Tasting Room
ChardonnayWINE OF THE WEEK
Rex Goliath
2006 California - Chardonnay ($9)
A tasty chardonnay and a great value. Full-bodied, ripe and showy. Floral and toasty, with notes of green apple, peach, butter and creme brulee. Well-integrated.
2006 Wetzel Family Estate, Alexander Valley - Chardonnay ($20)
A chardonnay with limited appeal. Notes of apple and spicy oak. Light-bodied. Uncomplicated. Some stemmy flavors.
2006 Pinnacles Ranches, Monterey - Chardonnay ($12)
An elegant chardonnay with balanced oak. Notes of ripe apple, sorrel and a hint of butter. Good acidity.
2006 Napa Valley - Chardonnay ($26)
A toasty chardonnay with nice oak integration. Aromas and flavors of green apple and pear overtones. Elegant.
2005 Cuvee Sauvage, Napa Valley - Chardonnay ($35)
A good solid chardonnay. Smoky with baked apple and spice. Pronounced oak. Youthful. Long finish.
2005 Napa Valley - Chardonnay ($33)
A big showy chardonnay. Toasty and buttery, with notes of ripe apple, kiwi, caramel and white pepper..
2006 Monterey - Chardonnay ($12)
A good, yet uncomplicated chardonnay. Lightly oaked, with notes of peach, lemon, green apple and spice.
2005 Russian River Valley - Chardonnay ($32)
A floral, youthful chardonnay. Clean and lovely. Notes of peach, apple and spice. Medium-bodied.
2005 Carneros - Chardonnay ($24)
A beautifully balanced chardonnay. Elegant. Toasty, with aromas and flavors of ripe apple and honey. Nice acid.
2006 Carneros - Chardonnay ($19)
A chardonnay with limited appeal. Uncomplicated and very youthful. Notes of peach, lavender, lemon and mineral.
2005 Mendocino - Chardonnay ($9)
A good chardonnay with medium complexity. Aromas and flavors of baked apple, ripe melon, pineapple and honey.
TASTING PANEL: Rick Davis of Calstar; Tom Simoneau, KSRO's "Wine Guy;" Damy Tamburrino of Simi Winery; Larry Van Aalst of Equus; Stefen Soltysiak of Rodney Strong Vineyards; and PD 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