{"id":70,"date":"2010-08-31T11:13:25","date_gmt":"2010-08-31T11:13:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kenswineguide.com\/blog\/?p=70"},"modified":"2010-08-31T12:36:27","modified_gmt":"2010-08-31T12:36:27","slug":"chardonnay-winners-summer-2010-%e2%80%93-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/?p=70","title":{"rendered":"Chardonnay Winners Summer 2010 \u2013 Part 1"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"ChardonnayIn this report we will cover 16\u00c2\u00a0Chardonnays that scored 91 points or better<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 However, like we have found in the past, the best Chardonnays do come with a pretty high price tag.\u00c2\u00a0 The price range of the 16 Chards in this post range from $25 to $70<\/strong>. These are the best Chards we reviewed this summer and I felt that they warranted a separate report.\u00c2\u00a0 In a subsequent post we will cover the 90 point Chards along with the Chards that scored in the high 80's.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Paul-Hobbs-2008-Russian-River-Valley-Chardonnay\"So here we go.\u00c2\u00a0 Which Chard was our favorite?<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0 It was the 2008 Paul Hobbs “Russian River Valley” Chardonnay<\/a><\/strong> for $45<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 It was the big winner of our big blind tasting.\u00c2\u00a0 The panel collectively awarded this wine with an Excellent<\/strong> score of 94 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 The panel felt this wine was full-bodied, really well balanced, creamy, and quite impressive in the mouth.\u00c2\u00a0 The flavor profile was a delicious mild apple with a touch of subtle oak.\u00c2\u00a0 The panel felt this Chard would pair perfectly with Legal Sea Foods halibut stuffed with crabmeat.<\/p>\n

\"C-Donatiello-2008-Orsi-Chardonnay\"The next wine scored big twice.\u00c2\u00a0 Let me explain.\u00c2\u00a0 We covered two vintages of this wine and it won big both times.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2008 C. Donatiello “Orsi Vineyard” Chardonnay<\/a><\/strong> for $30<\/strong> was one of the more impressive offerings I have tried this summer.\u00c2\u00a0 I scored this Chard 93 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 It is full-bodied and very well balanced between its fruit and acidity.\u00c2\u00a0 I loved its delicious Anjou pear flavors with notes of gentle vanilla oak mixed in.\u00c2\u00a0 It would pair very well with one of my favorite dishes, Chicken St. Timothy.\u00c2\u00a0 Next I present the 2007 C. Donatiello 2007 “Orsi Vineyard”.<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0 <\/a>I tried this Chard this spring.\u00c2\u00a0 It is a little lighter bodied than the 2008.\u00c2\u00a0 But like the 2008 it is nicely balanced and shows pleasant gentle acidity.\u00c2\u00a0 The flavor profile is also a little different with the 2007 showing mild green apple and subtle lime flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 I scored this wine 91 points<\/strong> and it paired perfectly with my swordfish with a little lemon butter drizzle.\u00c2\u00a0 Now for the downside.\u00c2\u00a0 Both of these wines have very limited production.\u00c2\u00a0 There are only 300 cases of the 2008 and 210 of the 2007.\u00c2\u00a0 Start your search now!\u00c2\u00a0 Your pursuit will be well worth it if you find some.<\/p>\n

\"Barnett-2007-Sangiacomo-Chardonnay\"Next up is a Chard from\u00c2\u00a0a winery I never heard of until this year.\u00c2\u00a0 My wife and I were out celebrating our 20th anniversary and this was the Chard we selected.\u00c2\u00a0 Wow, we were rewarded!\u00c2\u00a0 The 2007 Barnett Vineyards “Sangiacomo Vineyard”<\/a><\/strong> from Carneros is special.\u00c2\u00a0 We awarded this wine 93 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 Even better,\u00c2\u00a0it only costs $32<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 So it provides a lot of quality for the money.\u00c2\u00a0 It is full-bodied, nicely balanced, viscous, and smooth with delicious oak infused apricot flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 We also picked up some notes of peach, spice, and a touch of honey as well.\u00c2\u00a0 It paired perfectly with our shrimp ravioli.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Bjornstad-2007-Ritchie-Chardonnay\"The next Chard comes form one of my favorite Chardonnay vineyards.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2007 Bjornstad 2007 “Richie Vineyard”<\/a><\/strong> for $40<\/strong> is another impressive wine.\u00c2\u00a0 This wine also received 93 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 It is full-bodied, well balanced, and smooth.\u00c2\u00a0 Everyone loved this wine and it didn’t last very long.\u00c2\u00a0 It displayed delicious gentle apple flavors with lightly integrated oak.\u00c2\u00a0 You will have to hurry to get some, as only 208 cases were made!<\/p>\n

