Holy Bacchus Ops – what a MARATHON that was – and we all survived it.

Which brings us to Giving Tuesday, chilling things down to a cool climate Chardonnay at a rock bottom $24 just to say THANK YOU for your support and enthusiasm for one of our biggest days ever.

And per Robb Report, we’re in “one of the great regions for the varietal.”

A world-class winemaker. One beautifully made wine that rivals some of the very best of the region. We’re looking at you, Gary Farrell, Emeritus, WALT, Copain, Lynmar, Williams Selyem, and yes, Kosta…

And the $60 retail price?! POOF! Gone. Replaced with 60% OFF, down to less than what a pound of organically farmed cheese goes for from the region these days. That puts this high-end Chardonnay from the near-perfect 2021 vintage in “entry level” price territory. Well, it’s anything but…

ACTA in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley specializes in small production wines. The name is short for ACTA NON VERBA, meaning Deeds Not Words. Everything is done so with intention and authenticity.

While the vineyards provide the sustenance to create this compelling wine, it’s consulting winemaker Joe Nielsen who focuses on the brilliance of these. If you don’t know Joe, you may know his work at Ram’s Gate and Donelan. His ability to wrangle glorious Pinot Noir and Chardonnay into something special is on full display here.

But that starts with the fruit… obviously! And if you were one of the smart ones who indulged in the Pinot Noir from them we featured, you already know the quality here. Bright acid and beautiful tropical fruit play perfectly with subtle vanilla bean and soft white peach. Silky smooth texture with layers and layers to comb through, this is a perfect December weekday white.

Don’t “ACTA” slow, very little was made, so lock some down.

92 Points – Decanter “You’ll love the aromatics on this Chardonnay as they rise from the glass in a rich tapestry of lush fruit - pineapple, crème brûlée, and honeycomb - layered with candied citrus. All that richness builds beautifully on the medium-bodied palate, balanced by scintillating acidity and chalky minerality. Aged 11 months in 30% new French oak, this is a blend of three sites in the Russian River Valley AVA. Drink 2025-2032.”