Attributes:

Villa Mt. Eden Winery

Santa Maria Valley, United States

Chardonnay

750 ML

2003: CGCW Rating: 83

2002: WineSpectator Rating: 83

anise, earth, hazelnut, mineral, pear, spice

2002: CGCW Rating: 88

rich

tasty

oak

2001: WineSpectator Rating: 90

complex

apple, citrus, hazelnut, pear, spice

concentrated

2001: CGCW Rating: 88

bright, lively

apple, caramel, pear

2000: WineSpectator Rating: 86

honey, lemon, pear, toasty oak

2000: WineEnthusiast Rating: 87

ripe

2000: Tastings Rating: 86

full-bodied

rich

oak, smoky, sour, toast, vanilla

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.

Northern most wine region of Santa Barbara County. The Santa Maria River Valley is 19,000 acres of vineyards running east to west with the river. The Pacific Ocean sends cool air over the region, creating mild temperatures all year. This region has a growing season that is longer than most wine regions in California. The cool summers and long growing season combined account for slow maturation of the Pinot noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay grown there.

Attributes:

Dog Tail

California, United States

Chardonnay

750 ML

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:

Stone Cellars

California, United States

Chardonnay

12 oz

2002: WineSpectator Rating: 87

floral

citrus, nutmeg, pear, spicy

ripe

2001: WineSpectator Rating: 85

honeydew, lime, melon, pear

2000: WineSpectator Rating: 84

bright

lemon, pear, spice, toasty oak, vanilla

2000: Tastings Rating: 83

medium-bodied

butter, melon, smoke

ripe

2000: Tastings Rating: 83

soft

medium-bodied

sweet

1995: WineSpectator Rating: 83

fresh

1994: Tastings Rating: 85

medium body

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.