\"Cakebread-2007-Reserve-Chardonnay\"The next Chard tied for second place in our Big Blind tasting.\u00c2\u00a0 It was the 2007 Cakebread “Reserve”<\/a><\/strong> for $55<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 This wine also received 93 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 It is full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and velvety.\u00c2\u00a0 The panel was really impressed with its tasty mild apple and vanilla flavors with a hint of banana and a touch of oak.\u00c2\u00a0 This really good Chard would pair nicely with fettuccini alfredo.<\/p>\n

The next Chard comes from another one of my favorite vineyards.\u00c2\u00a0 It also was the other half of the tie for second place in our Big Blind tasting. It also received 93 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2008 Stonestreet “Upper Barn” Chardonnay<\/a><\/strong> for $65<\/strong> is another terrific wine.\u00c2\u00a0 It is full-bodied, well balanced, soft, and silky and displays delicious mild oak infused Bartlett pear flavors with hints of honey and pineapple.\u00c2\u00a0 The panel suggested pairing this gem with grilled trout.<\/p>\n

\"Hanzell-2006-Chardonnay\"The final 93 pointer<\/strong> comes from one of my favorite wineries which consistently produces one of my favorite Chardonnays.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2006 Hanzell Chardonnay<\/a><\/strong> for $70<\/strong> is an attractive wine with a fragrant light oak and cr\u00c3\u00a8me brulee bouquet with a hint of lemon.\u00c2\u00a0 It is well balanced and displays delicious lightly oaked green apple flavors with a hint of lime.\u00c2\u00a0 It would be ideal with one of my favorite dishes, Chicken St. Timothy.<\/p>\n

\"Navarro-2008-Premier-Reserve-Chardonnay\"Our next Chard is the best deal in the report.\u00c2\u00a0 It is one of our favorites every year and it seems to continue to fly under the radar.\u00c2\u00a0 What is this mystery wine?\u00c2\u00a0 The 2008 Navarro “Premiere Reserve” Chardonnay<\/a><\/strong> from the Anderson Valley received 92 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 The most impressive part, is this wine only costs $25<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 It is full-bodied, well balanced, and creamy with yummy mild green apple flavors with notes of mild oak and hints of mineral and green melon mixed in.\u00c2\u00a0 This is a great deal and I would serve it cool and with chicken ravioli with a mushroom cream sauce.<\/p>\n

\"Kendall-Jackson-2008-Jackson-Hills-Chard\"The next Chard is also a 92 pointer<\/strong> and is also a good deal because you can get it for less than its $35<\/strong> list price.\u00c2\u00a0 I have seen this wine for a mid to high $20's price which makes it a bargain given its quality.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2008 Kendall Jackson “Jackson Hills”<\/a><\/strong> is their new premium label.\u00c2\u00a0 It is formulated in a traditional CA Chard style.\u00c2\u00a0 It is full-bodied, nicely balanced, and very smooth.\u00c2\u00a0 The flavor profile is a tasty mild lemon-lime with nicely integrated oak.\u00c2\u00a0 For the money, this wine is a steal.\u00c2\u00a0 One of my readers recently told me he could not believe how good this was given the price.<\/p>\n

