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Joullian Chardonnay, Monterey 2006
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The 2006 Joullian Chardonnay, Monterey is sourced from
some of the oldest and most renowned vineyards in the cool Santa Lucia
Highlands and Arroyo Seco appellations. RogerRose and Vinco Vineyards
are planted to the aromatic, smooth-textured Dijon Chardonnay clones.
The 30 year-old River Road, La Reina and Sleepy Hollow properties
contribute power, backbone, and longevity to the blend.
All lots are barrel fermented with multiple yeast strains, which
are stirred every 2 weeks for 2-4 months, and aged "sur lie" until
bottling. Simultaneous yeast and malolactic fermentations are encouraged
to minimize one-dimensional butterscotch flavors and maximize texture
while allowing the fruit to shine through. After a year of bottle age,
the 2006 Monterey Chardonnay displays great aromatics, suppleness and
length on the palate. Enjoy it today, or age it another 2-3 years in a
cool cellar for added aromatics, richness and complexity.
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Price $22 |
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Flowers Chardonnay 2006
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The Flowers wines were all amazing, and although the
Pinots are sold out, the 2006 Chardonnay was fantastic!
This wine is a blend of several Sonoma Coast vineyards, including
Camp Meeting Ridge; a blend of Dijon clones (95 and 76), mature
vine clone 4, and the low-yielding "Old Wente" selection.
Enjoy the balanced depth and complexity, light straw to golden
color, and aromas unfolding with layers of lemon, pear, apricot and wet
stone minerality. This vintage shows crispness on the palate, with a
lush and balanced citrus finish. Showing very well now and will continue
to gain complexity for 1 - 3 years. |
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Price $53 |
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Schug Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2006
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The 2006 Schug Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast was produced in a lively, crisp
style that emphasizes varietal fruit character. They achieve this by
combining modern cold fermentation with traditional French Burgundian
aging techniques. It draws its structure and spice from Chardonnay grown
on their Estate vineyards in the Carneros region. The cool Carneros
microclimate contributes a spicy bouquet, citrus and tropical fruit
flavors and good acidity for depth and balance. The blend is rounded out
by elegant, buttery textures and ripe flavors of pear and peach which
comes from Chardonnay grown in the warmer reaches of Sonoma Valley. Try
it as an elegant aperitif paired with hors d'oeuvres, or lighter dishes
such as soups, salads, seafood and pasta.
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Price $26 |
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Tandem Porter Bass Chardonnay 2004
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The 2004 Tandem Porter Bass
Chardonnay is a lovely complement to the Dungeness Crab enjoyed on the
north coast in the winter.
Delicate
floral notes and wisps of citrus on the nose with a mineral, flinty
presentation on the mouth. Fine acid and tannin balance indicate this
wine will age incredibly well. Delicacy, strength, and balance showing
great mastery in seamlessly yoking the intensely ripe fruit to vibrant
acids, oaky glaze and creamy texture.
Drink now and over the next 5 years.
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Price $52 |
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Three Saints Chardonnay 2004
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The grapes for the 2004 Three Saints Chardonnay come
from the Dierberg Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley, located in the
northern part of Santa Barbara County. The Santa Maria Valley is just
fourteen miles from the Pacific Ocean and runs east to west allowing
cool Pacific breezes to blow freely through the vineyard. As a result,
Santa Maria has one of the longest growing seasons in California.
Concentrated Meyer lemon and mango aromas are accented by hints
of fig and an intense minerality. This medium-full bodied wine displays
rich, concentrated green apple, lemon and tropical fruit flavors on the
palate accented by refreshing acidity, balanced oak notes and a
lingering finish. |
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Price $27 |
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White Rock Vineyards Chardonnay 2005
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The 2005 White Rock Vineyards
Chardonnay is a dense and mineral-rich vintage. Aromas of orange flower,
lemon, apricot and fresh buttered corn complement a steely minerality
that promises long aging potential. The mouth is very complex, building
up layers of flavor with a suggestion of hazelnut, apple cider, cream
and an element of toasty oak. Medium bodied and soft on the palate,
refreshingly tart acidity supports the fruit and lengthens the finish.
