Description

Disclosure

This bottle was provided to me as a complimentary sample to taste for Vinocritic.com. It was part of a set the winery sent, and this 2024 Predator “Ladybird” Chardonnay was my favorite of the bunch. The producer had no input into this review, and all opinions are my own.

2024 Predator Ladybird Chardonnay — Review

This is the kind of Chardonnay I reach for when I want bright coastal energy with just enough toasty, creamy detail to feel polished—without tipping into heaviness. It’s lively and easy to drink, but there’s real intention in the way the fruit, acidity, and subtle oak tones line up.

In The Glass

The nose opens with lemon zest and fresh, clean citrus lift, followed by honeysuckle and soft white-floral notes. As it warms, you get those satisfying Chardonnay “bakery” hints—graham cracker and a touch of crushed almond—that add depth without taking over.

On the palate, the first impression is juicy acidity (in the best way), carrying flavors of golden apple and crisp green pear. The texture is soft and supple, with a gentle roundness that makes it feel smooth rather than sharp. The finish is charming and memorable—there’s a light kiss of sweetness and toast that reads like toasted marshmallow, then it fades clean and keeps you ready for another sip.

What Stands Out

What I liked most is the balance: vivid fruit + refreshing lift + restrained toast. It drinks like a “coastal Chardonnay” should—bright and breezy—but still has enough richness to feel complete.

Vineyard & Sustainability Note

The “Ladybird” theme isn’t just a label story: the winery highlights using ladybugs as natural predators in the vineyard to help control pests without relying on synthetic inputs. The fruit is sourced from California’s North Coast, a region influenced by Pacific breezes and fog, which helps explain the wine’s freshness and snap.

Pairing Ideas

As always, I want to talk about pairing this wine with food because that is where my mind always seems to go. This is a very food-friendly Chardonnay. I especially like it with:

• Fresh-caught fish (grilled or simply pan-seared)

• Grilled seasonal vegetables

• Harvest-style salads—think apples, nuts, and a punchy cheese like gorgonzola

Bottom line: A crisp, coastal-leaning Chardonnay with bright orchard fruit and a tasteful toasted edge. Super sippable, but still layered—and absolutely the standout bottle of the set for me.

I rate this a 95, and my wife Holly really loved it at well!