The Data

Country   USA

Appellation   Sonoma Coast

Varietal   Chardonnay

Retail Price   $27

ABV   14.2%

Score   4 Stars/91 points

In the Glass

Brilliant, green/gold color.

The aromatics are very intense offering scents of honeysuckle, peach, and lychee with supporting notes of mineral, green and apple.

The palate echoes the nose delivering a green fruit-driven core with flavors of kiwi. The finish is long and lingering with silky oak accents.

Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a voluptuous texture.

Cool Factor

Full-bodied and lush California Chardonnay are certainly plentiful but we can still stop and appreciate a great example of the style.

Value Grade

Selling in the upper 20s at retail and much more on premise this nicely made Chardonnay straddles the zone between great values and expensive wines.

Analysis

The old-vine fruit from Sonoma Coast vineyards shows its class in the glass. The vineyard itself is over 150 years in age and it is located on the southwestern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains. Eighty percent of this wine is fermented in barrel (20% in stainless steel) followed by a period of 10 months in French oak. The flavors and style are precisely what California Chardonnay lovers are seeking. 90 points.

How to Enjoy

Serve chilled with roasted fowl and vegetables.