Hate Buttery Chardonnay? Try These and Get Back to Us

This full-blown, toast- and butter-scented wine boasts rich fruits, a mouthfilling texture and a lingering finish. Spicy toasted-oak aromas lead to vanilla, poached pears, toasted almonds and cream flavors that swell on the palate and linger on the finish. Editor’s Choice. 97 Points  — Jim Gordon

Creamy but complex, this elegant wine made from mature vines glides across the palate, sharing subtle oak smoke, toasted almond, butter and Bosc pear flavors in fascinating layers. Silky in texture, nicely dry and long on the finish, the wine is something for a special occasion with a great meal. Editor’s Choice. 96 Points   — J.G.

Creaminess in the texture and deftly layered flavors give this extraordinary wine an almost irresistible attraction. So light but so rich at the same time, the wine offers vanilla, butter, poached pears and hints of caramel and toast, while the finish is delicious and lingering. Great for a special occasion. 95 Points   — J.G.

Seductive, almost-sweet aromas of butterscotch, toasted baguette and poached pears lead to a rich, luscious palate that echoes the aromas and coats the palate with vanilla, butter and pear syrup flavors. A full body, ample oak spices and an extra-rich texture make this classic wine a show-stopper.94 Points   — J.G.

This smooth and silky wine emphasizes delicious apple and pear flavors, keeping the buttery, oaky notes in the background for a complex and harmonious effect. Granny Smith apples and Bosc pears meet mild vanilla, toast and almond flavors that linger through the finish. Editor’s Choice. 94 Points   — J.G.

What’s not to love about aromas like lemon curd, toasted filberts, butter and a touch of fresh basil? Classic stuff. Elevated acidity and a brisk mouthfeel accompany flavors like buttered popcorn, pan-seared scallops drizzled in lemon juice and balsa wood. Pair this wine with a thick, firm halibut filet. Editor’s Choice. 93 Points — Michael Alberty

As inviting and buttery as a croissant, this soft and creamy wine is loaded with vanilla, fresh butter and baked apple flavors on a broad, melted texture, with just a hint of acidity for balance. Pour during cocktail hour for your Chardonnay-loving friends. 92 Points   — J.G.

This is a big, broad and oak-influenced wine. Winning aromas of toasted almonds and pear tart are followed by a rich palate of peach nectar and brown butter. Good for sipping alone, the wine will also pair with indulgent seafood and chicken entrees. 92 Points   — J.G.

Tropical fruits meet ripe apples in this well-balanced, fresh and forward wine that also sports tempting accents of vanilla, toast and butter. It’s light enough for a cocktail party and rich enough for almost any appetizer. Editor’s Choice. 92 Points   — J.G.

Broad, generous and buttery, this silky-soft wine is full-bodied, carrying fresh apples, pears and vanilla to a lingering finish. Oak accents like toast and nutmeg dress it up nicely. 91 Points   — J.G.

Milky aromas and a subtle blend of oak, butter and baking spices invest this medium-bodied and well-balanced wine with good complexity. Balancing richness with a tang of acidity, the wine is both appetizing and rather deep. Best Buy. 91 Points   — J.G.

Ripe and plump, this unusual blend of Chardonnay plus 10% Roussanne and 8% Viognier is full bodied, almost thick-textured, and lays on the vanilla, cream and butter flavors. Seeming low in acidity, the mouthfeel is viscous and soft but a hint of lemon peeks through to keep it balanced. 91 Points   — J.G.

Pastry-like flavors give this fun, creamy-textured wine an almost sweet effect as notes of vanilla, croissant and butter bathe the palate in richness. Good fruit acidity and elevated alcohol keep it powerful through the finish. 91 Points   — J.G.