Another Sonoma County California Chardonnay

Another Sonoma County California Chardonnay: - Sent using Google Toolbar

Wine Reviewed
Benziger Chardonnay 2008 13.5 % alcohol about $14 (on the Internet)

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note: Deep gold in color, with aromas of apple butter, vanilla, Granny Smith apples, and toast. The palate is medium-full bodied and round, with apple, vanilla, and toast notes. There is great structure and balance here, with a lovely refreshing acidity. Perfect for grilled calamari. (VINTAGES panel, May 2010)” And now for my review.

Benziger Chardonnay

At the first sips this wine was ethereal but it may have too much wood. It did have balanced acidity. Then I nibbled on Japanese rice crackers some of which contained peanuts. The wine displayed good acidity and some smoke. The first meal consisted of boxed pancakes made from spinach, potatoes, wheat, onions, and eggs. Unfortunately the Chardonnay’s wood started to come out of the woodwork dominating everything else. Caramel did try to assert itself. For dessert I enjoyed blueberry-topped cheesecake; it managed to tame the oak and the caramel was still present.

This review continues on my website at

http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Near_weekly_15_dollar_wine_reviews/another_sonoma_county_california_chardonnay.php