California White Wine - Chardonnay

One of the things I've learned already in thisexceptional, you most likely will not be able to tell the
adventure of starting a wine club is that many peopledifference between a $20 bottle scored at 92 points
have tons of questions about grapes and differentand a $80 bottle scored at 94 points by the major
varietals of wine. In an effort to help educate peoplewine critics in the world.
and answer some of these basic questions I've putTo Sum It Up:
together a few basics about some popular wines.We don't plan to offer Chardonnay through either of
California Chardonnay:our initial two Uncorked Ventures wine clubs. Frankly
The undisputed queen of the California White Wines,you can find many good bottles of Chardonnay at
Chardonnay is a popular choice for many reasons.lower price points that are readily available.
Tasting Notes:Vintage Guide
People generally describe Chardonnay as a crisp clean2007 92 D/H
white wine. You'll find small fig, citrus, tropical fruit or2006 88 D
apple flavors in most bottles. More recently2005 94 D/H
Chardonnay has started to be aged in oak barrels2004 91 D
which gives the resulting wine a much deeper oak2003 90 D
flavor which can be the strongest of all the flavors in2002 95 D
the wine. One common thread with Chardonnay from2001 96 D
all over the world, the balance of sugar and acid is2000 88 D
outstanding and makes it an entirely drinkable wine1999 89 D
for wine lovers and novices alike.1998 85 D
What Grape is It?1997 93 D
Genetic studies show that the grape is actually a1996 90 D
cross between the Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc1995 91 D
grapes. California Chardonnay is typically grown in cool1994 94 D
valleys because the fruit ripens so quickly that1993 90 D
producers need to slow the process down in order1992 92 D
to keep the alcohol content to a reasonable level.1991 94 D
History of the wine in California:1990 90 D
Although first planted in the 1800's the grape wasRATING:
nearly forgotten during prohibition when farmers and95-100 Spectacular. Most producers made very good
wine makers were forced to take Chardonnay fieldswines at all levels
out and replace them with grapes with thicker skins90-94 Excellent. The best wines should be great.
so transport and concealment would be easier. A fewConsistency throughout the vintage.
patches in more rugged terrain survived, especially in85-89 Very Good. The best producers made top
the Santa Cruz mountains and the grape started awines. Inconsistent through the lower levels.
full scale comeback in the 1970's. It is now the stable80-86 Good. Many producers made good wines with
of the California white wine industry and the mostsome inconsistency at the bottom.
popular white wine in the world.75-79 Middling. Choose your producers carefully. Only
Important Notes:the best may have made a top wine.
Chardonnay is generally thought of as one of the70-74 Below Average. Tough vintage to make good
easiest wines to create. In fact many observers ofwines.
the wine industry feel that any average winemakerUnder 70 A Poor vintage. Spend your money very
can create an outstanding Chardonnay given thecarefully.
growing conditions within California's cool valleys.STATUS:
Pricing Structure:D=Drink
Chardonnay under $8 or so per bottle will have someD/H=Drink or Hold
significant issues.H=Hold
$8-$20 Typically good balance and complexity, butI hope this has helped you make an informed decision
lacking in oak flavoring.when buying a bottle of Chardonnay. Just remember,
$20-$40 Great Chardonnays in this price rangevintage is important with wine.
$40+ Unless your palate and nose for wine is