premium. Or should I say losing that 35% savings – (actually 1/.35 if you look at price-per-bottle) So for me that means full-case or nothing, and unfortunately it will probably be the latter. I know a Napa Valley chardonnay would normally sell for much more; on the other hand, I can get a variety of really nice Washington State mainstream chard from producers I know, for around $10/btl. And I know I prefer the Northwest style over something like Central Coast, which is very different. Though Northern CA does have some I like, some of which have been offered here.
EDIT wanted to add that I think based on first rat, photo, and other info, this will probably be fine – I wouldn’t worry that much that these will be “bad” in any way. I’m actually sorry I probably won’t give it a try just for the reason I mentioned. I think you’ll be fine with your order assuming this is a pleasant “default” chardonnay it’s probably still a good deal.
And despite the “retail” life of chardonnay being very short, I’ve had fine experience letting them sit (maybe not intentionally, but you know – too much wine) and rediscovering years and they are still fine. Though I find the actual aging has more upside on things like the Viognier offered last week; on Chards I don’t usually see them get “better” but they don’t decline much either in most cases.
@kellybutler I did not intend to dissuade anyone from buying or second guess themselves. I was simply reporting honest notes based on my experience. My preferred whites are SB, pinot gris, viognier and lean and bright chards from time to time. For reference, I really enjoyed the Iron Horse unoaked chard offered here.
Hi, to @wineguy68, if you are around, wondering about your comments about two things
Conflicting “LabRat” reviews and why you think it might be described so differently? But I understand the difference in people’s tastes, and chardonnay can vary from a light airy thing to something so thick you feel you are sucking on a butterscotch candy, so I can understand that any particular chard might not meet someone’s expectations.
Only 227 cases? This seems like a fairly small batch. Yet the “marketing words” like “broadly appealing” indicate something made for widespread distribution to restaurants or grocery retailing, but I don’t think 227 cases would get very far if successful in the retail chain. So what is the history of this wine and why/how it came about?
2018 Cultivar Oak Knoll Chardonnay, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
Specs
Included in the Box
3-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$320.15 a case for the 2018 Cultivar Oak Knoll Chardonnay, Napa Valley
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Oct 12 - Tuesday, Oct 13
Cultivar Oak Knoll Chardonnay
3 bottles for $49.99 $16.66/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $129.99 $10.83/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2018 Cultivar Oak Knoll Chardonnay
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2018 Cultivar Oak Knoll Chardonnay - $70 = 34.99%
Is this wine dry or sweet?
Where’s the lab rats when you need them?
The write-up might say “Blue Öyster Cultivar” but I wonder if this wine is more of a “Soft White Underbelly”
22% oak, 78% unoaked - hmm, this could be interesting
@WkdPanda This, combined with the Rat review below, does sound like is a nice balanced chard without being either the super-buttery-bomb that was trendy a while ago, or the excessively bright sauv-blanc-style 100% un-oakeds, Maybe waiting for another Rat or two, but this sounds like a nice “default chardonnay” and vintage 2018 means should be fine to store for a bit.
Apparently a gold medal winner at the 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. I say apparently because the category it was awarded was chardonnay over $46 but pretty sure this is the wine. And gold is not the highest award, there is a double gold award as well. Of course there is, after all they taste like 12 million wines a year and pretty sure everyone goes home a winner
@kaolis I don’t even pay attention to those awards especially if they are posted prominently on the label (though that is not the case here, which is good.) It’s become like a “participation award” – “you showed up (and possibly paid an entry fee), here’s your ribbon!”
Good morning all!
I’ve had the good luck of being a rat again!
This chardonnay has a nice pale straw color in the glass with a med-low viscosity. No legs to speak of, when swirling.
When cold (30min out of refrigerator) Nose is restrained with some light lemon and apricot. With warmth and more open time the apricot becomes more apparent and some honey notes come through. The slightest hint of oak is detectable.
The wine is dry, with no noticeable RS. There is a good level of acid that is refreshing when drank alone and a good pairing to milder food offerings. Body is medium to light. While cooler, there are light flavors of tart apple. With warmth and open time, the apple moves more towards a baked green apple with some beeswax and bread-like notes. Oak is a little more apparent, but well restrained.
Overall, this is a well made chardonnay with a crowd-pleasing, wide-usage-range style. Great as a daily drinker and good to bring to group gatherings (whenever those happen again). I like what the winemaker did with the usage of oak. You get some of the best qualities without going “buttery”.
The case price here is a fantastic value. Need to see if I have space in the cellar…
@mtnzj Thanks for detailed review and nice photo of color. I would say at this point, going in to Winter, cellar = basement = garage (unless you’re in a super-freezing area) = hallway.
