Dec 172013
 
2012 Dutcher Crossing Winery Stuhlmuller Vineyard Chardonnay, Alexander Valley, CA, $35 – Rating 91

A full bodied Chardonnay that exhibits beautiful balance. A nose of red delicious apple with highlights of caramel. A round mouth-feel with enough acidity for food pairing. The initial pour offers flavors of lemon creme but as it opens notes of red apple, caramel, pie spice and vanilla become more pronounced. Buy This Wine

Nov 202013
 

2012 Giordano Piemonte “Maestri Italiani” Chardonnay d.o.c., Italy, $14 (S) – Rating 90

A very balanced Chardonnay. Aged Sur-Lie with just the slightest hint of oak to round out the edges but not to overwhelm. From the Piedmont Region of northwest Italy. Soft aromos waft from the glass of red apples and baking spice. On the palate, expect an elegant and plush mouth-feel with a hint of acidity. Flavors of red apple, baking spice, tropicals and a touch of pineapple on the finish. Buy this Wine

Aug 262013
 
2012 Alpha Omega Winery Unoaked Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Ca, $32 (S) – Rating 91

A refreshingly lean and clean style with crisp yet balanced acidity. A nose of ripe pineapple and a hint of green apple is the prelude to perfectly integrated flavors of lemon creme, ripe pineapple, citrus and complimentary minerality. Paired wonderfully with a summer fruit salad laced with poppy seed dressing. Buy This Wine

Aug 262013
 
2010 Bohème Taylor Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, CA, $39 (S) – Rating 94

Rarely does a Chardonnay grab my attention but this intriguing contradiction of  the lighter style combined with rich flavors certainly did. Aromas of lemon crème and roasted pineapple set the stage for an elegant marriage of flavors including baked apples, pie spice, Meyer lemon vanilla and cinnamon with hints of green apple in the long finish. A light creamy mouth-feel with balanced acidity. Buy This Wine

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