2019 Head High Chardonnay Sonoma County 750 ml

Head High is a rare chance to drink the fruits of Bill Price’s labor for under $20 per bottle. He’s a legend in the Sonoma wine industry: a key figure at some of the most renowned names in Pinot and Chard—wineries like Kosta Browne, Gary Farrell, and Three Sticks. Head High draws from the same top Sonoma vineyards that go into those labels, for a fraction of the price.

This is a classic, unoaked Sonoma Chardonnay, with big fruit and a steely brightness that keeps it ultra-refreshing. What sets it apart, though, is the surprising complexity and elegance it brings to the table—then again, it’s hard to think of other wines at this price that come from vineyards that some of the biggest names in Sonoma make into $150 bottles.

That’s the Bill Price advantage—not only did he create Head High wines, but he also owns two of Sonoma’s most coveted vineyards, Durell and Gap’s Crown, jewels of the Sonoma Pinot and Chardonnay scene. With access to grapes like that, it’s no wonder the wine stands out in a crowd—and doubly so for its price.

When we first tasted the Head High Chardonnay, it was hard to believe that we’d be able to offer it for under $20. Aromatically, it’s captivating, with a blend of bright green apple and white nectarine, accented by hints of jasmine and lemon zest. The palate is round when it first hits your tongue, with beautiful orchard fruit flavors echoing the nose, before it finishes with zip and energy, carrying minerals across the palate for 30 seconds.

The dialectic between easy-to-love fruit and refreshing brightness is possible because Head High combines some of Sonoma’s best Chardonnay grapes—from vineyards Bill Price owns and others that the winery can’t disclose—with an approach to winemaking that emphasizes purity and freshness.

Fermentation in stainless steel tanks leads to aging in stainless as well—this wine sees no oak, getting its richness from Sonoma’s sunshine and famous sandy loam soils instead. The Head High team goes a step further, ensuring the wine doesn't go through malolactic fermentation so that it has extra freshness and zest—making it a perfect match for sunny afternoons and lemon-thyme grilled chicken.

At this price, it’s easy to see Head High becoming a Chardonnay favorite. The wine’s just so easy to love, with its balance of rich fruit and zesty brightness—and at our price, easy to open as well.