2024 Hammelmann Chardonnay 'Z', 750ml

“Aus den Dörfen” translates to “from the villages” – you’ll see this on all of Hammelmann’s village-level wines.

Hammelmann’s Chardonnays are quickly becoming some of the most compelling in Germany. The village-level “Z” bottling (the “Z” stands for Lukas’ hometown village of Zeiksam on loess and sandstone soils) is in one way fruity and full, or at least expansive – juicy and pleasurable. That thing that makes Chardonnay such a market force. On the other hand, it has great energy, a green-citrus finish that feels almost tactile and grippy. This is not grand and great like the Roter Berg, but it is really f*cking good. -vB