Fine Wines : Chardonnay

Vibrant aromas of crème brûlée, ginger, lemon curd and white peach are followed by a creamy entry which blossoms to a full, sweet, peach, nectarine and citrus mid-palate. Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, the wine finishes long and full.

The resulting wine is a perfect expression of Monterey Chardonnay, with bright citrus and tropical fruit aromas married with mineral notes and subtle toasty oak nuances. The lush, opulent palate is intense and focused with complex flavors of ripe pineapple, lime, mineral notes, and crème brulèe lingering on a long, creamy finish.

Monterey provides some of the most ideal growing conditions for Chardonnay grapes in California. The taste is flavorful, enhanced with a wonderful bright, fresh finish. Barrel fermentation gives our Chardonnay a creamy, mouth-filling finish, which complements the wine's delicious tropical fruit flavors.

A classic Napa Chardonnay, this wine shows a fragrant varietal nose of white fruits and subtle vanilla with toasty nuances highlighting pear, pineapple and melon fruit flavors set in a supple, discreet oak structure.

Carmel Road's Chardonnays are known for their rich flavors, firm acidity and brilliant varietal flavors. But it is their pronounced minerality that sets these wines apart from their peers throughout the Golden State.

The 2006 is an overtly fruit-forward wine with a rich palate and crisp framework. Lemon sorbet/zest, pear, citrus blossom and sweet vanilla flavors lead to toasted baguette in the finish.

The Wente and Dijon clones, favored by the winemaker, give this wine luscious pear and tropical fruit flavors. The cool fog that hangs over the Chardonnay vineyards in the Arroyo Seco sub-appellation at the eastern end of Monterey County, closest to the Pacific, lends a thread of crisp acidity that is balanced by a soft lingering mouthfeel.

Chalone Chardonnay is the white wine for the red wine drinker, which means it complements a wide variety of foods: seafood risotto, herb-rubbed roasted chicken and veal picante are just a few great matches. Truly hedonistic.

90 points from Wine Spectator: "Smooth, rich, creamy and well-balanced, with vanilla, pear and fig flavors that are fresh and lively. Ends with a pretty honeydew melon aftertaste. Drink now through 2010." (6/15/2007) An aromatic mélange of tangerine, pear and nutmeg greets the nose. Upon tasting, waves of rich pineapple and lemon are framed by a subtle layer of oak spice. The palate is round and lush, and the natural acidity of these cool-climate Chardonnay grapes gives the wine a refreshing finish.

Ripe pear and baked apple aromas complement hints of lemon and fresh pineapple. Balanced with a superb sugar and acidity with full forward fruit and a nice texture through the finish.

One of the few California Chardonnays that behaves like a grand cru Chablis is Chateau Montelena–s non-malolactic Chardonnay Napa, which rarely sees more than 10-20% new oak. As usual, the 2005 exhibits a nervous edge as well as loads of lemon butter, green apple, and white currant-like characteristics, laser-like precision, superb acidity, and surprising intensity as well as richness. Readers who prefer less oak in their Chardonnays should give this zesty, light, boldly-flavored example a look.

Vanilla and cantelope melon was the first thing we thought of when we tried this limited production chardonnay (165 cases). Big and juicy rather than buttery and creamy, but that dosen't meant that this isn't fully flavored. Great acid, almost to the point of spritz, this is full of apricots and peaches. A chardonnay reminescent of riesling?

De Loach 2005 Russian River Valley Chardonnay is a blend of several premium vineyards located within three miles of the winery in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Carefully tended vines yield fruit of exemplary quality; it is a pure expression of Russian River Valley terroir.

Ambrosial scents greet you from the glass; the warm aroma of toasted hazelnuts interlaces with spicy sweet notes of citrus blossom. Tropical flavors of guava and papaya meld on the palate with the crisp taste of Gravenstein apples. This mouthwatering wine shows a delightful complexity; the rich creamy mid-palate is framed by a well balanced acid tannin structure leading to a brilliant clean finish that leaves you wanting more.

Aromas on this fine value include pear, passion fruit and fig with a hint of hazelnut, fresh baked pie crust, lychee and vanilla. On the palate ripe pear is joined by a tropical fruit bowl including passion fruit, guava, fig and golden delicious apple. Subtle nuances of oak, excellent concentration and a lingering, creamy mouthfeel make this a crowd pleaser and then some!

Ripe, generous aromas of pear, and honey with toasty oak. Flavor: Sweet spice complemented with rich fruit characters of pears, apricots and peaches. Creamy and supple with notes of vanilla on the finish.

Frank Family Vineyards 2005 Chardonnay has beautifully ripe aromas of a freshly baked apple pie, old fashioned vanilla cream soda, and roasted almonds. Finely textured, fleshy and smooth on the palate this wine has seamlessly integrated toasty oak and concentrated fruit flavors leading to a long elegant finish