Wente - Riva Ranch Chardonnay 2006
Monday, April 14, 2008
I bought this wine on a recommendation from a friend who knows great Chardonnays. While this wine retails at $18 a bottle, Costco had it for $13.99 where I picked one up the other day. After opening, I am kicking myself for not grabbing a 2nd or even 3rd. This is a classic chard from Monterey, CA and all the traits are present. The tropical fruit hits you up front followed by a rich body. Due to the cooler growing region you don't get the buttery flavor instead the bright tropical fruit shines thru. The finish has an oak flavor which adds to the weight of the wine. After looking on the website, I discovered that the wine is aged in a sur lie fashion for 12 months meaning that the yeast is present in the barrels after fermentation and isn't racked before bottling.
If you are looking for another inexpensive Monterey chard, look for Kali Hart which is a 2nd label from Talbott Vineyards. This wine ranges from $15-$18 depending on where you can find it and rivals the Wente Riva Ranch on taste and value.
http://www.wentevineyards.com/ourwines/wine_detail.asp?pn=476&c=Y
Posted by mardenhill 4/14/2008 10:18:00 PM
Labels: Wine
