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Wine Guide > Chardonnay

Chardonnay

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Chardonnay is a versatile grape. In cold regions such as Chablis, it shows crisp acidity and flavours of green hay with the flinty notes typical of the terroir - the wine even has a green tinge. Just 100 miles south, in the CÃ´te de Beaune, the white Burgundies are much riper and richer, reflecting warmer conditions and the increasing use of oak.

Chardonnay wines taste very different when the vines are grown in hot climates such as those in the plains of California and Australia. The conditions ensure ripe grapes, which lead to high levels of alcohol in the wine, and rich flavours of peach, melon, citrus and tropical fruits. In the 1980â€™s and 1990â€™s many New World winemakers responded to these bold flavours with equally bold use of oak, ageing the wine for long periods in new oak barrels. The cheap way to add oakiness would be the addition of staves or wood chips to wine in stainless steel containers. The intention was to impart complexity to the wines by introducing desirable aromas of vanilla, caramel, and butteriness. Too often the result tasted like chewing on a piece of wood, and this led to something of a consumer backlash against heavy, oaky Chardonnays. Winemakers in Australia and New Zealand reacted with completely unoaked Chardonnays from cooler climates, whereas in the United States there was more emphasis on controlling the oaking process. Thus they experimented with oak from different sources (French, American, Central European oaks all have different effects on wine), with different treatments (for instance toasting the barrels imparts smokiness and toast flavours) and reduced the oak influence by using bigger barrels (which have less oak per volume of wine), oaking only some of the wine in the blend, or using a mix of harsh new oak and older barrels.

More information on Chardonnay

Food Pairing: Pairs well with any poultry and Vietnamese cuisine. Wonderful with fruits, strong cheeses and capers. Also works beautifully with grilled freshwater fish. On a hot day, a very cold chardonnay served with a plate of figs, balsamic vinegar, and a salty hard

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Cakebread Cellars

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2007 Chardonnay
Napa Valley

We source the grapes for our Napa Valley Chardonnay primarily from the cooler southern precincts of the valley, which stretch from the fog-chilled Carneros district to relatively w ...morearmer sites just north of the town of Napa. Blending fruit from diverse microclimates and soils allows us to craft a rich, ripe, elegantly structured Chardonnay thatâ€™s delicious on release, but also ages well in bottle. To enhance the wineâ€™s freshness and protect our vineyard workers from the high temperatures prevalent during harvest, we pick most of our fruit at night, ensuring it arrives at the winery in pristine condition.
We whole-cluster-pressed the grapes for optimum freshness, then fermented 85% of the juice in French oak barrels, with the balance fermenting in stainless steel tanks to preserve the wineâ€™s bright fruit character. Our 2007 Chardonnay aged sur lie (on the yeast lees) in French barrels, 35% new, for eight months, with periodic stirring of the lees to enrich texture and flavor. In 2007, 11% of the Chardonnay barrel lots were selected to undergo a secondary malolactic fermentation which softens the natural acidity resulting in a fuller bodied wine. Winemaker Julianne Laks tastes

^$37.00

Eric Kent Wine Cellars

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2006 Chardonnay
Sonoma Coast

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? No, let's not. More like a crisp fall day with blue skies, bright sunshine and an invigorating chill in the air. Light golden straw in color ...more, with a clear almost green tinge at the edges, this youngster leads with a nose of pure citrus and minerality followed by a palate of lemon, lime, tart Granny Smith apple and pineapple, with hints of peach and just a touch of vanilla custard. All backed by mouth-watering acidity and a high-toned, laser-like finish that lasts all the way to the horizon and back.

A tremendous food Chardonnay (wait. . . do they exist? Yes they do!) â€” tightly wound upon release, it will only gain in texture and body as it matures. We recommend at least 6 - 8 months cellar time before opening up your first bottle in the later days of '08.

^$37.00

Ledson Winery & Vineyards

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2005 Mendocino Chardonnay Reserve
Mendocino

Mendocino County is highly respected for its Chardonnay grapes. Typical of the region, our 2005 Mendocino Chardonnay is crisp and bold with generous fruit flavors. The long, cool g ...morerowing season produces wonderful acidity, while delicate flavors of fuji apple, pear, and just a touch of lemony citrus linger on the palate. This Reserve selection exhibits an extremely smooth and well-balanced finish. This would be a wonderful food wine and would complement grilled halibut nicely.

^$38.00

Blackjack Ranch Winery

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2005 Chardonnay Reserve
Wilkening Vineyard

I love this version of the Wilkening chardonnay. Actually it ranks up there with the 1997 as one of my all time favorites from this vineyard. Intriguing and fascinating with an aty ...morepical steely backbone. Somewhat laid back and destined to peak in 2008. This is an old vine chardonnay planted in 1981 on an east facing slope overlooking Ballard Canyon Road, just southwest of Los Olivos. Multiple layers of honeysuckle, pineapple, movie theater popcorn butter, coconut, papaya, and mango followed by a deep, long, lingering finish. No malolactic fermentation. Most guests score it around 94+ points. 554 cases produced.

