Clos du Bois Chardonnay
Clos du Bois Chardonnay is a 13.5% ABV California chardonnay in a 750mL bottle, from the Sonoma-founded house that calls itself "America's #1 Premium Chardonnay" — roughly 70% barrel-fermented with partial malolactic fermentation for a creamy, fruit-and-oak-integrated profile, available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 13.5% (modal figure; varies by vintage/format)
- Size: 750mL
- Origin: California — brand founded in Sonoma in 1974 by Frank Woods
- Winemaking: approximately 70% barrel-fermented; partial malolactic fermentation for texture and a buttery component
- Profile: ripe apple, pear, subtle tropical fruit, vanilla and toasted oak; medium-to-full body
- Recognition: the 2019 vintage earned 90 points (Wine Enthusiast); multiple San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition medals including Best of Class 2016 — awards are vintage-specific
- Claim: "The Chardonnay of the US Open" (brand marketing)
Five Decades of California Chardonnay
Since 1974, Clos du Bois has been blending French winemaking technique with California vineyard character, building a chardonnay that became one of the best-known names in American wine. The formula is steady: roughly 70% of the wine is barrel-fermented to weave fruit and oak together, and a partial malolactic fermentation adds the creamy texture and gentle buttery note chardonnay lovers expect — without losing the bright fruit. The official pour of the US Open wears its California pedigree openly: ripe orchard fruit, vanilla, and toasted oak in a smooth, medium-to-full-bodied frame. Explore more in our wine collection and the full Clos du Bois lineup.
Tasting Notes
Expect ripe apple and pear with a whisper of tropical fruit on the nose, leading into warm apple pastry, honey, and toasted oak on the palate. Partial malolactic fermentation lends a creamy texture and a touch of buttered-popcorn richness, lifted by lemon-drop brightness and a clean, crisp finish with sliced-pear and citrus-zest notes.
How to Enjoy
Serve chilled (45–50°F) in a white wine glass. It is a natural partner for roast chicken, lobster rolls, creamy pastas, and soft cheeses like brie — and it works beautifully with cocktail-hour appetizers such as oysters and crab cakes. Pair with Thanksgiving dinner and watch it disappear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Clos du Bois Chardonnay from?
California. The brand was founded in Sonoma in 1974 by Frank Woods and sources its chardonnay from California vineyards. (Retailers differ on whether the current label reads North Coast or Sonoma County — verify from the bottle.)
How is it made?
About 70% is barrel-fermented to integrate fruit and oak, with partial malolactic fermentation adding creamy texture and a buttery note.
What does it taste like?
Ripe apple and pear with vanilla and toasted oak — smooth, medium-to-full-bodied, with balanced acidity and a clean, crisp finish.
Has it won awards?
Yes, vintage-specific ones: the 2019 vintage scored 90 points from Wine Enthusiast, and the wine has collected multiple San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition medals, including Best of Class in 2016.
America's classic premium chardonnay, delivered to your door — order Clos du Bois Chardonnay online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.