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Chardonnay Wine Tasting Notes
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2006 Frei Brothers Russian River Valley, Chardonnay Reserve $20 Score: 92.0 Inspired winemaking shows through in this Chardonnay, showing perfect balance of crisp, lively citrus flavors with just enough oak (subtle butterscotch & toast) and sur lie ageing to lend texture and nuance. I'd love to pit this against some super expensive Corton Charlemagnes (I think it would show very well). Widely available and a real bargain at $20. |
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2006 Frei Brothers Russian River Valley, Chardonnay Reserve $20 Score: 92.0 Inspired winemaking shows through in this Chardonnay, that shows a perfect balance of crisp, lively citrus flavors with just enough oak (subtle butterscotch & toast) and sur lie ageing to lend texture and nuance. Widely available and a real bargain at $20. |
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2007 Valley of the Moon, Unoaked, Russian River Valley, Chardonnay $16 Score: 93.0 For years California Chardonnays have been criticized for being over-oaked. Now, as consumers have embraced unoaked Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris/Grigio, a few California producers are presenting examples of Chardonnay without oak ageing. It's not really a new concept, but consumers seem ready to accept lighter, more elegant Chardonnays. Valley of the Moon's press release suggests the unoaked rendition "invites casual enjoyment," but I'd say it invites the opportunity to experience the unmasked fruit of Chardonnay grapes. This version presents a light and lively blend of flavors reminiscent of fine French Chablis -- tart apple and citrus flavors, substantial minerality and crisp acidity that carry the finish for minutes. It's a superb palate cleanser, perfect with shellfish and poultry (especially duck). |
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2006 Redwood Creek California Chardonnay $8 Score: 90.0 Don't let the price fool you; Redwood Creek's 2006 Chardonnay is worth twice the price. At this price point you can't expect much varietal character or complexity, yet this is a superbly made wine that reminds me in some ways of a Spanish Albariņo with more body. It's a blend of Chardonnay (87%) with lesser amounts of Chenin Blanc, Viognier and various other white varieties, but the Chardonnay shows through with a hint of lemon-chiffon wrapped around a citrus peel core and fine minerality through the finish. There's no oak here, so the fruit stands on its own. It's a beautiful food wine, particularly with spicy Asian or cajun fare, and it's a bargain to boot. |
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2006 Vine Cliff Los Carneros, Chardonnay $36 Score: 88.0 Except for the higher alcohol levels, Vine Cliff wines are old-fashioned in a style epitomized by Chalone. This Chardonnay, for instance, displays some of the oxidative qualities that were prevalent in the early 1980s, as well as heavier apricot flavors and thick body, as opposed to the more citrusy, acidic and minerally Chardonnays of the moment. Some will prefer this style. While I prefer more delicate wines, this is a good example of the older style. Serve well-chilled. |
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2006 Pietra Santa Central Coast, Chardonnay $15 Score: 92.0 Fresh bartlett pear, fig and a brush of lemon, hung on a lovely frame of firm acidity to give it structure and vibrancy, and silky texture to caress the tongue. Light mineral and citrus notes carry the finish. Excellent value. |
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2007 Round Hill Oak Free California Chardonnay $9 Score: 87.0 With no oak ageing this Chardonnay is crisp and vibrant, medium bodied, and full of green apples and tart lemon flavors with a hint of apricot. A fine aperitif and food wine, it will pair with a wide variety of seafood, poultry, pork or pasta. The alcohol is a reasonable 13.2%. A bargain at $9. |
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2006 Sebastiani Sonoma County Chardonnay $15 Score: 88.0 Sebastiani has always been a dependable producer and one that delivers value. Their Sonoma County 2006 Chardonnay is right on target, with a medium bodied rendition sporting pear and citrus flavors, restrained oak, decent balance and a crisp finish. |
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Bargetto Central Coast Chardonnay $14.00 Score: 86.0 Bargetto has taken an unusual route with this Chardonnay, blending in 10% Sauvignon Blanc and 5+% other white varieties. The extra acidity from the Sauvignon Blanc, etc., gives it a slightly different mouthfeel than your typical Chardonnay, and it has very little oak character. While a bit higher in alcohol than we'd like (14.5%), it's a decently balanced wine to pair with a range of dishes from roasted chicken to moussaka, as long as you keep it to two glasses. |
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2006 Rutherford Ranch Napa Valley Chardonnay $15 Score: 92.0 For a couple of decades Chardonnay (particularly from California, Chile and Australia) has been maligned for an excess of oak and alcohol. Nevertheless, Chardonnay is one of the world's great white wines, and I'm always thrilled to come across one as well balanced as this rendition. Rutherford Ranch's 2006 Chardonnay has layers of tart fruit -- lemon, peach and nectarine -- as well as mineral notes and muted oak flavors of vanilla, butter and green olive. Everything is in excellent balance, the texture is silky and the pleasant finish lingers for minutes. This was a big favorite of our consumer tasting panel and I'm astonished by the value. |
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2006 Lake Sonoma Winery Russian River Valley Chardonnay $18 Score: 90.0 A California style Chardonnay that shows some restraint. The expansive nose and core flavors are reminiscent of white peach and pear with mild vanilla oak notes, crisp acidity and a long scintillating finish. Good aperitif, and pairs well with chicken, fish and other light fare. |
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2006 Valley of the Moon Sonoma County Chardonnay $16 Score: 86.0 Citrus and tropical fruit flavors with a hint of vanilla, silky texture and medium body. It's not terribly complex, but it is perfectly balanced and a real pleasure to drink. |
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2005 Christine Andrew Sonoma County Chardonnay $13 Score: 88.0 Aromatic and bursting with lemony fruit, the crisp acidity makes this Chardonnay a good palate cleanser and a natural with fish. Light bodied, clean, bright and minerally, with a short finish. |
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2005 Dry Creek Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay $20 Score: 94.0 Dry Creek is back! Winemaker Bill Knuttel is a master at Chardonnay and this lovely rendition is reminiscent of a really good Puligny Montrachet. It's perfectly balanced (such a rarity these days), with great texture, vibrancy and minerality, and bright spots of citrus, white peach and toasted almonds. The oak influence is subtle, and mostly involves the silky texture. |
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2005 ironstone Vineyards Lodi Chardonnay $10 Score: 84.0 While it may lack complexity, Ironstone's 2005 Chardonnay is an enjoyable quaff, dry, with brisk acidity, silky texture and a lemon chiffon flavor. At $10 it's an excellent value. |
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