Chardonnay Beautiful Chardonnays in Classic Styles
Heron Wines 2007 Chardonnay $12 The Heron 07 Chardonnay makes me think about how wines have distinct personality traits. For example, this one exudes self-confidence. It is reserved, unpretentious, and does not try to impress with too much oak, too much alcohol, or too much anything. It possesses an old-world sophistication that belies its low price and California pedigree. It knows it can stand up to white Burgundies three times the money, so it is not concerned about what people will think of its meager price tag. This wine is a friendly, socially well-adjusted dinner companion. It has no insecurities that scream, "Look at me!" It does not demand to be the center of attention at your dinner party. Rather, it honestly wants to contribute its own unique and very special value without upstaging the meal. It's a perfect food wine. Tropical aromas on the nose, and lemons, pears, and a bit of vanilla dominate the palate. A beautiful light touch of oak. No greasy texture due to the absence of malolactic fermentation. Alcohol is a perfect 13%, and a delicious creaminess is in harmony with a refreshing acid. Laely Heron has created a little masterpiece. Don't be fooled by the price. This is a great wine. If your local wine shop does not have it, order it direct from Heron Wines.	Molnar Family 2007 "Poseidon's Vineyard" Chardonnay $22   Sophisicated, a wine of character and distinction in more of a Burgundian style that is entirely atypical of California Chardonnay. Spice from Hungarian oak gives it a personality unlike anything you may have encountered before. But in the end it is seductive and fascinating, with melon and pear fruit layered with honey and ginger and a stony mineral component.  A delicious and original change of pace. If you are looking for great California Chards that don't taste like California Chards, this one should be at the top of your list. The 2007 vintage was a recent Gold Medal winner at the 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. It is well worth going way out of your way to find. Call the winery and ask them where to get some. 707-255-4929.	The Terraces at Quarry Vineyards 2007 Chardonnay, Napa Valley $28 The Terraces at Quarry Vineyards is a boutique Napa Valley winery that produces four varietals in limited production: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Chardonnay. All four are elegant wines at exceptionally reasonable prices considering their premium quality. The Terraces 06 Zinfandel is on the Zin page.  The 2007 Chardonnay is made in more of a Burgundian style, aged six months sur lie in neutral French oak and no malolactic. Aromas of pears and banana blend on the nose of this beautiful, distinctive Chardonnay. 650 cases made. Highly recommended at its very fair price of $28. If you buy from the winery, consider acquiring samples of all four of The Terraces varietals. Each of them displays an elegant, distinctive character in the same manner as the Chardonnay. The Terraces at Quarry Vineyards may very well become one of your favorite wineries in Northern California.
	Handley Cellars 2004 Estate Vineyard Chardonnay $19 Beautifully delicate Chardonnay with notes of apples, pears, and tropical fruit, and a seductive floral nose. A nuanced touch of oak from aging in French oak barrels, only 17% new. Mouthwatering pleasant acidity and a smooth lingering finish from partial malolactive fermentation. Combine with creamy cheeses, crab quiche, or sea bass in a beurre blanc sauce. If you like big oaky, buttery Chardonnays, this isn't it--it has a much more elegant and reserved style. An excellent value at $19. Try it to expand your palate horizon. Order direct from Handley Cellars.
	Cloudy Bay 2004 Marlborough Chardonnay $25 The back label says “subtle smoky oak.” There is nothing subtle about it. The smoky oak is prominent, first and foremost on the nose. However, it is not overbearing so, as it is with so many California Chardonnays. Concentrated pear and grapefruit come through strongly on the palate for a crisp, delicious, mouthwatering, and distinctively “New Zealand” Chardonnay experience. A refreshing, clean, non-buttery finish. Highly recommended for those whose may have been initially smitten with the oaky-buttery California Chards, but who may want to take a step toward wines with more distinctive personality and food-friendly character. Order direct from K&L Wine Merchants	Stony Hill Vineyard 2005 Napa Valley Chardonnay $36 Stony Hill Chardonnay was one of the original cult wines in California. The winery has always marched to the beat of its own drum, steadfastly resisting the faddish and absurd trend to over-oaking, excessive butter, and high alcohol Chardonnays. This medium bodied, austere and natural Chardonnay at 13% alcohol is made in the classic Stony Hill tradition—made to complement food rather than to compete with it. It matches perfectly with grilled wild salmon and sea bass. The subtle mineral and spice notes reveal an experience of what the native Chardonnay grape is all about. No oak and no malolactic fermentation to disturb the natural expression of the wine and its terroir. If you want a classic, natural Chardonnay as the earth intended it to be made, Stony Hill is it. Order direct from Stony Hill Vineyard.