Nov 132012
 
2011 Bonterra Vineyards Chardonnay, Mendocino County, CA, $14 (S) – Rating 91

From 100% organically grown grapes. 70% of the wine is fermented in oak with the balance in stainless steel, creating a combination of depth and crispness. Aromas abound of ripe pineapple with notes of butterscotch. Clean flavors include red apple and buttery caramel with notes of Meyer lemon. Well balanced acidity with just a hint of sweetness. A long finish of red apple and intriguing minerality. Buy This Wine

Oct 012012
 
2010 La Crema Chardonnay, Monterey, CA, $18 (S) – Rating 88

A thoroughly enjoyable Chardonnay with aromas of apple, pear and creaminess. A soft and round mouth-feel with flavors of apple, tropical fruits and baking spice with notes of butterscotch cream and minerality. Just a kiss of sweetness on the finish. Buy This Wine

 

Aug 302012
 
2010 Hook & Ladder Chardonnay , Russian River Valley, CA, $19 (S) – Rating 88

A toasty nose of pineapple with notes of apricot and caramel. The palate offers a rich mouth-feel and soft acidity with flavors of butterscotch, red apple, honey and hints of cinnamon, oaky vanilla and spice. A well made good-value Chardonnay.    Buy This Wine

Aug 292012
 
2010 Hess Collection Chardonnay Napa Valley, CA $22 (S) – Rating 89

100% Chardonnay fermented in both stainless steel and predominately neutral oak. A lovely nose of pear and citrus gives way to soft flavors of apple, citrus and baking spice with notes of pear, vanilla and toasty pie crust. Partial malolactic fermentation adds a roundness to the mouth-feel while maintaining balanced acidity. Buy This Wine

Aug 142012
 
2009 Smith-Madrone Chardonnay, Estate Bottled, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, CA, $30 (S) – Rating 93

A superb example of Napa Valley Chardonnay with a nose reminiscent of mom’s apple pie, complete with buttered crust and spice. The creamy mouth-feel is balanced with just enough zippy acidity. Flavors of apple, pear, spice, minerality and buttered toast are wonderfully integrated with French oak into a delicious Chardonnay treat. Buy this wine.