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+--- Thread: I'm not a Chard fan, but here are four nice ones.... (/thread-5626.html)
- Bucko - 08-14-2002
2000 Handley, Chardonnay, Handley Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, California, $18, 1,470 cases. This golden beauty is packed with apple, tropical fruit and toasted coconut. Very clean and crisp, a subtle hand was used on the oak here, which is refreshing. Pair with crab cakes or coconut shrimp. 90/91.
1999 Meridian, Chardonnay, Limited Release, Santa Barbara County, California, $22. While this is not my style of wine, this is nevertheless a very good, well-made wine. The nose is loaded with toasty, smoky, honey/toffee scents. Very lush and elegant on the palate, you'll notice an oily mouth feel. Layers of flavors unfold, ranging from honey butter to tangerine zest. 91/92.
2000 Robert Mondavi, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California, $22. Brimming with pears, tropical fruit, spice and light toasty oak nuances, the zippy acidity ties it all together. It is refreshing to find a Chardonnay with crisp acidity and alcohol at only 13.5%. Hats off to the winemaker. 90/91.
2000 Robert Mondavi, Chardonnay, Reserve, Napa Valley, California, $38. This is not a wine for fans of the soft, creamy style of Chardonnay, as it proudly shows off its ample acidity. Nice for the style, with lots of baked apple, toasted oak, coconut, vanilla, and hazelnut characteristics. 91/90.