Chardonnay, ZD Wines, Napa Valley, CA, 2024

The 2024 ZD Chardonnay (labeled "2024 Chardonnay, CA" rather than Napa Valley because it is sourced from multiple California appellations) has begun receiving professional recognition, although it has not yet been reviewed by major critics such as Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate (Robert Parker), Vinous, James Suckling, or Wine Enthusiast as of now.

Professional ratings

Winery tasting profile

ZD describes the 2024 as featuring:

• Tropical fruit
• Candied apricot
• Orange blossom
• Grapefruit rind
• Coconut
• Pineapple
• Lemon curd
• Guava
• Tangerine
• Bright, mouthwatering acidity
• Long finish with vanilla and oak spice

The wine was:

• Barrel fermented
• Aged 10 months in 100% American oak
• Made from organically certified fruit sourced from Napa Carneros, Sonoma Carneros, Monterey, and Santa Barbara.

Style assessment

This is classic ZD Chardonnay:

• Rich and full-bodied
• Barrel-fermented but without malolactic fermentation, preserving fresh acidity
• Noticeable American oak influence (vanilla, coconut, baking spice)
• Fruit-forward rather than mineral-driven

If you enjoy producers such as Rombauer or Far Niente, this style will likely appeal to you, though ZD generally emphasizes brighter acidity than many similarly rich California Chardonnays.

Availability

• Suggested retail price: $44
• Release: current vintage
• Alcohol: approximately 14% (typical for the style)

Winemaker Notes

This Chardonnay displays beautiful undertones of a golden hue hinting at an upcoming treat for your senses. Aromas of crème brûlée, green apple, and Meyer lemon zest mingle with tropical fruits reminiscent of ripe pineapple and mango. The palate follows through as rich and lush, highlighting characteristics of guava, lime zest, and caramelized banana foster. In ZD’s signature California Chardonnay style, the wine is vibrant, bright, and has a long-lasting finish with great acidity and vanillin notes.

History

Founded in 1969, ZD Wines is owned and operated by the deLeuze Family. The winery is located in Rutherford, a premium Cabernet Sauvignon growing region in the heart of the Napa Valley. ZD Wines is a family business that is committed to producing world-class wines, farming organically and providing first-class hospitality to guests, all while supporting many charitable efforts locally and throughout the country. They celebrate more than 50 years of winemaking, with the second and third generations of the deLeuze family carrying on the family legacy.

ZD Wines primarily produces three core varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. The current ZD winemaking and vineyard management team have amassed a fantastic base of winemaking and vineyard management knowledge with more than 100 years of combined experience. The winemaking team is comprised of Robert deLeuze (CEO/Director of Winemaking), Chris Pisani (Senior Winemaker), Brandon deLeuze (Winemaker), and Chad McComber (Cellar Master). They combine their winemaking knowledge and use blending as their ultimate winemaking tool to craft wines of quality, consistency and style. Rafael Llamas Sr. (Estate Vineyard Manager) and his son Rafael Llamas Jr. (Hospitality, Garden Curator and Vineyard Assistant), manage ZD’s certified organic estate vineyards at the Rutherford winery, as well as the ZD Carneros Estate in Napa. The winery also maintains long-term grower relationships with vineyards in Napa, Sonoma Carneros, Monterey and Santa Barbara.

Founder Norman deLeuze believed that great wines are made from healthy vines grown in rich, living soils. ZD Wines has an in-depth history of embracing an ecologically sensitive approach to all aspects of their operation. With a focus on producing world-class wines, their certified organic vineyards promote biodiversity using the best technologies of the day, as well as time honored farming methods. The winery and vineyards use solar energy, bio fuels, composting, cover cropping, recycling, water conservation, electric vehicles, and more, to conserve and enhance our planet. ZD’s Rutherford and Carneros Estates have been certified organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and are certified by Fish Friendly Farming, Napa Green Winery and California Certified Sustainable Winegrowing. The winery offers an Eco Vineyard Tour at their Rutherford property where guests walk through the organic certified vineyards and learn firsthand about the winery’s eco practices.

To date, ZD Wines and The deLeuze Family Charitable Foundation have raised more than $1,000,000 to support research lead by Dr. Joseph Tuscano at the UC Davis Cancer Center. In addition to fundraising events, each week the deLeuze family and ZD team deliver healthy snacks to the Napa Valley Boys & Girls Club Teen Center. The deLeuze family also provides an annual $500 grant to each employee to gift to local charities of their choosing.