2024 Paysan Chardonnay Jack’s Hill Monterey County 750ML

White Wine from California, United States

Paysan is Ian Brand’s value-driven label, where he scouts the Central Coast for under-the-radar sites and gives them a serious-but-friendly treatment. Jack’s Hill sits in Monterey County, where cool Pacific air keeps acidity tight and ripening slow. The wine sees gentle, restrained handling — no makeup, no oak overload — and the result is a Chardonnay that drinks like it costs twice as much. Pure citrus and orchard fruit, a chalky mineral edge, and the kind of energy you want in a weeknight white.

Sourced from vineyards planted on iron oxide granite soils at the base of Jack’s Hill, this Chardonnay is crafted with minimal intervention to preserve its natural character. It opens with aromas of green apple, lemon zest, and white flowers, leading into a palate that’s crisp and clean, showcasing orchard fruit, citrus, and a pronounced saline minerality. Aged in a combination of stainless steel and neutral French oak (with only 2% new oak), the wine maintains a fresh, Chablis-like profile with a subtle textural roundness. It pairs beautifully with seafood such as oysters, grilled halibut, or shrimp scampi, as well as lighter fare like goat cheese salads, roast chicken with lemon and herbs, or vegetable risotto.