Edna Valley Vineyard Paragon Chardonnay 2008 Reviewed

A golden straw-colored Chardonnay with notes of fruit, spice, and oak

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Wine writer Randy Fuller reviews the 2008 Paragon Chardonnay from Edna Valley Vineyard in California's San Luis Obispo County. He describes the wine as having a golden straw color, with aromas of spice, pears, and minerals. On the palate, he finds flavors of sweet canned fruit like pineapple and pears, as well as citrus zest and prominent oak notes of vanilla and holiday spice.

Why it matters

Edna Valley is a renowned wine region in California, known for its Chardonnay and other cool-climate varietals. The Paragon Chardonnay from Edna Valley Vineyard is a representative example of the style and quality that the region is capable of producing.

The details

The 2008 Paragon Chardonnay from Edna Valley Vineyard is described as having a golden straw color in the glass. The nose shows a fairly good influence from oak, with notes of spices, pears, and minerals. On the palate, the wine has a sweet fruit flavor reminiscent of canned pineapple, pears, or peaches, along with citrus zest. The oak comes through strongly as well, with prominent vanilla and holiday spice flavors.

  • The wine reviewed is the 2008 vintage.

The players

Edna Valley Vineyard

A winery located in the Edna Valley appellation of California's San Luis Obispo County, known for producing high-quality Chardonnay and other cool-climate varietals.

Randy Fuller

A wine writer who reviewed the 2008 Paragon Chardonnay from Edna Valley Vineyard.

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What they’re saying

“Edna Valley is one of my favorite wine areas to visit. Do I say that too much? This time I mean it. From the rolling hills to the lovely vineyards to the zany, unofficial mayor of Edna Valley - and her eclectic restaurant - it's a place that reveals something new every time we go there.”

— Randy Fuller, Wine Writer (nowandzin.com)

“I wouldn't call their Paragon Chardonnay a wine that defines what Edna Valley is all about, but it certainly shows its address well.”

— Randy Fuller, Wine Writer (nowandzin.com)

The takeaway

The 2008 Paragon Chardonnay from Edna Valley Vineyard is a solid representation of the region's style, with its golden color, fruit and oak-driven flavors, and ability to pair well with holiday meals.