\"Annika-2008-Chardonnay-label\"The next offering is made by Wente on behalf of Annika Sorenstram<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 Her 2008 Chardonnay<\/a><\/strong> for $40<\/strong> also received 92 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 Like the KJ above, it is made in a classic California style. It is well balanced and smooth with very tasty Clementine flavors and notes of banana, butter, and mild light toasted oak.\u00c2\u00a0 This Chard shows very nice finesse and was pretty popular with our mini tasting group.<\/p>\n

\"Ovation-2007-Chardonnay.gif\"The next Chard received a “Standing Ovation”<\/strong> from the tasters that tried it.\u00c2\u00a0 It was the 2007 Freestone “Ovation”<\/a><\/strong> for $45<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 It is full-bodied, well balanced, and elegant with tasty Anjou pear flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 We also detected notes of integrated oak and a touch of tangerine mixed in.\u00c2\u00a0 The group loved its very refined style and awarded it with 92 points.\u00c2\u00a0 They would pair it with a cedar plank cooked rainbow trout.<\/p>\n

\"Benovia-2008-La-Pommeraie-Chardonnay\"The next two Chards are our last two 92 point<\/strong> Chards.\u00c2\u00a0 The first is the 2008 Benovia “La Pommeraie” Chard<\/strong><\/a> for $48<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 This very limited production Chard was full-bodied, well balanced, and very appealing.\u00c2\u00a0 As a matter of fact, it did not last very long as tasters quickly went for seconds.\u00c2\u00a0 They really like its slightly tangy green apple flavors with a touch of minerals, tangerine, and delicate oak in the background.\u00c2\u00a0 Next was the 2007 Far Niente “Napa” Chardonnay<\/a><\/strong> for $56<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 It opens with a very attractive Bosc Pear-like bouquet with hints of oak and vanilla. On the palate it displays very interesting and different unripe pineapple flavors with hints of mango and some mineral notes as well.\u00c2\u00a0 This was very popular at\u00c2\u00a0a party I was attending recently.\u00c2\u00a0 It, like the Benovia, did not last long.<\/p>\n

\"Fogdog-2007-Chardonnay\"Our final two Chards in this report both finished with 91 points<\/strong>. The first is the 2007 Fogdog Chardonnay<\/a><\/strong> from the “Sonoma Coast.”\u00c2\u00a0 This $35<\/strong> offering is for those readers who truly enjoy an oak-influenced Chardonnay.\u00c2\u00a0 It is medium to full-bodied, very nicely balanced, and rich with oak influenced light lemon custard flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 Our group of tasters thought this rich Chard would be a perfect match for lobster bisque.<\/p>\n

\"Freestone-2007-Chardonnay\"The last wine is from the same winery.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2007 Freestone Chardonnay<\/a><\/strong> for $55<\/strong> made quite an impression on the panel.\u00c2\u00a0 It is medium-bodied and perfectly balanced between its fruit and acidity.\u00c2\u00a0 It displays very tasty apple flavors with a perfect dose of light oak.\u00c2\u00a0 The panel thought this terrific Chard would pair perfectly with grilled halibut or grilled swordfish with a mango salsa.<\/p>\n

As you can see, these Chards are all very special wines.\u00c2\u00a0 They are top notch offerings for readers who enjoy Ultra Premium Chards<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 It might take some effort to find some of these, but trust me it will be worth it.\u00c2\u00a0 Please feel free to comment if you find and try one or more of these.\u00c2\u00a0 We welcome your comments.\u00c2\u00a0 In our next report we will cover Chards that scored 90 to 87 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 Check back in two weeks for that post.<\/p>\n

Cheers!
\nKen<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In this report we will cover 16\u00c2\u00a0Chardonnays that scored 91 points or better.\u00c2\u00a0 However, like we have found in the past, the best Chardonnays do come with a pretty high price tag.\u00c2\u00a0 The price range of the 16 Chards in this post range from $25 to $70. These are the best Chards we reviewed this […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13,11,8,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-70","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-chardonnay","category-kens-wine-guide-tasting-panel","category-wine-recommendations","category-wine-reviews"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=70"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=70"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=70"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=70"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}