2009 Yalumba Unwooded Chardonnay (Australia)
Nose: With its bright citrus and tropical fruit flavors, it would be easy to mistake this wine for a Sauvignon Blanc. Mouth: It manages to be both juicy and crisp, with bright acid to meet the full apple flavors. fearlesscritic.com “Light and crisp, with pretty pear and cream flavors riding easily on the polished frame.” 87 Points Wine Spectator
2008 Finca Sophenia Chardonnay Reserve Tupungato Mendoza (Argentina)
The 2008 Reserve Chardonnay was 50% barrel-fermented and part of the wine went through malolactic fermentation. The nose offers up baking spices, toast notes, white peach, and poached pear. With good acidity, the wine is reminiscent of a mid-level Chablis. The flavors are savory and the wine has solid length. Rated 88 The Wine Advocate
2010 Vina Echeverria UnWooded Chardonnay Curico Valley (Chile)
“Bright yellow with golden hues. Fresh and juicy, this delicate Chardonnay expresses aromas of pineapples, melon and peach combined with exquisite citrus notes. The palate is silky and vibrant with a long tasty finish.” echewine.com
2009 Varner Chardonnay “Foxglove” San Luis Obispo (California)
This terrific portfolio of values is led by Foxglove’s remarkable 2009 Chardonnay, a non-oaked, stainless steel-fermented and aged white that sees no malolactic fermentation. Moreover, there are 30,000 cases of this beauty, a blend of two-thirds Santa Barbara County fruit and the rest from Paso Robles and further north in Monterey. It exhibits crisp honeyed lemon, citrus, poached pear, and honeysuckle notes intermixed with a hint of pineapple. However, it is the zesty acidity, stunning purity, and delightful balance this naked Chardonnay possesses that make it so appealing. Enjoy it over the next year. Rated 90 The Wine Advocate
2008 Walter Hansel Chardonnay Russian River Valley (California)
Light, bright yellow. An exotic bouquet displays nectarine, orange pith, pear and smoky lees. Bright mineral and floral notes add liveliness to fleshy orchard fruit and melon flavors, which show good heft, especially at this price point. Gains smokiness with air and finishes with a bit of heat and good cling. Showing its 14% alcohol but I find this very easy to drink. Rated 88 International Wine Cellar
2009 Larochette-Manciat Maconnais (Burgundy, France)
If this exemplifies what we are going to see from the 2009 vintage in the Maconnais and further north in the Cote d’Or, consumers are in for a treat. Larochette-Manciat’s 2009 exhibits plenty of steely freshness as well as ripe nectarine and honeyed melon notes presented in a fruity, medium-bodied style. It is a beautiful white combining power with elegance. Enjoy it over the next 1-2 years. Rated 90 The Wine Advocate