Chardonnay from Washington & California
Celebrated for its distinctive yet delicate aroma, Chardonnay is popular for its fruit characteristics leaning towards apples, lemons, peaches or tropical fruits. Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape crop in the country. In this article, we will feature Chandonnay from California and Washington State. The California Chardonnay resonates the dynamics, texture and complexity of France; nonetheless because of the relative difference in climate, California Chardonnay feature a higher acidity level which are can be altered through reverse osmosis and spinning cones. The Washington with its colder northeastern regions produces great quality Chardonnay. The Washington Chardonnay features a leaner and crisper variety of the grape.
Both variety of Chardonnay are equally impressive and possessing such amazing value. It is also quite interesting to be comparing two or more wines at one time. For those who are attracted to this endeavor, here are some suggestions you may try.
-Compare the complexity of Mazzocco with the delicate texture of Artesa.
-The Benziger with the Charles krug Reserve. Match the pleasantly-flavor of Benzieger with the intensity of flavor and complexity of Krug.
-The Babcock and the Morgan Monterey bottling. Both possess distinctive fruitiness, nonetheless, Babcock has more inherent crispness, while Morgan is distinctive for its soft richness.
-Morgan Double L and the Trefethen Harmony. Savour the extra richness of Double L with the finesse and balance of Harmony.
-Note the delicacy and crispness of Patz & Hall, and the depth of flavor of Ramey bottlings.
-Though not as full-bodied as the Vine Cliff Reserve, the Columbia Wyckoff Chardonnay is generous on the palate and comparatively complex.
California & Washington State Chardonnay Reviews
ARTESA
2001 NAPA VALLEY, $17-$18
This Chandonnay features a very pleasant ripe pear, spiced apple and hazelnut aromas to the nose. The lemon, apple and pineapple fruit flavors burst entices and burst froth. It also has a supple texture marked by elegant finish possessing hint of cloves. 960 cases. Drink through 2004. Alcohol content 14.4% by volume.
BABCOCK
2002 SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, $19-$20
Full-bodied with a touch of fruitiness. This is such a great value wine with oaky, as well as, pineapple, apple, lemon peel undertones. It features crisp acidity and long finish. Babcock 2002 Santa Barbara garnered the first price in the Vintner’s Club San Francisco tasting, Wine Enthusiast 91 and Wine Spectator 89. 3,279 cases. Drink through 2005.
BENZIGER
2001 CARNEROS, $14-$15
Pleasantly-flavored Chardonnay with hints of pear, pineapple and toasty yeast. Tasting of carmeled apple, vanilla and sweet oak. Rich velvety texture with balanced acidity.
CHARLES KRUG
2001 RESERVE, NAPA VALLEY, CARNEROS, $24-$25
Elegantly complex Chardonnay with supple style and full-bodied texture. Very smooth on the palate, complemented with crisp acidity and subtle aromas. Reminiscent of lemon peel, roasted nuts, grapefruit, apple and toast. 800 cases. Drink through 2005.
COLUMBIA WINERY
2001 WYCKOFF VINEYARD, YAKIMA VALLEY, WASHINGTON, $21-$22
Full-bodied and intense with aromatic fruitiness (peach, roasted nut, honey and vanilla). Exceptional balance with long, clean finish. Distinctive combination of depth and delicacy. 1,671 cases. Drink through 2004.
MAZZOCCO
2001 RIVER LANE VINEYARDS, SONOMA COUNTY, $18-$19
Full-bodied and complex. Well-balanced Chardonnay featuring the flavor of gravenstein apple, yellow apple, pear, vanilla and grapefruit. Fresh and citrusy finish with hint of nutmeg. 5,523 cases. Drink through 2004.
MORGAN
* 2001 MONTEREY, $22-$23
* 2001 ROSELLA'S VINEYARD, SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS, $31-$33
* 2001 DOUBLE L VINEYARD, SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS, $31-$33
Morgan Chardonnays are generally full-bodied with healthy splash of fruitiness. Fleshy, complex and pleasantly rich, Monterey features the flavors of vanilla, toast, apple and roasted nut. 75% malolactic, 25% new French oak. 15,000 cases.
Rosella possess unique balance of ripe fruits with hints of reserved oak. It is fleshy and full-bodied with flavors of apple, subtle vanilla and spice, roasted hazelnuts. 620 cases.
Tantalizing full-bodied wine with aromatic flavors of apple, pear and toast with complex mineral notes. Supple, complex with excellent finish. 750 cases. Drink through 2005.
PATZ & HALL
2002 WOOLSEY ROAD VINEYARD, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, $39-$41
Clear, golden color. Crisp yet delicate featuring wildflowers with pear and apple undertones. Excellent balance of citrus blossom, pear and mineral notes. Very long finish of creamy finale. 58 cases. Drink through 2005.
RAMEY – Napa Valley, Carneros
* 2001 HUDSON VINEYARD, $55-$60
* 2001 HYDE VINEYARD. $55-$60
Two top Chardonnay vintage. 2001 Hudson features a captivating balance of ripe apple with citrus fruit taste, hinted with vanilla, toasted oak and crème caramel. 1,750 cases. 2001 Hyde is more refined with flavors of green apple, toasts and minerals. Long palate laced with spice and vanilla. Exceptional. 2,630 cases. Drink through 2006.
TREFETHEN
2000 HARMONY NAPA VALLEY, $38-$40
Aptly named wine. Harmony features rich flavors of smoky oak, tropical fruit, ripe pear and citrus blossom. A bit crisp in the mouth. This wine is subtle yet complex with gentle touch of spice in the end. 850 cases. Drink through 2005.
VINE CLIFF WINERY
2001 PROPRIETRESS RESERVE, NAPA VALLEY, $48-$50
Full-bodied and aromatic. This Chardonnay features pear, peach and assorted stone fruits aroma with hints of earthy tones. Complex with pleasant layers of clove and vanilla bonded together by supple texture and long finish. Drink through 2006.
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