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woman on wine with amy reileyThere’s a saying in the wine industry, ABC, which is short for anything but Chardonnay! I admit to being one of those wine lovers who, by 2004, was begging for a glass of something white, crisp and unoaked – anything but Chardonnay. But I really could never totally turn my back on American Chardonnay. You see, if it weren’t for Chardonnay, I wouldn’t be in the wine business at all! |
When I was a teenager my parents indulged themselves in a healthy obsession with California’s favorite white grape, chasing down the next great bottle every time they went to dinner. I remember sharing their glasses of Flowers, Talley, Ferrari Carano and, of course, Rombauer. It was how I learned to love wine. To me, the flavors of those ripe, tropical Chards is comfort food. And although I went through my anti-Chard phase, I really have to admit that, for me, it’s all because of Chardonnay.
Bennett Lane
2006 Los Carneros Reserve Chardonnay
A deliciously sweaty, salty Chard, the wine exhibits a pheromone-like aroma. Flavors are equally seductive, loaded with pineapple and honey with a hit of toasty oak near the end.
Brewer-Clifton
2007 Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills
A wake up call to the palate, this tropical flavored Chard is a zesty treat for both the tongue and the mind. Well-balanced and light on oak, it is one of the most refreshing, premium American Chardonnays on the market.
Hahn Estates
2007 Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands
A new bottling from Hahn, this vineyard-site specific wine is a huge step up in quality from the regular Hahn label. It is a beautifully textured, bright Chard with loads of pear and peach flavor and a hint of green melon on the finish.
Peay
2007 Estate Chardonnay
Although the wine offers a little more oak character than I usually enjoy, Peay’s is undeniably a finely structured Chardonnay. Hints of pear and stone fruit dominate the nose and palate and the finish lingers impressively long.
Riverbench
2007 “Bedrock” Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley
A fresh and racy rendition of California Chard, Riverbench’s Bedrock delivers clean aromas and flavors with finesse. Use it as a foil for a creamy dish, or serve it as a palate cleanser at the end of a long day.
