J.Lohr October Night Chardonnay 2015

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J.Lohr October Night
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Arroyo Seco
Retail Price: $29.99

Tasting Notes: The degree of complexity for the techniques used to produce this wine is almost overwhelming. The results show, starting with the use of Dijon Clone 809 (Musque) through to the innovative irrigation program to the barrel program. Very distinctive nose, more floral than most. Apple, tangerine, allspice and vanilla notes. From Arroyo Seco, Monterey.
J.Lohr October Night Chardonnay 2015

Seven Rings Chardonnay 2016

91
Seven Rings
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Monterey
Retail Price: $16.99

Tasting Notes: Bold ripe apples and lemon, lime notes with a fair amount of vanilla and spice from the oak barrels to match. The acidity sings on the finish and holds everything together. This full-bodied chardonnay is a handful!
Seven Rings Chardonnay 2016

Coelho Winery Estate Apreciacao Chardonnay 2015

92
Coelho Winery Estate
Fanciful Name: Apreciacao
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: Oregon
Appellation: Willamette Valley
Retail Price: $29.99

Tasting Notes: This chardonnay from Willamette Valley is restrained and balanced with notes of lemon grass, ripe apples and a slight hazelnut characteristic to hint at some oak use. The wine shines bright in a sea of excess where it is well made and delicious.
Coelho Winery Estate Apreciacao Chardonnay 2015

Old Cannery Row Chardonnay 2016

92
Old Cannery Row
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Monterey
Retail Price: $19.99

Tasting Notes: Rich mouth coating chardonnay that starts with vanilla, coconut and pineapple notes, followed by a green apple bright finish. The butter, oak and creamy mouth feel really comes through here and is balanced by decadent tropical fruit flavor.
Old Cannery Row Chardonnay 2016

Alexander Valley Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2015

94
Alexander Valley Vineyards Estate
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Alexander Valley
Retail Price: $21.99

Tasting Notes: AVV’s classic estate product. Very concentrated fruit from this vintage has a touch of viognier to add further richness and complexity. Night harvesting, whole cluster pressing, and a unique program of separate fermentation in stainless steel and French oak results in a beautifully blended and balanced wine. Floral, rich and creamy, with beautiful notes of pineapple, pear and apple. One of the best examples of the legendary Alexander Valley fruit.
Alexander Valley Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2015

J.Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay 2015

96
J.Lohr Arroyo Vista
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Arroyo Seco
Retail Price: $29.99

Tasting Notes: Consistently one of the best examples of Monterey chardonnay. Winemaker Kristen Barnhisel puts a decidedly Burgundian spin on this rich, voluptuous wine. A very specific French barrel program, weekly stirring of the lees, Dijon 76 clone, and other classic techniques shine on the palate. Full-bodied and complex. Peach, vanilla and lemon dominate the nose.
J.Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay 2015

Maison Roche de Bellene Vieilles Vignes Chardonnay 2011

92
Maison Roche de Bellene
Fanciful Name: Vieilles Vignes
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Bourgogne Blanc
Retail Price: $21.49

Tasting Notes: As good as it gets for white Burgundy anywhere close to this price point. A high-energy Chard that exhibits Meyer lemon, tart apple, allspice and honeysuckle. Nervy and persistent acidity keep the flavors nicely focused.
Maison Roche de Bellene Vieilles Vignes Chardonnay 2011

Sean Minor Chardonnay

91
Sean Minor
Varietal: Chardonnay
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Retail Price: $19.99

Tasting Notes: Another reputable producer heads out to the Sonoma Coast — but Sean Minor is making their Chardonnay at a price the consumer can actually get on board with. Whole-cluster pressed with natural malolactic fermentation occurring, the wine has enough acidity to still present itself as balanced as possible. This is a big feat considered it was aged for 10 months in French Oak Barrels. A toast to a more classic California Chardonnay with pear and tropical fruit notes, and a background of vanilla and baked apples.
Sean Minor Chardonnay

Rock View Chardonnay 2012

91
Rock View
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Mendocino
Retail Price: $70

Tasting Notes: Complex nose with hints of chocolate. Flavors of cassis, blackberry and pepper. Long, pleasing finish.
Rock View Chardonnay 2012

Rock View Chardonnay 2014

91
Rock View
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Mendocino
Retail Price: $27

Tasting Notes: Elegant with a layered creamy roundness on the palate that complements the acidity. Rich notes of pear, apple and citrus provide a great initial flavor that carries over to the finish.
Rock View Chardonnay 2014

River Road Chardonnay 2015

91
River Road
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Sonoma
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: Rich and pure flavors of green apple, mango and rich bartlett pear are balanced out with moderate oak use. There is a great mouthfeel with rounded-out ripeness from the Sonoma weather.
River Road Chardonnay 2015

Qupé Y Block Chardonnay 2013

91
Qupé
Fanciful Name: Y Block
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Santa Barbara County
Retail Price: $19.99

Tasting Notes: A big, rich chardonnay, overflowing with ripe mango and apricot flavors. Crisp acidity with layers of fruit that build to an attractive finish. Perfect when served with a creamy cheese like Camembert, and walnuts.
Qupé Y Block Chardonnay 2013