This Chardonnay
is medium depth gold color with excellent clarity. Medium aromas
of dried pineapples are followed by crème brûlée,
notes of coconut and hints of smoke. Pineapple flavors are
accented by citrus and mineral notes as well as a faint hint of
marzipan. Upper medium bodied, this wine is smooth with a creamy
and soft mouthfeel. A medium length finish is creamy with
marzipan notes and some heat.
Production Detail:
A field blend of Rued
and Dijon 76 clones of Chardonnay grown at Kendall-Jackson's vineyard in Arroyo
Seco. Aged in medium toast French oak (35% new) for 8 months.
14.5% Alcohol
$30.00
Retail
570 cases
produced
BOTTOM LINE: Good, with
appealing characteristics. Recommended.
This is a nice though hot Chardonnay. It is clean and
offers some vibrance and aromatic complexity and is distinctly
less in the "popcorn" and "piña
colada" end of the spectrum than the previous vintage.
Representing a middle ground between a stand-alone and a
food-pairing wine, it should pair well with lobster, crab and
shrimp. It may go well with Cajun shrimp but those sensitive of
intense spices will avoid this pairing. Enjoy now or over the
next three to five years.