It drinks well now and promises to age into more complexity and length
in the next 3 to 5 years. |
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Price $34 |
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Charles
Creek “Las Patolitas” Chardonnay 2005, Sonomay County
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Vanilla and honey are the
first impressions when approaching the Charles Creek Las Patolitas 2005
Chardonnay. The aromas of peach and summer soon follow as the wine opens
and reveals the complexity of this hand crafted Chardonnay. The flavors
are pure Chardonnay - fruit forward and brimming with vanilla and
mineral! Bright mineral structure defines the lush plump flavors,
followed in the palate with a full mouth feel. The finish is well
defined and satisfying, with lingering peach and vanilla. Bright with
apple, apricot and peach, lively with acidity and merely accented with
creamy, oak derived vanillin, coconut and spice, this charming wine is a
classic summer sipper as well as being an admirable foil for the lighter
meats, such as chicken, pork or turkey. |
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Price $22 |
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Testatrossa 2005 Castello Chardonnay
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Testarossa Vineyards, located
in the historic Novitiate of Los Gatos, approximately sixty miles south
of San Francisco, was founded by the husband and wife team of Rob and
Diana Jensen. Leaving high-tech careers behind, they started Testarossa
by producing 25 cases in their garage. Today, Testarossa produces over
15,000 cases annually, and they have earned hundreds of 90-point-plus
scores on our wines from all the top wine publications. The 2005
Castello Chardonnay is no exception earning 91 points and 2 puffs in the
Connoisseur’s Guide. A full measure of nicely focused apply fruit sits
beneath layers of caramel, creme brulee and butter in the deep and
engaging aromas of this very gererous wine, and its well-extracted
flavors follow suit with a rich and expansive mix of fine oak and fully
ripe finish, it has all the right pieces in place to age famously |
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Price $34 |
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Hawley
Chardonnay 2005, Russian River
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John Hawley has been making great wines for quite some time, and his
Chardonnay is no exception.
Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley provides the ideal climate to
insure intense fruit flavors and balanced acidity in this versatile
grape. In 2005 they sourced fruit from three vineyards:
49% Polkenhorn Vineyard, Willowside Road, 47% Gaddis Vineyard,
Piner Road, 4% Rousseau Vineyard, Vine Hill Road
This 100% Chardonnay shows flavors of crisp green apples, citrus,
and peach along with spicy oak notes and a buttery mouth-feel.
Complex aromas and flavors of white peach, citrus
blossom, Asian pear and candied lemon give way to a rich and weighty
mid-palate, followed by a very long, exotic spice infused finish.
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Price $25 |
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Keenan
Chardonnay 2006, Spring Mountain District
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The Keenan 2006 Chardonnay, Spring Mountain District,
starts off with lovely notes of citrus, ripe pear and green apple in the
nose. Hints of lush white peach are noticed as the wine opens up. The
sur-lie aging has added richness and complexity, a touch of oak
character returns on the finish as well as a hint of minerality. Like
all of Keenan’s wines, this Chardonnay is a food worthy wine whose crisp
acidity and medium body will accompany a wide variety of food fare.
“Michael Keenan continues to impress me with the quality of his
wines and readers need to take notice of what is going on at this
beautiful winery on Spring Mountain. The 2006 Chardonnay, which is
primarily from estate vineyards, is reminiscent of a top-notch Chablis.
It exhibits aromas of crushed rocks, spring flowers, white currants,
lemon zest, and a hint of citrus oil. Medium-bodied and crisp, with no
oak in evidence, this is a beauty to drink over the next 3-4 years."
Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Great with grilled scallops and lemon sauce!
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Price $32 |
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