Chardonnay

Feb 242015
 
Grgich Hills Chardonnay 2011, Estate Grown, Napa Valley, CA $42 (S) – Rating 91

Grgich Hills Chardonnay 2011A blend of winemaking styles, barrel aged without buttery malolactic fermentation. The result is a Chardonnay with a crisp mouth-feel, balanced acidity and a touch of creaminess. The nose offers notes of Meyer lemon, tropicals and wet stone minerality. On the palate, flavors of Meyer lemon, red apple, pear and a touch of white pepper spice. Just a hint of oaky vanilla caramel in the long finish. Buy This Wine

Feb 192015
 
Alpha Omega Chardonnay 2012, Napa Valley, CA, $68 (S) – Rating 92

Alpha Omega Chardonnay 2012A bigger, more luxurious style than the delicious AO Unoaked Chardonnay. The nose is treated to a bouquet of apple, caramel, vanilla and spice. Plush on the palate with soft acidity. Robust flavors of red apple, caramel, vanilla, pear, tropicals and baking spice. Creamy vanilla caramel in the very long finish. Buy this Wine

Feb 102015
 
Alpha Omega Chardonnay Unoaked 2013, Napa Valley, CA, $44 (S) – Rating 93

Alpha Omega Chardonnay Unoaked 2013One of, if not the best Chardonnay, I’ve had in a very long time. If you have turned your back on Chardonnay…this wine may well turn you back around. All Chardonnay, all stainless steel and no malolactic fermentation creates a crisp and clean wine. However, stirring of lees adds ample creaminess and takes the edges the balanced acidity. Aromas of red apple, honeycomb and pie crust give way to flavors of red apple vanilla creme, tropical citrus with a hint of ripe pineapple. A touch of Meyer lemon adds complexity to the long finish. Buy This Wine

 

Feb 092015
 
Gundlach Bundschu Chardonnay 2012, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, CA, $27 (S) – Rating 91

Gundlach Bundschu Chardonnay 2012A rather balanced Chardonnay offering a plush mouth-feel while retaining juicy acidity. A bouquet of pear, stone fruit, red apple and baking spice. Full flavors of pear, citrus, Meyer lemon along with tropical notes and stony minerality. Stone fruit and spice with just a hint of fruity sweetness in the long finish. Buy This Wine

 

Feb 052015
 
Smith-Madrone Chardonnay 2012, Estate Bottled, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, CA, $32 (S) – Rating 92

Smith-Madrone Chardonnay 2012A very balanced Chardonnay offering a plush mouth-feel paired with juicy acidity. Fermented and aged in French oak from dry-farmed estate fruit. Pleasing aromas of red apple, pear and a touch of baking spice. Creamy on the palate with flavors of red apple, pear and tropicals with hints of spice. Vanilla creme in the long finish. Buy This Wine