^$38.00

Peters Family Winery

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2004 Chardonnay
Carneros, Sangiacomo Vineyard

This delicious, beautifully balanced chardonnay reflects both its Burgundian vinification and its Carneros single vineyard terroir. On the nose the wine exhibits fragrant floral an ...mored tropical fruit aromas. On the palate, the wine showcases creamy meyer lemon, honeydew, pineapple, and vanilla notes, followed by light mineral, caramel and butterscotch notes on the seamless finish. This sumptuous golden blonde chardonnay is drinking beautifully now in its youth, and will continue to mature throughout the course of the decade. 91 Points-Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

^$38.00

Landmark Vineyards

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2005 Damaris Reserve Chardonnay
Sonoma Valley

Three distinct vineyard blocks comprise this year's Damaris Reserve, all planted and farmed by the Sangiacomo family, third generation Sonoma County grape growers. Each lot was bar ...morerel fermented in French oak, using indigenous yeast and aged for 13 months sur lie. Malolactic fermentation was completed in September of 2006. After racking and fining, the wine was bottled without filtration in January of 2007.

An opulent, rich texture reveals concentrated apricot nectar and orange peel spice, all framed by beautifully integrated oaky toastiness which is carried to a long finish by the crisp acidity, which characterized this exceptional vintage.

^$38.00

Roessler Cellars

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2005 Alder Springs Mendocino Chardonnay
Mendocino County

The 2005 Alder Springs Vineyard Chardonnay from the slopes of Laytonville in Mendocino County exemplifies of the high quality of wines produced from this cool-climate site. Classic ...more chardonnay fruit, lemon zest, and cut grass build to almost Viognier-like aromatics of apricot and floral notes on the nose, along with vanilla and toasted oak. The nose is reflected in the palate with a creamy, almost viscous mouthfeel enlivened by balanced acidity. The oak and fruit work well together, and the citrus and stone fruit notes are joined by crisp pear and minerality through the finish.

^$38.00

Roessler Cellars

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2005 Brosseau Chalone Chardonnay

2005 marks our first year producing Brosseau Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and we couldn't be happier with the results. Our Brosseau Chardonnay has a nose of wet stone and pineapple w ...moreith hints of cedar and integrated oak. On the palate, the fruit opens to include apple nuances and pineapple, with good oak structure, wonderful texture from the limestone, and a lingering finish of seamless acidity. The finish actually builds up again before finally trailing off over a long period. It is showing very well right now, and will open up even more over the coming years.

^$38.00

Eric Kent Wine Cellars

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2006 Chardonnay
Russian River Valley

A slightly richer gold in hue than its Sonoma Coast sibling, this one is more of a showboat right off the dock. Exotic floral aromas mingle with scents of ripe pear and baking spic ...morees that lure you in to discover more pear, apricot, honeydew melon and butterscotch on the palate. A broad and expansive finish leads us to believe it will be ready for its maiden voyage soon enough. That said, we humbly suggest giving it a couple extra months rest in the bottle before setting sail.

While crisp acidity ensures it will be an excellent companion to food, this Chardonnay should also lend itself to solo sipping and evolve into a genuine pool-side pleasure come summertime.

^$38.00

Stuhlmuller Vineyards

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2005 Reserve Chardonnay
Alexander Valley

The 2005 Reserve Chardonnay is golden straw yellow in color, with a faint greenish hue. It offers pleasurable aromatics of lemon candy, citrus blossom, wet stone and sweet oak. On ...morethe palate, the wine is big and creamy with layers of spicy pear, green apple skins, lemon drops and toasty oak, balanced by a refreshing acidity that segues to a lingering finish.

^$38.00

Nalle Winery

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2006 Chardonnay
Russian River Valley, Hopkins Ranch

We have held on to this beauty for one year post bottling to allow its potential to emerge. The style is reminiscent of an era before the category morphed into sweetish, oak-a-mati ...morec, melted butter. You'll enjoy the pear and apple aromatics, crÃ¨me brÃ»lÃ©e notes and juicy acids. Just a light chill is required. They say all white wine would be red if it could - but not this classic Chardonnay.

^$38.00

Fleming Jenkins Vineyards & Winery

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2007 Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay
Jenkins Vineyard

"Our Chardonnay starts with aromas of honeydew melon, pear, cinnamon and vanilla. Once tasted, rich flavors of peach, green apple and tropical fruit come through and lead into a c ...morerisp lemon drop and mineral finish."--GJ

^$38.00

Fleming Jenkins Vineyards & Winery

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2008 Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay
Jenkins Vineyard

the fruit of this wine was grown in our home vineyard, resting at 1,400 feet in the foothills of California's Santa Cruz Mountains above Los Gatos. Planted in 1999, there are appr ...moreoximately 650 vines on this sloping one-acre vineyard site that produced just over four tons of fruit for the 2008 harvest. The grapes were hand harvested early in the morning and transported directly to the winery in small picking lugs. They were then immediately whole cluster pressed and fermented and aged in French oak barrels.

