Chardonnay is one of the world’s most planted white grapes.
Its many styles, oaked and unoaked, make it a versatile choice for a variety of
pairings. Chardonnay is typically full to medium in body and acidity with low
to no tannins. From bold and rich, to lean and lithe it’s guaranteed you’ll
find a Chardonnay to suit your palate.
Here are capsule reviews of Chardonnay’s you’ll find along
the Wine Road.
On the nose the 2018 Bowman Chardonnay has an unmistakable
scent of buttered popcorn that opens up to aromas of fresh baked bread, coconut
and an intriguing chalky-peach note. Steady acidity carries the lush flavors of
gooseberry, vanilla, apple, straw and tomato leaf to the finish. Pair with
something rich such as a lobster risotto.
Focused and polished, the 2016 Chalk Hill Chardonnay is
full-bodied and appealing on many levels from start to finish. Rich scents of
vanilla, baked apples, and orange blossom lead seamlessly to a lush mouthful of
creamy peach and caramelized pineapple. Beautiful balance of fruit and acid
shapes this Chardonnay into an instant classic with good aging potential. Indulge
with high-low pairing of potato chips and caviar with dollop of crème fraîche.
Bright yellow-gold in color, the 2015 Dutton Estate Kyndall’s
Reserve Chardonnay is buoyant with aromas of lemon, peach and vanilla butter cream.
Upon opening, the flavors continually shift and change, it’s like a DJ
scratching a record back and forth and then—BOOM, the groove drops and
everything falls in to place. Rich, full, and satisfying it offers a seamless
connection between the fruit and acid with a medley of apple, bosc pear, and zesty
lemon on the palate. Pair with crab cakes.
Straw pale yellow in color, the 2017 Gary Farrell
Chardonnay, Russian River Valley is bursting with an intoxicating array of
scents from citrus blossoms, jasmine and lilac to creamy white peach.
Structured and balanced with great vibrancy, the initial flavors offer bright
zesty lime and tropical notes, followed by a soft finish grounded with rich
notes of piecrust and crème brulee. Pair with truffle popcorn! A classic
deserves a classic.
I’ve always liked Chardonnay, but I do admit I’ve ignored
its charms over the past few years. Recently my love for the grape was
rekindled by this 2015 Jigar Chardonnay from Peters Vineyard in Russian River
Valley. It’s a delightful balance of earthy dried apple and spicy carnation on
the nose with a lift of lemon curd and creamy peach on the palate and a pop of
acidity on the finish. Nice body with a touch of oak that minds it P’s and Q’s.
It definitely punches up in its weight class.
In the glass the 2016 Paradise Ridge Chardonnay, Bazzano
Vineyard, Russian River Valley glows pale yellow with a slight tinge of green
at the edge. Bright, clean and lean the aromas are fresh and fruity bursting
with green apple, a touch of lanolin and a lovely lingering white floral scent.
White peach flavor predominates at the start, and then segues into honeydew
with a light lime finish. Pair with a Croque Monsieur (grilled ham and cheese)
or Croque Madame, which is essentially the same as Monsieur sandwich but with an
egg sunny side up, on top.
Gosh this is a nice Chardonnay! Pale straw yellow in the
glass, the 2018 Sbragia Chardonnay, Home Ranch Dry Creek Valley presents with
butter and vanilla on the nose initially, then gives way to bright notes of
lime and mandarin. Full bodied with creamy flavors of white peach, honey, citrus,
green apple and tropical fruits make this a pleasant journey from start to
finish. Enjoy on it’s own or break out the Brie and crackers for a simple
pairing.
Lizzo would like this Juice!
Bright, rich and plush, with texture in all the right places the 2017 Zialena
Chardonnay exhibits the earmarks of a classic. It’s fresh and zesty with flavors
of tropical citrus and ripe nectarine, and balanced with notes of toasty
marshmallow and butterscotch. Pair with eggplant caponata.
(Ya-ya-ee, ya-ya-ee….)
https://www.alongthewineroad.com/chardonnay-varietal-of-the-month/
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