Beverage Dynamics is the largest national business magazine devoted exclusively to the needs of off-premise beverage alcohol retailers, from single liquor stores to big box chains, through coverage of the latest trends in wine, beer and spirits.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/36361
(90) Landing Place Sonoma Chardonnay 2009 (California). A well-made chardonnay from Rodney Strong Wine Estates; concentrated with nice round flavors of pear, apple citrus and fig; very little noticeable oak, this wine is refreshing and crisp; perfect for the summertime. ($14) (90) Louis Latour Beaune Clos St. Desire 2009 (France). This is a classic White Burgundy that reminds one of premier cru Chassagne Montrachet; there is oak but it is per- fect; crisp with a little gravel. ($30) (90) Chateau Ste Michelle Cold Creek Chardonnay 2008 (Washington State). This chardonnay exhibits aromas of apple and lemon with toast flavors on the finish; it is robust but retains a beautiful balance showing a restrained finish. ($25) (90) Dominican Oaks Unoaked Chardonnay 2009 (California). It’s balanced with some mineral tartness and some light sweet- ness; flavors concentrate on lemon- lime and peach; light, easy to drink, delicious, and its taste is refreshingly natural. ($13) (90) Kinneybrook Sonoma Chardonnay 2010 (California). A frame of toasty oak, with a center of pear, peach, apple and tropical flavors; good spice notes of nutmeg and cin- namon; reamy and deep with a nutty complex finish. ($16) (90) Sea Mist Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2009 (California). This is not your typical fruity or buttery/oaky chardonnay; earthy aromas, mostly of green apples; balanced flavors of melon and pear; matches well with foods. ($13) (89) Domaine du Colombier Petit Chablis 2009 (France). A nice medium-weight Petit Chablis; good fruit; a good min- eral structure for the appellation; a notable value; matches well with seafood. ($18) (89) Ferrari Carano Chardonnay 2009 (California). Juicy citrus, apple, and caramel on the nose with a baked lemon, yellow apples and hints of vanilla; clean and elegant; a pleasant surprise. ($17) (89) Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay (2009). A classically styled California chardonnay that is produced in a very refined manner; hints of vanilla and graham cracker fill the air when first opened; deep rich and creamy on the palate yet is supported with good acidity, firm backbone and long-lasting finish. ($13) (89) Newton Chardonnay 2009 (California). Sourced 58% from Sonoma County and 42% from Napa County; light gold in color; an aroma of citrus notes; featuring apple, pear and melon flavors; a pretty finish. ($20) (89) Novellum Chardonnay 2009 (France). An Eric Solomon custom cuvee; lovely, rich unoaked wine that is food-friendly and lovely as a cocktail; wonderful value. ($11) (89) Girard Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2009 (California). The bouquet is lovely and light as mild honeydew and peach aro- mas drift within a light oak frame; the palate is similar to the bouquet, but a squirt of citrus adds some brightness; overall, it stays soft and supple and light vanilla emerges in the finish. ($25) (89) Liberty School Chardonnay 2008 (California). Bright tropical fruit balanced with soft butter notes and light oak make this a refreshing chardonnay; he finish is soft and relaxing; good match with fish and chicken pairings. ($14) (89) Domaine de la Fruitiere 2007 (France). From the Loire Valley; 100 % chardonnay fruit on the nose with a crisp finish; nice summer wine. ($15) (88) Enon Robertson Chardonnay 2010 (South Africa). The bouquet is zesty and fresh, show- ing off a light spice edge to its mild citrus aromas; some zestiness on the palate too, making for an almost bois- terous presentation, but it evens out 52 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • July/August 2011 nicely and the citrus and tropical fruit notes gain roundness and depth. ($16) (88) Windsor Sonoma Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2009 (California). The bouquet is light, with aromas of butter and vanilla bean mingling with cream and mild cit- rus; medium-bodied, it builds in inten- sity across the palate, showing depth and softness as butterscotch tints mild tropical fruit flavors; a long finish. ($22) (88) Coppola Diamond Series Santa Lucia Highlands Pavillon Chardonnay 2009 (California). The bouquet is slightly restrained but does have a nice array of green tree fruit aromas; medium- full and round, it has good fruit struc- ture, with apple, pear, and light citrus marmalade flavors, and it turns softer toward the long finish. ($17) (88) Tres Palacios Reserve Chardonnay 2010 (Maipo Valley, Chile). Medium-bodied, smooth, dry and flavorful; an excellent value for summer sipping. ($11) (88) Susan Fields Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2008 (California). Lots of fresh fruit on the nose with a very crisp finish; light oak on the palate; good price/quality ratio. ($17) (88) Angeline California Chardonnay 2010 (California). The wine begins with aromas of toasty oak, vanilla, ripe peach and pear; rich, ripe tropical fruit flavors are married with the toasty oak and hints of tangy citrus and lime zest. ($11) (87) Tabali Chardonnay Reserve Especial, Limari Valley 2009 (Chile). This has a light bou- quet and palate of prickly pear and honeydew, but there is more melon on the palate; bold and ripe and almost sweet, but sharp acidity moves in to brace things; moderate finish. ($12) (86) Catena Chardonnay 2009 (Mendoza, Argentina). Light gold in color with a citrus aroma; cit- rus, tropical fruit and apple flavors, followed by a long finish. ($17)