10 Rich, Oaky Chardonnay Wines (Tasting Notes, Prices, Food Pairings)

From facing the “Anything But Chardonnay” movement to reclaiming its glory among wine connoisseurs, oaky Chardonnay has had quite the journey.

Oaky or Oaked Chardonnay is the result of a chemical process that occurs when the wine is stored in oak barrels, giving it its enhanced buttery taste and aromatic profile.

Let's unveil what oaky Chardonnay is and explore the prices and tasting notes of 10 extraordinary oaked Chardonnay bottles. We'll then look at some tasty food pairings to go with them and reveal the secret behind its enticing flavors.

We'll also go over the differences between oaked and unoaked Chardonnay wines.

What’s Special About Oaky Chardonnay?

Oaky Chardonnay is aged in an oak barrel or a barrel alternative (like oak chips or staves.) 

The oak-aging adds a rich texture and complexity to the wines, resulting in buttery and creamy wines with vanilla, cedar, baking spice, and smoky notes. (We’ll get a little deeper into this in a bit.)

In the 1980s, the wine developed a bad reputation for being excessively creamy and sugary, leading to the “Anything But Chardonnay” movement. Fortunately, the winemaker community took heed and found other ways to prepare wines using the Chardonnay grape variety.

Today, oaky Chardonnay has regained its lost glory — the wine is treasured by enthusiasts who appreciate a bottle of classic full-bodied white wine.

Now that you know what oaked Chardonnay is, let's uncover the best oaky Chardonnay bottles:

10 Extraordinary Oaky Chardonnay Bottles To Buy Right Now

Here are the oaky Chardonnay bottles you should get your hands on today:

• 2018 J. Moreau & Fils Valmur Chardonnay
• 2007 Trefethen Family Vineyards Chardonnay
• 2019 Heitz Cellar Quartz Creek Vineyard Chardonnay
• 2016 Beringer Vineyards 'Luminus' Chardonnay
• 2017 Wild Oak by St. Francis Chardonnay
• 2014 Monticello Vineyards Corely Family Estate Grown Chardonnay
• 2018 Hagafen Cellars Prix Hall Vineyard D Block Reserve Chardonnay
• 2016 Darms Lane Oak Knoll District Chardonnay
• 2012 Windy Oaks Estate Schultz Family Vineyards Chardonnay
• 2019 Les Lunes Linda Vista Vineyard Chardonnay

Let's explore their prices and complex tasting notes.

1. 2018 J. Moreau & Fils Valmur Chardonnay, Chablis Grand Cru, France ($85)

Upon opening, the richness of the oak is immediately noticeable with scents of roasted hazelnuts. Smooth and rounded, tastes of honey, lemon, and oak characterize the palate of this white Burgundy wine.

2. 2007 Trefethen Family Vineyards Chardonnay, Oak Knoll District, USA ($45)

With pineapple, citrus, vanilla, and oak notes on the nose, this California Chardonnay is a balanced and full-bodied wine with lemon, pear, and oaky flavor notes on the palate.

3. 2019 Heitz Cellar Quartz Creek Vineyard Chardonnay, Oak Knoll District, USA ($74)

A straw-colored wine, Heitz Cellar’s 2019 Chardonnay offers a beautiful tropical fruit nose with crisp green apple, vanilla, and oak flavors on the palate.

4. 2016 Beringer Vineyards 'Luminus' Chardonnay ($40)

Aged in French oak barrels for eight months, this buttery Chardonnay has a light golden hue, with baked apple and pear notes. On the palate, this wine exhibits red apple, cinnamon, pineapple, and vanilla flavors.

5. 2017 Wild Oak by St. Francis Chardonnay, Sonoma County, USA ($30)

This silky Chardonnay reveals a bouquet of lemon meringue and kettle corn. On the palate, notes of citrus blossom and creme brulee compliment a bright and vibrant acidity.

6. 2014 Monticello Vineyards Corely Family Estate Grown Chardonnay, Oak Knoll District, USA ($34)

With batches aged in French oak barrels, this single grape varietal wine offers toast, lemon, and melon scents. The palate has distinct notes of apple, lemon peel, pineapple, and oak.

7. 2018 Hagafen Cellars Prix Hall Vineyard D Block Reserve Chardonnay, Oak Knoll District, USA ($33)

Golden straw in color, this medium-bodied Chardonnay opens with lingering aromas and flavors of oranges and green apple. Notes of pear, melon, and peach complement the wine's vibrant acid finish.

8. 2016 Darms Lane Oak Knoll District Chardonnay, Napa Valley, USA ($32)

This 2016 Chardonnay wine offers aromas of stone fruit, pear, brioche, vanilla, creme brulee, and lemon zest. The rich palate provides flavors of pear, lemon curd, and vanilla cream.

9. 2012 Windy Oaks Estate Schultz Family Vineyards Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, USA ($39)

This Chardonnay reveals a pleasant nose of lemon curd, golden apple, tangerine peel, and minerals. It has a rich yet light palate of lemon, fig, toffee, citrus peel, and apple.

10. 2019 Les Lunes Linda Vista Vineyard Chardonnay, Oak Knoll District, USA ($32)

Balancing perfectly between buttery texture and lively acidity, this Chardonnay offers a nose of apple, pear, lemon, grapefruit, and oak. A palate of oak and butter transitions to tropical fruit flavors.

Wondering what to pair with your rich oaky Chardonnays?

Best Food Pairings With Oaky Chardonnay Wine

Since oaked Chardonnay is quite complex, avoid anything too sweet, spicy, or salty. 

One surefire way of enhancing the flavor of your favorite oaked Chardonnay is to stick with a simple seafood dish. Consider seared scallops or other shellfish, prepared plainly. 

Smoked fish with guacamole will also pair well with the buttery flavor of your favorite oaked Chardonnay wine.

Next, we'll reveal the secret behind the oaked Chardonnay's enchanting flavors.

Malolactic Fermentation: The Secret Behind The Buttery Flavors Of Oaky Chardonnay

When Chardonnay wine is aged in an oak barrel, it undergoes a natural chemical process known as malolactic fermentation.

The Oenoccocus Oeni bacteria converts the harsh-tasting malic acid in the wine to creamier lactic acid during malolactic fermentation. The resulting wine is softer, buttery, and more stable, with enhanced aromatic complexity, increased pH value, and higher color intensity. 

Let's now uncover the differences between oaked and unoaked Chardonnays.

Oaked Chardonnay Vs. Unoaked Chardonnay Wines

Aged in an oak barrel, oaked Chardonnay has a full body, rich texture, and sweet aroma characterized by vanilla and butterscotch notes. Its palate offers a buttery flavor with notes of hazelnut, honey, and caramel. 

On the other hand, unoaked or “naked” Chardonnay is usually aged in steel tanks. That’s why it has a light body, bright color, and crisp minerality. Its nose flaunts citrus aroma notes distinguished by hints of apple, lime, and peach.

Indulge In a Rich Oaked Chardonnay Now

Oaky Chardonnay is famous for its aromatic complexity, creamy texture, and beautiful color intensity — it's the perfect wine for any Chardonnay lover!

Visit the Vinovest website to discover how you can buy and invest in the finest Chardonnays, the best Pinot Noir wines, the most exquisite Sauvignon Blanc bottles, and other stunning wines from across the world.