Thursday, February 11, 2010

Three Chards for you

What should I talk about this week? How about Chardonnay?

At this time California Chardonnays are going through an evolution. Winemakers are dialing back on the oak a bit, and letting the Chardonnay fruit show through. A few tasty ones to consider are MaCrostie, Zaca Mesa, and Saintbury.

MaCrostie comes from the southern end of the Sonoma Valley, in the Carneros region. The Carneros region spans both Napa and Sonoma. It forms a crescent around the top of San Pablo Bay. This Chardonnay has a nice citrus note to go along with a kiss of oak. It is a very well balanced Chardonnay, with just the right amount of acidity.

Zaca Mesa is located in Santa Barbara County… I suppose, I should have written up the Sainstbury next. Why you ask? Because Saintsbury is located on the Napa side of Carneros. They are only a few miles apart. But I am a rebel and I will write up the Zaca Mesa next (Imagine the song “Born to be Wild,” playing as you read the above.). The Zaca Mesa Chard is showing a lemon- lime quality with hints of vanilla and coconut, coming from the American oak barrels the wine is aged in.

Saintsbury Chardonnay is the biggest of the three wines. Remember, we are back in the Carneros. It is the most buttery flavored, which means it spent the most time in oak barrels. The Napa side of the Carneros. This wine also contains citrus, and even a trace of pineapple flavors. Have this one with a meal.



JFS

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