Attributes:

Terlato Vineyards

Russian River Valley, United States

Chardonnay

750 ML

2005: WineAndSpirits Rating: 90

floral

rich

butterscotch, peach

Food Matches:

(shar dohn nay)—This noble grape’s reputation was established in France, particularly in the Burgundy region, and the highly prized Chardonnay wines from Chablis, Mâcon, Mersault, and Pouilly-Fuissé are imitated by winemakers around the world. Generally an oaked wine (whether from expensive oak barrels or a quick soak in oak chips), its fruity aromas and flavors range from apple in the cooler regions to tropical fruits such a pineapple in the warmer regions. It can also display subtle earthy aromas, such as mushroom or minerals. It has a medium to high acidity and is generally full-bodied. Classical Chardonnay wines are dry. Chardonnay is also an important grape in the Champagne district where it's picked before fully ripe and while it still has high acid and understated fruit flavors—the perfect combination for champagne. California has adopted this grape with a fervor and there are some 200 wineries producing Chardonnay wines in other parts of the United States. Chardonnay has also seen a tremendous planting surge in Australia, and new vineyards are being planted in Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand, Spain, and South Africa.

Attributes:

Raymond

California, United States

Chardonnay

750 ML

2005: WineSpectator Rating: 84

lanolin

tasty, well-balanced

2003: WineSpectator Rating: 83

apple, cedar, lemon, oak, pear, sour, spicy, vanilla

2003: WineEnthusiast Rating: 87

bright

rich

spices, vanilla

sweet

2002: WineSpectator Rating: 84

tart

2001: WineSpectator Rating: 84

cedar, lemon, pear, sour, spice

2001: WineEnthusiast Rating: 90

bright, crisp

mango, oak, smoky, toast, tropical fruits

ripe

2000: WineSpectator Rating: 87

lively

rich

tasty

2000: WineEnthusiast Rating: 87

bright

apple, lemon

Food Matches:

(shar dohn nay)—This noble grape’s reputation was established in France, particularly in the Burgundy region, and the highly prized Chardonnay wines from Chablis, Mâcon, Mersault, and Pouilly-Fuissé are imitated by winemakers around the world. Generally an oaked wine (whether from expensive oak barrels or a quick soak in oak chips), its fruity aromas and flavors range from apple in the cooler regions to tropical fruits such a pineapple in the warmer regions. It can also display subtle earthy aromas, such as mushroom or minerals. It has a medium to high acidity and is generally full-bodied. Classical Chardonnay wines are dry. Chardonnay is also an important grape in the Champagne district where it's picked before fully ripe and while it still has high acid and understated fruit flavors—the perfect combination for champagne. California has adopted this grape with a fervor and there are some 200 wineries producing Chardonnay wines in other parts of the United States. Chardonnay has also seen a tremendous planting surge in Australia, and new vineyards are being planted in Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand, Spain, and South Africa.

California produces the majority of wine made in the United States. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir dominate the wine production in California, but many other varietials thrive in the California climate. Many fine wines are produced in California using Mediterranean grapes.

Attributes:

Paraiso

Santa Lucia Highlands, United States

Chardonnay

750 ML

2005: CGCW Rating: 89

tangy

rich, supple

2004: Tastings Rating: 83

crisp, tangy, tart

light, medium body

minerals, oak

2002: WineEnthusiast Rating: 83

fruity, ripe

2001: WineEnthusiast Rating: 86

delicious

2001: CGCW Rating: 86

tasty

apple, buttery, pear

2000: WineEnthusiast Rating: 85

high acid, tart

lean

citrus, sour

2000: Tastings Rating: 86

deep, rich

candied, oak, pineapple

2000: CGCW Rating: 85

rich

honey, pineapple

ripe, sweet

Food Matches:

(shar dohn nay)—This noble grape’s reputation was established in France, particularly in the Burgundy region, and the highly prized Chardonnay wines from Chablis, Mâcon, Mersault, and Pouilly-Fuissé are imitated by winemakers around the world. Generally an oaked wine (whether from expensive oak barrels or a quick soak in oak chips), its fruity aromas and flavors range from apple in the cooler regions to tropical fruits such a pineapple in the warmer regions. It can also display subtle earthy aromas, such as mushroom or minerals. It has a medium to high acidity and is generally full-bodied. Classical Chardonnay wines are dry. Chardonnay is also an important grape in the Champagne district where it's picked before fully ripe and while it still has high acid and understated fruit flavors—the perfect combination for champagne. California has adopted this grape with a fervor and there are some 200 wineries producing Chardonnay wines in other parts of the United States. Chardonnay has also seen a tremendous planting surge in Australia, and new vineyards are being planted in Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand, Spain, and South Africa.

Santa Lucia Highlands are an appellation located in the Salinas Valley in Monterey California. In the northeast the climate is cooler, and chardonnay is the key grape. Where as in the southwest the weather is warmer and Pinot noir Dominates.