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We’ve long been fans of Groth’s benchmark Oakville Cabernets (the 2021 Reserve is currently on sale at an unbeatable price—inquire if interested!) and, for decades, their sneaky great Sauvignon Blanc was a favorite as well. But we’ve never associated the Groth family’s stellar Oakville estate with Chardonnay. Surprise, surprise. Who knew it would be so good?

Coming not from Oakville proper, but from the 44-acre Hillview Vineyard site in the Oak Knoll district, we were shocked and pleased at what a fabulous drinker it was, especially for the $35 we’re asking for it. Aged on its lees for eight months in a generous 15% new wood, it’s certainly on the richer, oakier side of the California Chardonnay equation and there’s plenty of toasty brioche, pineapple crème brûlée and woodsy spice notes, but where it stood out for us is in its impeccable balance and its perfect level of fresh acidity. All that fruit leads to a lovely lemon marmalade and bright citron finish that makes it go down very easily!

This is good stuff that will please both lovers of the more traditional Californian style of Chardonnay and those who demand a little more sophistication and verve from their favorite tipple. All in all, this is an easy Chard to love and it would do great service all summer long with all sorts of fare or, we daresay, with nothing to pair it with at all!

The winery has changed the name in the 2024 vintage to Groth Estate Chardonnay so it’s time, they say, to say goodbye to the last of their Hillview Vineyard labels. Subsequently, they’ve offered a great price to restaurants and small folks like us to make this a particularly enticing deal. Case-worthy!

Decanter, 94 points: Groth’s Hillview Vineyard Chardonnay is 100% barrel-fermented and aged sur lie in French oak barrels for eight months, with 14% new oak. This exquisite Chardonnay offers a rich generosity from its élevage, balanced by a refreshingly cool acid tension. It brims with ripe citrus, orchard, and stone fruits, layered with white flowers, a hint of acacia honey, and the vibrant crunch of biting into a ripe, juicy kumquat.

Wine Spectator, 93 points: Stylish and elegant, with plenty to admire in the fresh mix of pear, pineapple, ripe and salted melon, dried apricot and orange blossoms. Details of candied ginger, lemon curd, lemongrass and toasted sesame seed linger. Drink now through 2035. 5,905 cases made.

Wine Advocate, 92 points: Sourced from the Oak Knoll District, Groth's 2023 Estate Chardonnay Hillview Vineyard features classic aromas of toasted grain, citrus and pineapple. It's medium to full-bodied, rounded and generous on the mid-palate, then citrusy and bright on the finish. It's a step up from the 2022, for sure.