I hate those styrofoam tubs they’ve been shipping for summer, because they’re almost impossible to recycle anymore, but they do a good job of helping isolate the wine from short-term temperature swings. Not sure if shipping will go back to cardboard for Winter, but luckily(?) I have a bunch of those styrofoam tubs (which I will designate temperature-moderated-wine-storage-units when I organize them on shelves), so that’s my plan for Winter.
@pmarin I have just a few cartons also
in the hallway downstairs, just outside of the “wine room”, which is full!
@mtnzj Thanks for the report. That color of the chard looks very refreshing.
Greetings from Napa all. Richard from the winery here just thought Id wish everyone a happy Monday. At Cultivar we make all our wines to go with food. We started producing wines in 2009 that are balanced and represent the appellation they are sourced. Enjoy this broadly appealing Chardonnay. Has just enough of everything to satisfy your Chardonnay desires. Cheers
@wineguy68 Hello Richard, thanks for joining the comments. You mention “represent the appellation” and the marketing blurb says “unique expressions of the various terroirs” – can you describe a bit about how that comes out in this wine, what it actually means in terms of flavor?
@pmarin Well Oak Knoll as an example is a cooler part of Napa. Fog burns off later and winds kick up earlier. Perfect for what we look for in balanced fruit.
Loved the Lab Rat review. Hit the highlight of what we like as a daily drinker. We are in for 2 cases.
Lab rat here. Will elaborate later today but in a nutshell was not a fan.
Nose was muted and wine felt unbalanced. Fruit was lacking and the alcohol evident. It had a somewhat sharp finish.
No, bottle was not off, corked, or damaged by heat
Yes, had it over two days
Thank you WD and crew for the opportunity to eat.
More to come
@losthighwayz Thanks for reporting. All input is appreciated.
@losthighwayz You’re not supposed to eat the bottle…
@losthighwayz more in depth thoughts
Note: chardonnay not my go to white grape but enjoy a glass here and there of the non buttery type.
Color: bright almost clear as water with slight yellow hue
Aroma: mostly muted with a tad of almond? No fruit coming through
Taste: low intensity, pear if I had to choose
Acidity: medium
Tannins: low
Overall: I really wanted to like this but did not. My wife shared similar impressions. Nondescript wine overpowered by alcohol and lacking fruit.
@losthighwayz
Did you drink this at fridge temp?
@chipgreen both. I let it sit in the fridge for a day before opening it. Tasted both straight out of the fridge and also when it warmed up and in between. Was definitely better closer to room temperature but notes were fairly consistent
Not remembering the last time when two ratters were quite different in their reviews. Hoping me taste buds more reflect the first ratter. Otherwise we will need to work hard thru 2 cases.
@kellybutler Honestly this is one where I might “risk” a half-case, however, I just can’t justify paying that 35% price premium. Or should I say losing that 35% savings – (actually 1/.35 if you look at price-per-bottle) So for me that means full-case or nothing, and unfortunately it will probably be the latter. I know a Napa Valley chardonnay would normally sell for much more; on the other hand, I can get a variety of really nice Washington State mainstream chard from producers I know, for around $10/btl. And I know I prefer the Northwest style over something like Central Coast, which is very different. Though Northern CA does have some I like, some of which have been offered here.
EDIT wanted to add that I think based on first rat, photo, and other info, this will probably be fine – I wouldn’t worry that much that these will be “bad” in any way. I’m actually sorry I probably won’t give it a try just for the reason I mentioned. I think you’ll be fine with your order assuming this is a pleasant “default” chardonnay it’s probably still a good deal.
And despite the “retail” life of chardonnay being very short, I’ve had fine experience letting them sit (maybe not intentionally, but you know – too much wine) and rediscovering years and they are still fine. Though I find the actual aging has more upside on things like the Viognier offered last week; on Chards I don’t usually see them get “better” but they don’t decline much either in most cases.
@kellybutler I did not intend to dissuade anyone from buying or second guess themselves. I was simply reporting honest notes based on my experience. My preferred whites are SB, pinot gris, viognier and lean and bright chards from time to time. For reference, I really enjoyed the Iron Horse unoaked chard offered here.
Hi, to @wineguy68, if you are around, wondering about your comments about two things
Conflicting “LabRat” reviews and why you think it might be described so differently? But I understand the difference in people’s tastes, and chardonnay can vary from a light airy thing to something so thick you feel you are sucking on a butterscotch candy, so I can understand that any particular chard might not meet someone’s expectations.
Only 227 cases? This seems like a fairly small batch. Yet the “marketing words” like “broadly appealing” indicate something made for widespread distribution to restaurants or grocery retailing, but I don’t think 227 cases would get very far if successful in the retail chain. So what is the history of this wine and why/how it came about?