Chardonnay

Aug 062013
 
2010 Mer Soleil Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands, Ca, $31 (S) – Rating 92

Balanced decadence is the term that comes to mind when I consider this wine. An enticing nose of apple, citrus and pineapple with subtle hints of honey and caramel. Flavors of mom’s apple pie, ripe pineapple, pear and vanilla blend seamlessly into the creamy mouth-feel with balanced acidity. Buy This Wine

Aug 062013
 
2011 Mer Soleil Silver Unoaked Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands, CA, $21 (S) – Rating 93

The blending of grapes aged in both stainless steel and concrete tanks creates an excellent expression of Chardonnay, crisp without sharp edges. The nose hints of tropicals, red apples and creamy pineapple. Food pairing acidity is balanced with a creamy mouth-feel combined with flavors of red apple, baked pears and citrus with notes of minerality on the long finish. One of our favorite 2011 Chardonnays. Buy This Wine

Jul 282013
 
2011 Stoller Family Estate Reserve Chardonnay , Dundee Hills, OR, $35 (S) – Rating 90

Sourced from the estate’s oldest vines and barrel fermented/aged in French oak. The nose offers aromas of baked pears, spice and soft floral notes. A round mouth-feel with juicy acidity offering flavors of red apple, pear and citrus with hints of vanilla and caramel. A subtle flintiness adds to the complexity. Buy This Wine

Jul 212013
 
2011 VML Winery Ivywood Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, CA, $35 (S) – Rating 90

A straight forward Chardonnay the strikes a nice balance between the newer ultra-lean Chards and the oaky butter bombs. From a cool weather vineyard with marine influence just east of Bodega Bay. A nice nose of red apple, pear, vanilla and baking spice. A round mouth-feel with zippy acidity offering flavors of apple pie, creamy vanilla, citrus and caramel with spicy minerality on the long finish. Pair this wine with summer fare including meats such as grilled chicken or just enjoy it on its own. Buy This Wine

Jul 182013
 
2011 Alpha Omega Winery Chardonnay II, Napa Valley, CA, $25 (S) – Rating 91

Originally tasting room only, now in limited distribution. A wonderful Chardonnay priced well below other AO Chards without a step down in flavor. The nose offers enticing notes of red juicy apple and caramel with hints of spice. The same sensations of red juicy apple, caramel and spice are present on the palate with added flavors of ripe pear and just a subtle touch of crème brûlée. The creamy mouth-feel has the right balance of acidity. Buy This Wine