Kerr Cellars

Reserve Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

9.51 ratings
9.51 pro ratings
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA
Chardonnay
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces
Top Notes For
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

Some of you may know this producer. Others might be thinking could this be Steve Kerr’s - Warriors Coach and former NBA player on those great Chicago Bulls teams own label. No, it is not. It is former women’s LPGA player, Christy Kerr.

If you are not familiar with them, Christy and her Winemaker, Helen Keplinger make some outstanding wines. Helen’s resume consists of working with some of the best names in winemaking…Heidi Barrett, Kathy Joseph, Michel Rolland, and David Abreu. Since 2004, her resume also includes; Cellers Melis (Priorat), Kenzo Estate, Fort Ross, Sarocka, Scullly, Arrow & Branch, and Bryant Family Vineyards. She also makes her own wine under Keplinger Wines.

Additionally, Helen’s own label, her Keplinger 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon RDK was recently given a 💯 by Vinous Media.

As some of you know, I am not the biggest champion of California Chardonnay. There are some exceptions and this is one of them.

This is a beautiful expression of how good they can be w/o too much new oak. This is also one not to be served over chilled. I’d say around 60 degrees.

The Reserve has amazing viscosity and mouthfeel. It is slightly honeyed, vanillin, soft caramel notes, slivered almonds, lemon custard, white stone fruits, green apple, tropical melons, understated white citrus, pineapple hues, just a touch of herbaceousness, gentle minerality, yellow lilies & flowers, very round acidity, it is lush, elegant as it can get, beautifully balanced with a smooth and smartly polished finish that last nearly two-minutes.

Photos of; Christy and Helen, their tasting room which is just past and kiddy corner of the entrance to restaurant Oenotri in downtown Napa.

Some of you may know this producer. Others might be thinking could this be Steve Kerr’s - Warriors Coach and former NBA player on those great Chicago Bulls teams own label. No, it is not. It is former women’s LPGA player, Christy Kerr.

If you are not familiar with them, Christy and her Winemaker, Helen Keplinger make some outstanding wines. Helen’s resume consists of working with some of the best names in winemaking…Heidi Barrett, Kathy Joseph, Michel Rolland, and David Abreu. Since 2004, her resume also includes; Cellers Melis (Priorat), Kenzo Estate, Fort Ross, Sarocka, Scullly, Arrow & Branch, and Bryant Family Vineyards. She also makes her own wine under Keplinger Wines.

Additionally, Helen’s own label, her Keplinger 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon RDK was recently given a 💯 by Vinous Media.

As some of you know, I am not the biggest champion of California Chardonnay. There are some exceptions and this is one of them.

This is a beautiful expression of how good they can be w/o too much new oak. This is also one not to be served over chilled. I’d say around 60 degrees.

The Reserve has amazing viscosity and mouthfeel. It is slightly honeyed, vanillin, soft caramel notes, slivered almonds, lemon custard, white stone fruits, green apple, tropical melons, understated white citrus, pineapple hues, just a touch of herbaceousness, gentle minerality, yellow lilies & flowers, very round acidity, it is lush, elegant as it can get, beautifully balanced with a smooth and smartly polished finish that last nearly two-minutes.

Photos of; Christy and Helen, their tasting room which is just past and kiddy corner of the entrance to restaurant Oenotri in downtown Napa.

Jan 28th, 2024