2019 Chardonnay, Raymond, Napa Recipe

1. Check & Prepare

Inspect the 2019 Raymond Napa Chardonnay bottle for any sediment, cork condition, and proper labeling. Stand the bottle upright for at least 15 minutes if it was recently moved to allow any sediment to settle.

2. Chill to Serving Temperature

Ideal serving temperature for a Napa Chardonnay is 50–55°F (10–13°C). If the bottle is at room temperature, place it in an ice bath: fill a bucket or large container with the 2 cups ice and 2 cups cold water and submerge the bottle for 15–20 minutes, rotating occasionally until it reaches the target temperature. Alternatively, place the bottle in the refrigerator for 2–3 hours.

3. Open the Bottle

Use a waiter’s corkscrew to remove the foil and cork. Wipe the lip of the bottle with a clean cloth after removing the cork to catch any residue or tiny cork fragments.

4. Decanting (optional)

Chardonnays rarely need extended decanting, but if the wine tastes closed or you want to allow aromatics to open, pour the wine into a decanter and let it breathe for 15–30 minutes before serving.

5. Pouring

Hold the glass by the stem and pour about 4–6 ounces (120–180 ml) per glass, filling only to the widest part of the bowl to allow the wine to breathe and concentrate aromas.

6. Select clean white wine glasses and ensure they are at room temperature or slightly chilled. If desired, garnish each glass with a lemon twist or a thin apple slice on the rim to complement the wine’s citrus and orchard-fruit notes. Serve immediately.