Tasting Room
ChardonnayWINE OF THE WEEK
Heron
2005 California - Chardonnay ($11)
An exotic style. Viognier-like. Showy, complex and full-bodied. Rich and ripe. Juicy flavors of melon and peach. Long finish.
2004 Carneros Estate, Napa - Chardonnay ($27)
A showy chardonnay. Aromas and flavors of baked apple, melon, vanilla and oak. Spicy. Good acidity.
2005 Sonoma County - Chardonnay ($17)
An appealing chardonnay. Notes of pear, green apple, lemon, sorrel and mineral. Medium-bodied. Light oak.
2004 Russian River Valley - Chardonnay ($18)
Controversial. Proponents liked its ripe grapes and minerality. Detractors said it had overly mature flavors.
2005 Pinnacles Ranch, Monterey - Chardonnay ($12)
A chardonnay with good complexity. Aromas and flavors of apple, lemon, melon and mineral. Vibrant. Lean texture.
2004 Laguna Vineyard, RRV, Sonoma - Chardonnay ($24)
A chardonnay with pronounced oak. Smoky, with notes of baked apple, toast and spice. Medium complexity.
2004 Napa Valley - Chardonnay ($38)
Complex and full-bodied. Aromas and flavors of apricot, pear, hazelnut, toasty oak and spice. Ripe and showy.
2005 Su'skol Vineyard, Napa Valley - Chardonnay ($25)
A good food wine. Aromas and flavors of yellow apple, lemon, caramel and mineral. Lean texture.
2005 Vintner's Reserve, California - Chardonnay ($12)
A feminine chardonnay. Ripe and showy. Notes of butter, baked apple, caramel and toast. Medium complexity.
2004 Napa Valley - Chardonnay ($19)
A chardonnay with nice complexity. Aromas and flavors of honeydew, pineapple and banana. Tropical finish.
TASTING PANEL: Stefen Soltysiak, education director, Rodney Strong Vineyards; Jeff Cox, Press Democrat restaurant reviewer; Tom Simoneau, KSRO's "Wine Guy"; and Press Democrat wine columnist Peg Melnik.
CRITERIA: The panel samples eight to 12 wines a week in a blind tasting. Wine of the Week is based on quality, value and availability and is not necessarily the top wine of the tasting. Price is suggested retail; actual price is often lower.You can reach Staff Writer Peg Melnik at 521-5310 or e-mail pmelnik@pressdemocrat.com