Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay 2023 New Zeland James Suckling — 98–99 Points

James Suckling — 98–99 Points

it’s gone up in price to the point of being not-very-accessible

The vineyard is situated at 1700’ on the ridgeline that divides Napa Valley from the Valley of the Moon in Sonoma County

an expression of the house aim: Champagne that reflects both site and family style

Its bright

Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay 2023 New Zeland James Suckling — 98–99 PointsCrafted without oak and fermented in concrete, the 2023 leans fully into what makes Santa Lucia Highlands so compelling: cool Pacific air, long growing days, and that slow, patient ripening that builds flavor without ever tipping into heaviness. The result is Chardonnay stripped down to its essentialspure, mineral, quietly electric. In the glass, it opens with Meyer lemon, green apple skin, and a subtle saline edge that feels almost like ocean spray.