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CHEESE PAIRING: (Unoaked)
Asiago
Fontina
Gruyere
Manchego
Roquefort
CHEESE PAIRING: (Oaked)
Camembert
Feta
Mahon
Parmigiano Reggiano
Stilton
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A varietal that will grow just about anywhere, Chardonnay is truly the winemaker's grape. Granted, the region does impart certain characteristics to the finished product, but it's the choices made in the winery that determines the final outcome. The grape seems to have an affinity for oak, however, too much and you lose the fruit flavors and have only butter notes to show for it. Since it's easy to grow, anybody and everybody does, which means finding good versions is harder than you'd think. For those who love this varietal you have an abundance of choices, in every price point, from around the world. Pick up a few different ones from different places and discover what winemaking - and terroir - is all about.
WHAT TO EXPECT: A medium to full-bodied, lemon to golden-colored wine with mild aromatics that vary depending on climate and oak treatment. There are mainly two distinct styles. The first is steel-fermented, which yields a fruitier, crisper more acidic version with green fruit, citrus and occasionally mineral notes, generally crafted in a colder region. The second, from warmer regions, is barrel-fermented and potentially oak-aged, tends to deliver more ripe green or tropical fruit flavors with less acidity and hints of vanilla, bread or butter. The riper the grape the bigger the flavor.
COOL REGIONS: Australia (Adelaide Hills), Burgundy (Chablis), Italy, New Zealand
MODERATE REGIONS: Burgundy (Macon, Poiully-Fuissé), California (Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Monterey), Oregon, Washington
HOT REGIONS: Argentina, Australia (Hunter Valley), California (Central Coast, Temecula), Chile, South Africa
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 | 2008 Chamisal Vineyards Stainless Steel Chardonnay, Edna Valley, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2007 Lioco Sonoma County Chardonnay, Sonoma, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2007 Luli Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay, Santa Cruz, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2007 NOBOS Chardonnay, Monterey, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2007 Oreana Winery "Project Happiness" Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2006 Coquelicot Winery Estate Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2006 Eric Kent Russian River Chardonnay, Sonoma, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2006 Lafond Winery, Wente Clone Stainless Steel, Santa Barbara, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2006 Lincourt Vineyards Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2006 Morgan Winery Highlands Chardonnay, Santa Cruz, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2006 Morgan Winery Metallico Chardonnay, Monterey, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2006 Stags Leap Winery Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2006 Wild Horse Chardonnay, Paso Robles, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2006 Wishing Tree Unoaked Chardonnay, South Eastern, Australia | RATING: * |
| 2005 Alma Rosa Chardonnay, El Jabali Vineyard, Santa Barbara, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2005 Concha Y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay,
Pirque, Chile | RATING: *** |
| 2005 Dom. de la Croix Senaillet Saint Véran, Burgundy, France | RATING: ** |
| 2005 Lafond Winery Chardonnay, Lafond Vineyard,
Santa Barbara, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2005 Lafond Winery SRH Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2005 Pezzi King Russian River Valley Chardonnay, Sonoma, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2005 Rex Hill Unwooded Chardonnay, Oregon, USA | RATING: * |
| 2005 J.P. st M Auvigue Saint Veran "Les Chenes", Burgundy, France | RATING: *** |
| 2004 Jean Marc Brocard Premier Cru "Montee de Tonnerre",
Chablis, France | RATING: ** |
| 2003 Flora Springs Select Cuvee Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA | RATING: *** |
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**** Outstanding | *** Delicious | ** Enjoyable | * Drinkable
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