Rating 82
Style White
Variety
Vintage 2017
Appellation
Sonoma County
North Coast
California
USA
ABV 14.5%
Price $32.00  Buy This Wine
Print Shelf Talker
Reviewed By
Reviewed 2019-03-11

Perfect For

Boozy Beach Trips, Host/Hostess Gifting, Red Wine Lovers Craving White

Drink If You Like

Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc , Roussanne

Michael Mondavi Family Emblem Chardonnay 2017 Review

It is big, creamy and alcohol dominate with some notes of vanilla and banana. There is a hint of tropical fruit, like guava, and some coconut somewhere in there, but it’s a whisper. With the alcohol as high as it is you might struggle to get more from this wine. These days many winemakers are working to allow this grape to truly express itself with restraint in the vineyard and the winery; here Emblem seems to be going for the days of old (the 80’s) when the oak was everything and the ethanol was high. Because of the wine's intensity it would be hard to pair it with food but it will definitely work as a background bottle for most occasions where wine isn't the focus.

Related Reads

Learn About Chardonnay

· Chardonnay 101

· Our always updated list of the best Chardonnay to buy right now!

Related Chardonnay Reviews

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 'Karia' Chardonnay

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 'Karia' Chardonnay 2021:
Stag’s Leap Cellars holds a special place in our wine history in the United States. Along with a few other wineries it gained high scores ...

Lingua Franca Bunker Hill Chardonnay

Lingua Franca Bunker Hill Chardonnay 2021:
The Willamette Valley is mostly known for Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. But that doesn’t mean that they're the only two varieties that can ...

Hirsch Vineyards Estate Chardonnay

Hirsch Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2022:
It's very apparent how much we love the elegant wines from Hirsch Vineyards on the extreme Sonoma Coast. This Chardonnay is stunning to say ...

Hirsch Vineyards Hirsch Estate Chardonnay

Hirsch Vineyards Hirsch Estate Chardonnay 2020:
Within seconds of smelling this wine you will be enamored by it. It’s so wonderful and full with heady fruit and a refreshing perception ...

Featured Chardonnay Articles

The Definitive Guide to Pairing Christmas Cookies With Wine

The Definitive Guide to Pairing Christmas Cookies With Wine:
Enjoying wine with your favorite holiday bakes offers a chance to delve into the out-of-fashion, yet still fabulous, world of dessert wines.

Burgundy Laid the Groundwork, Now Other Cool-Climate Wineries Are Staking a Claim in Oregon

Burgundy Laid the Groundwork, Now Other Cool-Climate Wineries Are Staking a Claim in Oregon:
Residing on the same latitude as Burgundy and boasting a similar climate, Oregon became a draw for Burgundian producers in the New World.

The 30 Best Wines for Thanksgiving (2023)

The 30 Best Wines for Thanksgiving (2023):
These are the 30 absolute best Thanksgiving wines for 2023 to drink at price points for any budget, pairing, or situation.

The 50 Best Wines of 2023

The 50 Best Wines of 2023:
Read VinePair's authoritative list of the best 50 wines of 2023 now! These are 50 of the best wines you can buy. See them all now!

82
POINTS
Michael Mondavi Family Emblem Chardonnay 2017
It is big, creamy and alcohol dominate with some notes of vanilla and banana. There is a hint of tropical fruit, like guava, and some coconut somewhere in there, but it’s a whisper. With the alcohol as high as it is you might struggle to get more from this wine. These days many winemakers are working to allow this grape to truly express itself with restraint in the vineyard and the winery; here Emblem seems to be going for the days of old (the 80’s) when the oak was everything and the ethanol was high. Because of the wine's intensity it would be hard to pair it with food but it will definitely work as a background bottle for most occasions where wine isn't the focus.

Reviewed On: 03-11-2019
82
POINTS
Michael Mondavi Family Emblem Chardonnay 2017
It is big, creamy and alcohol dominate with some notes of vanilla and banana. There is a hint of tropical fruit, like guava, and some coconut somewhere in there, but it’s a whisper. With the alcohol as high as it is you might struggle to get more from this wine. These days many winemakers are working to allow this grape to truly express itself with restraint in the vineyard and the winery; here Emblem seems to be going for the days of old (the 80’s) when the oak was everything and the ethanol was high. Because of the wine's intensity it would be hard to pair it with food but it will definitely work as a background bottle for most occasions where wine isn't the focus.

Reviewed On: 03-11-2019