We hope everyone had a great Labor Day, and our thoughts go out to all those who weathered Gustav and are going to need to prepare for tropical storms Hanna, Ike and Josephine.


Most people see Labor Day as the symbolic end of summer.  With the weather we’ve been having recently it certainly does not feel like summer is over.  It’s a good thing that wine isn’t like wearing white; you can continue to enjoy your favorite wines like Chardonnay after Labor Day.  Chardonnay is great to serve at summer parties, but it’s also something I like to continue to drink throughout the year.

This week I’ve got a variety of California Chardonnay for you to try.  These wines showcase the diversity of tastes and flavors that can be drawn from the same varietal depending on location, age and wine making process.   When tasting these wines, note the complexity of the taste and strength of oak flavors based on the fermenting and ageing processes used.

2005 Tangley Oaks California Chardonnay ~ $17.99

This Chardonnay exhibits flavors of baked apples accented with Meyer lemon, nutmeg and vanilla. It will bring tradition and distinctiveness to any gathering.  64% of this is aged in stainless steel and 36% in barrels to control the amount of oak in the taste.

2007 Wente “Riva Ranch”  Arroyo Seco, Monterey ~ $18.99

This medium- bodied Chardonnay has a rich, golden color and aromas of ripe apple and pear, balanced by subtle oak and vanilla from barrel aging. It has a luscious mouth feel with flavors of guava, vanilla and butterscotch and a long, smooth finish.  Note that this wine is not 100% chardonnay, but is a blend of 96% Chardonnay, 3% Gewürztraminer, 1% Pinot Blanc.

2004 Chalk Hill Imagine Chardonnay ~ $23.99

Blended from four specific blocks, it shows impressive fruit richness and concentration. It was fermented and aged in small French oak barrels, adding texture and complexity to the bright fruit character. Aromas and flavors of exotic fruits: fig, green apple, pineapple, mango— then spices, hazelnut, and caramel add to the crisp, fresh acidity making it an ideal food wine or engaging aperitif.   Fermented and aged in small oak barrels.

2005 Dutton-Gold field Dutton Ranch Chardonnay Russian River Valley ~ $35.99

In the nose the classic lemon cream pie jumps out, with overtones of caraway seed, ginger and a touch of tangerine. In the mouth its core of citrus fruit and bright acid is nestled in a setting of creamy ginger spice that provides a beautiful balance and lingering finish. This is a wine of great versatility: enjoy it as an aperitif, or with rich and creamy foods that benefit from a focused, refreshing counterpoint.  Aged in French oak barrels, 40% new.

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