Chardonnay

Jul 292012
 
2011 Riverbench Bedrock Chardonnay, Estate Grown and Bottled, Santa Maria Valley, Ca, $24 (S) – Rating 89

A lovely balance of stainless steel fermentation crispness and malolactic fermentation roundness. The nose opens with notes pear and tropical fruits. The palate experience flavors of apple, pineapple pear and lots of crisp tropicals. Sur-lies aging adds to the creamy soft mouth-feel. Plenty of crisp acidity to pair with lighter summer fare. The finish could be longer.

Jul 082012
 
2010 Franciscan Cuvee Sauvage Chardonnay, Carneros, Napa Valley, CA, $36 (S) – Rating 91

An enticing nose of apple, pear and Creme Fraiche with notes of citrus and honeycomb. A lush mouth-feel filled with flavors of apple, pear, ripe pineapple and baking spice with hints of oaky vanilla and buttery cream. Well balanced enough to avoid the butter-bomb label.

Jul 082012
 
2011 Starmont Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Ca, $20 (S) – Rating 88

A very nice for the price Chardonnay opening with a nose red apple, ripe pineapple and spice. Flavors abound with red apple, pear, ripe pineapple, tropicals, citrus, oaky vanilla, baking spice, minerality and just enough buttery goodness to round out the mouth-feel without being overpowering. Buy This Wine