California Chardonnay-A Short Introduction

One of the things I've learned already in thisdifference between a $20 bottle scored at 92 points
adventure of starting a wine club is that many peopleand a $80 bottle scored at 94 points by the major
have tons of questions about grapes and differentwine critics in the world.
varietals of wine. In an effort to help educate peopleTo Sum It Up:
and answer some of these basic questions I've putWe don't plan to offer Chardonnay through either of
together a few basics about some popular wines.our initial two Uncorked Ventures wine clubs. Frankly
California Chardonnay:you can find many good bottles of Chardonnay at
The undisputed queen of the California White Wines,lower price points that are readily available.  We will
Chardonnay is a popular choice for many reasons.sometimes include an outstanding bottle of
Tasting Notes:Chardonnay in our entry level Wine Exploration Club.
People generally describe Chardonnay as a crisp cleanVintage Guide
white wine. You'll find small fig, citrus, tropical fruit or2007 92 D/H
apple flavors in most bottles. More recently2006 88 D
Chardonnay has started to be aged in oak barrels2005 94 D/H
which gives the resulting wine a much deeper oak2004 91 D
flavor which can be the strongest of all the flavors in2003 90 D
the wine. One common thread with Chardonnay from2002 95 D
all over the world, the balance of sugar and acid is2001 96 D
outstanding and makes it an entirely drinkable wine2000 88 D
for wine lovers and novices alike.1999 89 D
What Grape is It?1998 85 D
Genetic studies show that the grape is actually a1997 93 D
cross between the Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc1996 90 D
grapes. California Chardonnay is typically grown in cool1995 91 D
valleys because the fruit ripens so quickly that1994 94 D
producers need to slow the process down in order1993 90 D
to keep the alcohol content to a reasonable level.1992 92 D
History of the wine in California:1991 94 D
Although first planted in the 1800's the grape was1990 90 D
nearly forgotten during prohibition when farmers andRATING:
wine makers were forced to take Chardonnay fields95-100 Spectacular. Most producers made very good
out and replace them with grapes with thicker skinswines at all levels
so transport and concealment would be easier. A few90-94 Excellent. The best wines should be great.
patches in more rugged terrain survived, especially inConsistency throughout the vintage.
the Santa Cruz mountains and the grape started a85-89 Very Good. The best producers made top
full scale comeback in the 1970's. It is now the stablewines. Inconsistent through the lower levels.
of the California white wine industry and the most80-86 Good. Many producers made good wines with
popular white wine in the world.some inconsistency at the bottom.
Important Notes:75-79 Middling. Choose your producers carefully. Only
Chardonnay is generally thought of as one of thethe best may have made a top wine.
easiest wines to create. In fact many observers of70-74 Below Average. Tough vintage to make good
the wine industry feel that any average winemakerwines.
can create an outstanding Chardonnay given theUnder 70 A Poor vintage. Spend your money very
growing conditions within California's cool valleys.carefully.
Pricing Structure:STATUS:
Chardonnay under $8 or so per bottle will have someD=Drink
significant issues.D/H=Drink or Hold
$8-$20 Typically good balance and complexity, butH=Hold
lacking in oak flavoring.I hope this has helped you make an informed decision
$20-$40 Great Chardonnays in this price rangewhen buying a bottle of Chardonnay. Just remember,
$40+ Unless your palate and nose for wine isvintage is important with wine. For more information
exceptional, you most likely will not be able to tell theon purchasing a wine gift please visit our website!