Chardonnay

Apr 222013
 
2011 Harney Lane Winery Chardonnay, Lodi, CA, $23 (S) – Rating 90

A well-balanced Chardonnay with a nose of red apple and butterscotch with a hint of citrus. Soft and round in the mouth with a creamy texture. Integrated flavors of red apple, baking spice, and crème brulee. Nice acidity. Buy This Wine

Apr 162013
 
2009 Trione Vineyards & Winery River Road Ranch Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, CA, $25 (S) – Rating 90

A beautiful nose of red apple, ripe pineapple and notes of pie crust. This Chardonnay offers up a soft and creamy mouth-feel with flavors of red apple and pear with a perfect pitch of oaky vanilla. For those who prefer a creamy style of Chardonnay…This is a balanced winner. Buy This Wine

Apr 012013
 
2010 Moone-Tsai Napa Valley Chardonnay, Bald Mountain Vineyard, CA, $55 (S) – Rating 93

For those who enjoy balanced oak and creamy malolactic flavors, this is an extraordinary Chardonnay. Give it about 15 minutes to fully open. These grapes, from high in Mayacamas Mountains, offer aromas of caramelized pineapple, honeycomb, ripe pear and vanilla. The creamy mouth-feel with a touch of acidity evolves into flavors of red apple, baking spice, vanilla and a hint of yeasty pie crust. No mindless patio sipper – Give this Chardonnay some thought. Buy This Wine

Mar 202013
 
2011 Ca’ Momi Winery Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Ca, $20 (S) – Rating 88

An enjoyable Chardonnay with a nose of citrus and grilled pineapple with just a hint of red apple. Balanced acidity and slightly creamy with flavors of tropicals, citrus and pineapple combined with subtle notes of vanilla and caramel Just a touch of of apple on the finish. Buy This Wine

Mar 202013
 
2011 Giordano Salento Prestigio Chardonnay i.g.t. Gold Collection  Apulia, Italy, $11.50 (S) – Rating 89

An excitingly crisp Chardonnay for those who prefer an unoaked style. A bright nose of floral notes complimented with hints of citrus, honeydew melon and honeysuckle. The palate will enjoy the flavors of pineapple and Meyer lemon with red apple undertones . Crisp acidity makes for many food pairing possibilities. Buy This Wine

Mar 092013
 
2010 Smith-Madrone Chardonnay, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, CA, $30 (S) – Rating 92

A truly crafted Chardonnay with an enchanting nose of baked apples, ripe citrus and even notes of grilled pineapple. Crisp flavors of ripe red apples, caramel and baking spice with subtle notes of oaky vanilla. Add a touch of minerality combined with perfectly balanced acidity and you have one heck of a wine. But one would expect nothing less from the Smith brothers. Buy This Wine

Feb 262013
 
2011 Franciscan Estate Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA, $18 (S) – Rating 88

A pleasant nose of Meyer lemon, cream, green apple and vanilla. A round mouth-feel with notes of tartness. Flavors of Meyer lemon, tropical citrus, and green apple are followed by a vanilla creamy finish. Enough crisp minerality for good foodie possibilities. Buy This Wine

Feb 172013
 
2009 Ceja Vineyards Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Carneros, CA, $34 (S) – Rating 91

A crisp style of Chardonnay with an appealing nose of pineapple cream, Meyer lemon and canned pears. Sur lie aging creates a round soft mouth-feel without the flabbiness found in some CA Chards. Well balanced acidity with flavors of green apple, Meyer lemon, ripe pineapple with other tropical notes makes this wine a great food pairing partner. Buy This Wine

Jan 132013
 
2011 Silver Buckle Lodi Chardonnay, CA, $18 (S) - Rating 90

Served at a get-together of wine lovers, this Chardonnay was a big hit. Creamy without being flabby. Lush tropicals on the nose, pineapple, ripe pear and a hint of green apple. A round mouth-feel with a subtle hint of sweetness and zippy acidity. Flavors of tropicals,  green apple, ripe pineapple and pear with notes of minerality. Buy This Wine

Jan 132013
 
2009 Buena Vista Winery Chardonnay, Carneros, CA, $20 (S) – Rating 4.0

A lush full mouth-feel (typical Carneros Chardonnay body) with plenty of acidity to keep things interesting, especially at the $20 price point. An intriguing nose of apple, pear and citrus with notes of caramel and a hint of nuttiness. The palate is treated to flavors of pear and pineapple with added notes of caramel and minerality. Great with food or as a stand-alone sipper. Buy This Wine