This was ordered off the menu at Ceres Table in Chicago's Lakeview East area. While I have had the reds many times, this was my first time trying the white. It is made up of 100% Chardonnay grown at around 3,000 feet on the side of Mt.
This has come together nicely in the last few years. It is drinking quite well now. Slightly lighter golden in color. The nose is nice. There is still some obvious oak, but that is more about house style and it is not over the top. Aromas of lemon cream and slight vanilla with a bit of baking spice. Full bodied. The lemon carries thru to the palate with a hint of vanilla. No heat showing. Good acidity. There is some depth and development. Nice finish. Classic Napa Chardonnay. This should still have five to ten more years left at peak. It will go well with seafood, salads and m
A nice compliment to their Cabernet. This is an inexpensive Chardonnay that strikes a mostly middle ground. It is a good choice for large parties or the casual wine lover. Light to medium golden in color. The nose has vanilla, caramel, and slight baked apples. On the palate, the apples are a bit fresher while the vanilla and caramel remain. Broad with an acidic bite. Just a bit of butter. Easy to drink on its own. Made for immediate consumption.
This is still youthful but opens nicely in the glass and as we drank it. Light golden in color. The nose is very nice with lemon custard and nice minerality. Like most Rivers Marie Chardonnays, there is some oak showing but is used deftly and not at all a problem. On the palate, this is crisp and focused. Lemon cream and minerals. Long finish. This works quite well with food and also will work on its own. It won't get better but should easily cruise thru the next decade.
This is a winery that I have found to be hit or miss for my personal tastes. Sometimes the oak can be a bit much and other times the wines are wonderful. This one was quite good although it pushed my tolerance for oak. Medium golden in color. The nose has vanilla, lumber, peaches and floral notes (white?). On the palate, this has a nice creamy texture. Lots of peach fruit. Spice and oak are present but not over bearing. This is a rich and voluptuous style but not a caricature. At the end, I found it quite good. It will go well with rich see food and similar salads. This should la
This was a great comparison drinking side by side with a Rhys Chard. From similar areas south of San Francisco. This is a bit more austere although that isn't really the right word. Perhaps not as flamboyant? In any event, this is fantastic. Light golden in color. The nose is great with lemon curd, slight peaches, and a bit of lime. On the palate, this is medium bodied with crisp acidity. Almost seamless from the first sip to the smooth finish. The lemon curds follow thru to the palate. Long finish. This is very food friendly and will work with all but the heaviest of foods. Gre
Purchased off a restaurant list which is a great place for this if priced fairly. It is ready to go and provides good drinking for the money. Light green/gold in color. The nose is more about tropical fruits than expected; mango and melons. Maybe some peaches as well. On the palate, this is big but not oaky. Peaches with slight acidity. Worked well with sushi. This should probably be drunk up by 2022.
A very nice Chardonnay from Oregon. Light golden/yellow in color, just a hint of cloudiness. The nose is big with a bit of oak/vanilla. Nice red apples and a bit of lemon cream. On the palate, this is a bit fat but enough acidity to make it work. Apples and slight lemons. Good finish. This is terrific on it own, a bit more limited with food but would be great with sea food or lighter middle eastern foods. While it won't get better, it still has five years (at least left).
This is delicious. From an excellent vintage and drinking youthfully. A blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay. Light golden in color. The nose shows green apples, some chalk and marzapan. Very nice but tight. More open on the palate. Very lively acidity. Green apples and minerals. It starts out tight and broadens over the palate. Long finish. This will work with almost any food. It is still young although drinking nicely but is likely to improve over the next tne years and be good for at least that long after that.
This is a very nice Chardonnay at a reasonable price. It even says Chardonnay on the label. Light golden in color. The nose is nice. Slightly chalky with flint and slight smoke. Also some lemon. On the palate, this has a nice acidity. Lots of minerality with a bit of lemon fruit. Clean. Nice finish. Worked well with an assortment of cheeses but will work with lighter and medium bodied foods. It should last another five years but won't get much better if at all. Depending on the price where you live, this is a very nice value.