â€œThe 2008 Chardonnay reveals wonderful green apple and pineapple aromas with essence of vanilla and honeysuckle. The palate explodes with fruit. A harvest basket of apple, pear, melon and banana are a wonderful contrast to the mineral flavors that are always evident in the wines from our estate hillside vineyard. These flavors all intertwine with cinnamon and clove spice, adding to the complexity of this wine. The mouth-filling richness and sweet toasty oak set the stage for the crisp lively finish.â€--GJ

^$38.00

Silver Rose Winery

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2005 Chardonnay D'argent
Napa Valley

Our 2005 Chardonnay is produced from grapes sourced at the Bella Vista Vineyard. The grapes were whole cluster pressed and barrel fermented in 50% new French oak. The wine went thr ...moreough Malo-lactic Fermentation in barrel and was aged for 11 months sur lees until bottling. Aromas of roasted hazelnuts, caramel and candied citrus rind. The palate is soft and round on the entry followed by citrus, melon and pineapple. This clean and elegant wine has a light minerality on the finish and will age well for the next 3 to 5 years.

^$39.00

Testarossa Vineyards

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2005 La Cruz Vineyard Chardonnay
Sonoma Coast

Rich straw color. Upon viewing of the aromatics, scents of lemon, orange and cloves leap out of the glass. With further aeration, mineral and earthy aroma come to view. Hints of le ...moremon and orange continue onto the palate where they are met with notes of nutmeg and crÃ¨me brulee. Silky smooth, yet crisp with acidity, this wine should continue to age well for another 5-6 years. â€” Bill Brosseau, Winemaker

^$39.00

Testarossa Vineyards

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2005 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Chardonnay
Sta. Rita Hills

Rich yellow color. Intense aromas of passionfruit, banana, orange blossoms, and fig. The wine starts with a firm structure, yet softens into a long, rich finish of peach and honey ...moreflavors. This wine should drink well through 2013. â€” Bill Brosseau, Winemaker

^$39.00

Charles Creek Vineyard

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2004 Chardonnay "Las Abuelas"
Napa valley/Carneros

Drawn primarily from the legendary Hyde Vineyard in the Carneros this traditional barrel fermented Chardonnay displays classic elegance and restraint. Aging in 25% new french oak c ...moreooperage for 11 months enhances but never overwhelms the aromas and flavors of sweet pea, lemon curd, mineral and spice.

^$39.00

Grgich Hills Cellar

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2005 Chardonnay
Napa Valley Estate Grown

We organically and Biodynamically grew this Chardonnay at our cool American Canyon and Carneros vineyards, where the grapes developed complex flavors while maintaining a pleasing n ...moreatural acidity. Our Chardonnay does not undergo malolactic fermentation, which preserves the wineâ€™s crispness and acidity to balance its concentrated fruit. This elegant Chardonnay has luscious aromas of baked pear, lychee nuts and wild honey.

^$40.00

Chalk Hill Estate Winery

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2005 Chardonnay
Russian River Valley

At Chalk Hill, extreme selection of grapes and attention to nature direct the production of our Estate Bottled Chardonnay. A bountiful Chardonnay crop in 2005 was thinned to create ...more balanced vines, and a cool growing season preserved fresh acidity and vibrant fruit character in the grapes. The resulting wine exhibits aromas of ripe stone fruitâ€”apricot, peach and pearâ€”along with tropical notes of deliciously ripe banana and pineapple. Brown spices such as clove, nutmeg and hazelnut frame the intense fruit. Lush and rich tropical flavors abound in its multi-textured and viscous palate.

^$40.00

Chasseur Wines

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2006 Chardonnay
Russian River Valley

When the cork is pulled this proves a wine of vivid contrasts, with intensity that is almost aggressive. Aromas of toasted coconut, vanilla wafer, lemon curd, roasted grain, bees w ...moreax and suggestions of tarte tatin and peach upside-down cake seem to tumble forth. It settles down quickly on the palate, revealing pretty green apple and pear fruit integrated nicely with layers of creamy vanilla, nutmeggy custard and some firming citric and mineral notes. Airing shows it less powerful than its Sonoma Coast sibling and more vibrantly youthful, as it veers down a different path where the refreshment and focus are high, but everything else turns graceful and feminine. Certain to be even more elegant in a few years, it is delicious right now, given time to settle.

^$40.00

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2006 Estate Chardonnay
Estate Vineward, Temecula

CAW Rating: 100

100

1 reviews

Creamy pear, apple, melon, and tropical overtones float elegantly on a silky, balanced crispness in our 2006 Estate Chardonnay. This intensely managed vintage from the vineyards surrounding our winery bestowed a very light crop, yielding the fullest flavors and exceptional richness.

More Chardonnay Ratings

Combined Rating
100.0 1 reviews	2006 Estate Chardonnay Wiens Family Cellars
Flavor
5.0 1 reviews	2006 Estate Chardonnay Wiens Family Cellars
Impression
5.0 1 reviews	2006 Estate Chardonnay Wiens Family Cellars
Bouquet
5.0 1 reviews	2006 Estate Chardonnay Wiens Family Cellars

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