ok, i blasted the concept of california chard's over oak. here are 3 i like, particularly after they have been out for a while and gone to room temperature or the day after opening.
la crema 2007.
simi monterrey county 2008.
simi russian river reserve 2006.
all of these are pale yellow with a nose of oak and vanilla. the first taste is tart almost citrus fruit with vanilla and pronounced oak; this softens to an almost crisp and steely pure chardonnay fruit with time or decanting. the acid is crisp and perfect and balanced in all three.
these are solid white wines for this style of chardonnay. my personal taste is for less oak and more crispness and fresh fruit, a burgundian style, but that is my taste and i recognize not all share it. these are very, very good wines and i think they are a fine option. all are priced under $20 and represent excellent values. i think these will be good over the next couple of years. they remind me of a safe and happy time in life in the mid 1990's when my preferred white wine was chateau souverain chardonnay.
three strong options at a great price. these wines represent the heart and soul of this blog, even if their style is not my personal taste.
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