It would seem today that the skies may be clearing, the sun is out, and (if for only a little bit) it actually feels like Spring . And Spring begs for white wine…though it isn’t quite Pinot Grigio patio weather, Chardonnay is a great fit for sun filled afternoons.
I did a write up on Chardonnay not too long ago…but I keep tasting new options that I really love…some buttery, some crisp, some a little pricier than others….all, good enough to write home about. Some of these selections were sent for editorial consideration, some I tried on my wine adventures.
Eola Hills Wolf Hill 2008 Reserve Chardonnay– From a winery in the Southern end of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, this was surprising light and refreshing Chardonnay. Filled with citrus and pear, with slight acidity, with balanced oak and fruit. You never know what you will get with a “reserve” wine, but usually it is the wineries pride and joy. The Wolf Hill is made from Eola Hills estate fruit, and is an accurate representation of the winery and Oregon Chardonnay.
Santa Barbara Wine Company 2008 Chardonnay – This is a relatively new winery in Santa Barbara, California, focused on making their wine light, fresh and appealing. The Chardonnay,from the Los Alamos subregion of Santa Barbara County, is very drinkable, though slightly higher acidity than some options. The fruit is beautiful, with the wine delivering bright citrus flavors of lemon and lime with apricot and pineapple.
Main Street Chardonnay – Another Chardonnay from Santa Barbara County is filled with apple, tropical fruit and spice. 6 Months in French oak lend creamy, nutty notes wrapped with appropriate acidity. A food friendly wine, this is great with big salads or grilled chicken or white fish.
Luca Chardonnay – One of my favorites from Argentina, this Chardonnay reminds me of lemon bars with a spicy, nutty topping, with hints of mineral, melon and tropical fruit. Luca’s focus is to make small production, artisan quality wine with elegance and delicacy from Laura Catena.
Chappellet Chardonnay – Napa Valley Chardonnay overflowing with tropical fruit flavors like pineapple and mango, with almond and nutmeg. The fruit for this wine is grown in one of Napa’s coolest regions overlooking the San Pablo Bay. The maritime weather creates the perfect growing condition for developing rich, hearty, flavorful Chardonnay grapes.
