Sonoma Chardonnay - Wine of the Week

by Kristine Hansen, Posted Jan 6th 2011 @ 4:00PM

De Loach chardonnay Photo: DeLoach Vineyards

Is Chardonnay the new Pinot Noir? Well, it is in Vertical, the literary sequel to Sideways, Rex Pickett's novel that became a feature-film hit of the same name (and which I'm reading now). In Vertical, it's seven years after Sideways ends, and main character Miles Raymond is showing his mom around California and Oregon wineries. (I won't reveal any more because I hate a spoiler, too.) Her vice is Chardonnay. After reading all of the wine descriptions in this novel, I was craving a flight of chilled, crisp Chardonnay and so I indulged by tasting some bottles from Sonoma, California.

Here are four favorites from this wine region that are among Sonoma's best Chardonnays. Their prices are shockingly affordable, too -- many of California's best Chardonnays run $50-$60, and these bottles run $13-$24.

Chateau St. Jean 2009 Chardonnay, Sonoma County, California ($14)
A very delicate-style Chardonnay, the wine expresses bright lemon-y notes and some mango. Its finish has length and excellent mouthfeel.

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards 2008 Chardonnay, Sonoma County, California ($14)
Rich and creamy, the Chardonnay also has a nice crispness with green-apple and lime notes that are light in acidity but full in flavor, paired with vanilla mid-palate. Its silky mouthfeel contributes to a long finish.

Schug Carneros Estate 2008 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California ($24)
Tropical-fruit notes on this buttery-style Chardonnay are balanced and mildy acidic, and mingle with pear and peach before sliding into an elegant finish.

DeLoach Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California ($13)
Vibrant mouthfeel and a floral undercurrent are preceded by a nose of crushed rose petals and apples. Its Asian-pear notes are not overly acidic, and there's a touch of effervesence throughout before a finish that's elegant and laced with tropical-fruit notes.

Click here for the best Napa Chardonnays.

Schug Carneros Estate 2008 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California ($24)
Tropical-fruit notes on this buttery-style Chardonnay are balanced and mildy acidic, and mingle with pear and peach before sliding into an elegant finish.

DeLoach Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California ($13)
Vibrant mouthfeel and a floral undercurrent are preceded by a nose of crushed rose petals and apples. Its Asian-pear notes are not overly acidic, and there's a touch of effervesence throughout before a finish that's elegant and laced with tropical-fruit notes.

Click here for the best Napa Chardonnays.

Filed Under: Drinks
Tags: chardonnay, white wine, wine of the week