Courtney Benham Chardonnay
California Chardonnay, small lots, French oak, sold in Commack since forever.
The story behind Courtney Benham
Courtney Benham Chardonnay is California fruit, not a single vineyard. The grapes come off cool-climate benchland and valley sites: Oak Knoll District and Calistoga in Napa Valley, the Russian River Valley in Sonoma, and Edna Valley on the Central Coast. Warm afternoon sun, cold night air off San Pablo Bay, and you taste the difference in the acid line.
Vintner Courtney Benham built his name reviving historic California properties, acquiring the Martin Ray label in 1990 and the Martini & Prati facility in 2003. The Chardonnay follows that house style: whole-cluster gentle press, four days of cold settling, full malolactic, then 10 to 12 months in roughly 40 to 45 percent new French and American oak. Creamy custard texture, real structure underneath.
Explore the Courtney Benham range
Three Courtney Benham bottlings we keep on the shelf, from the Chardonnay that started the conversation to the Napa Reserve Cabernet for the steak crowd.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Courtney Benham Chardonnay 750mL | Chardonnay | About 13.5% to 14% ABV | Full malolactic, French and American oak, creamy custard mid-palate |
| Courtney Benham Pinot Noir 750mL | Pinot Noir | About 13.5% to 14% ABV | Cool-climate California fruit, red cherry, soft earth |
| Courtney Benham Cabernet Reserve Napa 750mL | Cabernet Sauvignon | About 13.5% to 14.2% ABV | Napa Reserve, dark cassis, oak spice, firm tannin |
| Courtney Benham Chardonnay, by the case | Chardonnay | About 13.5% to 14% ABV | Same bottle, better per-bottle math for parties |
| Courtney Benham Chardonnay, chilled for pickup | Chardonnay | About 13.5% to 14% ABV | Pulled cold from the back cooler, ready to pour |
| Courtney Benham red and white mix | Mixed | Varies by bottle | Chardonnay plus Pinot Noir, one bag, two dinners |
Which Courtney Benham is right for you?
Pricing here is straightforward. The Courtney Benham Chardonnay 750mL runs $18.98, which is fair money for a Chardonnay with full malolactic and 10 to 12 months in oak. The Pinot Noir is $24.99 and the Cabernet Reserve Napa is $32.98. Buy Courtney Benham online and pick it up curbside in Commack at no charge, or take free local delivery on orders over $250. Wine ships to the states where it is legal, confirmed at checkout.
Rich oak and custard texture at $18.98, no ceremony required.
Napa Reserve weight for the grill, $32.98, tannin that holds up.
Lighter red that pleases a mixed table, $24.99, pours easy.
Courtney Benham cocktails and pairings
Serve the Chardonnay lightly chilled, not ice cold, so the oak and custard notes stay in the glass.