Chardonnay

Dec 272011
 
2009 McNab Ridge Chardonnay, Mendocino, CA, $16 (S) – Rating 88

McNab Ridge has done a very nice job with this well-balanced oaked Chardonnay. The nose offers up notes of apple, citrus and honeycomb. Round flavors of apple, pear, ripe pineapple, oaky vanilla with a hint of citrus creme will caress your palate.

Dec 272011
 
2009 Lava Cap Reserve Chardonnay, El Dorado, CA, $19(S) – Rating 90

Barrel fermented to perfection in French oak . This Lava Cap Chardonnay offers up a beautiful nose of baked apple, spice, citrus,and cream. A rich and round mouth feel, with flavors of ripe apple, toasty oak vanilla, toffee and tropical citrus.

Dec 192011
 
2008 Mer Soleil Chardonnay, Barrel Fermented, Santa Lucia Highlands, CA, $22 – Rating 90

Though unoaked Chardonnay seems to be in vogue… Mer Soleil Chardonnay is a beautiful balance between fruit and soft French oak creating a delicious blend of flavors, including red apple, pineapple, tropical citrus, butterscotch, toasty vanilla and a subtle touch of coconut. This rich wine provides a satisfying and full mouth-feel with just enough acidity to create a harmonious balance.

Dec 022011
 
Robert Mondavi Winery Chardonnay 2009, Napa Valley, CA, $20 (S) – Rating 88

Sourced from both Napa and Sonoma fruit, an elegantly rich Chardonnay boasting round flavors of red apple, pear, tropicals, spice with hints of oaky vanilla and crème brûlée. Just enough without being over the top.

Dec 022011
 
Lloyd by Robert Lloyd Chardonnay 2010, Carneros, CA, $36 (S) – Rating 95

Big, balanced and utterly delicious! This Chardonnay by Rob Lloyd (former winemaker at Rombauer) is full blown California with beautifully integrated notes of vanilla, oak and butter. A rich and round mouth-feel with flavors ripe apple, ripe pineapple, tropicals with hints of honeycomb, butterscotch and vanilla creme. To it’s credit,  a touch of zippy acidity adds to the complexity.