Heard of Marcassin? Doubt that there are Chardonnay fans out there who don’t start salivating when they hear that name.

How about Jackson Family Wines? Of Vérité, Cardinale, Lokoya, Anakota, Mt. Brave, Stonestreet, and on and on… a ‘LEGACY’ that defines the peaks of Sonoma County’s grape-growing, and winemaking heritage.

Well, how about a wine that MELDS the heart of Marcassin with the soul of JFW? We suggest you pause here, load up the cart, checkout before it sells out, and then come back and read on…

First of all, what we’re looking at today is a 100% Wine Spies Exclusive offering. This is just not out there, we looked everywhere for you to assuredly state that.

What’s in the glass? Pure bliss. Liquid sunshine. Ripe but not overripe, rich while elegant and ethereally balanced, a feat that is reserved to only a select few renditions of this ubiquitous varietal. More a wine of origin and texture than style and overstatement. The pale gold with silver streaks immediately shows class. A multitude of citrus, fresh, peel, and pithy, are joined by Bartlett pear, crème fraiche, and nutmeg nuances. Strikingly seamless on the palate, with aromas accentuating as flavors, along with notions of blossoms and minerals echoing, building up to a finish that suspends over a good minute plus. Delicate yet deep, this would sing with creamy seafood dishes, enhanced by saffron, or wild mushrooms.

Well, even after our SHOCKING 55% discount, we know that $45 takes a lot of faith and confidence in a vintage Chardonnay, however…

This wine has history. From 1991 through 2001, Alexander Mountain Estate was one of the three staple vineyards that made Marcassin the cult producer they are for Chardonnay. When Jackson Family Wines opted to keep this precious fruit, it helped elevate Stonestreet to new heights too. Realizing that this is one of the most special vineyards on the planet for Chardonnay, the source then graduated to a Legacy label that set itself apart from other wines in this esteemed portfolio.

Robert Parker declared this vineyard a source for “sublime Chardonnays among the best made in California, or anywhere else in the world” adding that they once “embarrassed a series of 1989 Grand Crus from Burgundy’s Côte-d’Or” at a blind tasting he attended.

Considering that the few bottles of its Marcassin counterpart out there fetch about $300, this is a steal. For the same level of quality in white Burgundy you’d be paying a ton more, too. Don’t let the bottle age fool you, these come directly from the winery library cellar and Vinous also assures years more of peak enjoyment ahead, truly built to last.

It’s super RARE to see a collectible, thoroughbred ‘WOW’ Chardonnay at 55% off, seize the day!

96 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“For years Legacy has in essence been the flagship brand from the Jackson Family’s Stonestreet winery and Alexander Mountain Estate. Today, it looks like Legacy will be built out further under the direction of winemaker Graham Weerts. These two new releases are hugely impressive, to say the least. The 2014 Chardonnay from Legacy is superb. Lemon peel, white flowers, mint, white pepper and chalk give the 2014 a distinctly bright yet delicate personality that plays beautifully off the natural intensity of the fruit. Bright saline note and a hint of reduction linger on the sublime finish. Silky and polished, this supremely beautiful Chardonnay has so much to offer. Precision, subtlety and nuance are the signatures in a gorgeous Chardonnay from Legacy. Drink 2020-2025.”