There are plenty of Chardonnay “haters” out in the world, but so many more people just love it.  Thus, for those who are always seeking good value and great taste, here are a few Chards that are sure to please your palate (and wallet). 

La Crema 2015 Yamhill-Carlton Chardonnay

Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Pears and peaches wander among expressions of buttery oak, spice, and flint. There’s a nice, creamy texture on the palate as flavors of pear, golden apple, and peach play off of the buttery oak, flint, and lemon custard. Round and mouth-filling with lovely fruit and some good complexity, it’s a well made Chardonnay.

Rating: 90

Kendall-Jackson 2015 “Grand Reserve” Chardonnay

Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: Monterey County, California

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

One is greeted by aromas of tropical fruit, honeydew, buttery oak, and vanilla on the nose. Expressions of melons, pineapples, and lemon combine with a toasty, buttery oak on the palate. Creamy and round, but balanced but processing a good acidity, fans of buttery Chardonnay will enjoy this.

Rating: 90

Robert Mondavi 2015 Bourbon Barrel Aged Chardonnay

Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: Monterey County, Ca

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

Lots of tropical fruit comes together with butterscotch and toasty vanilla on the nose. Lush and round on the palate, pineapple, mango, and nectarine meld with butterscotch, toasty oak, and coconut cream. There’s still a nice acidity here to balance out the creamy, rich flavors, so it’s lovely to sip alone but could also pair well with a honey baked ham.

Rating: 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Photo credit: RobW_ via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND