Domestic Chardonnay that rings up very close to $20 seems like a rather crowded category these days, which suggests both popularity and sharp-elbowed competition. This competes well with good physical density and rich flavors recalling stone fruits along with a tropical note. Wood accents of spices and light smoke provide complexity that will help this stand out in a crowd.
Notably sweet with accents of vanilla and oak charring, it offers the key elements that many consumers hope for in Chardonnays at this price level, with just enough acidity to help freshen the finish.
Dried lavender, Italian herbs, and soy sauce deliver texture, dimension, and an arsenal of ripe blue fruit. A stream of blackberry-cocoa meets up with lush tannins, saturating the palate.
Fresh linen, tangerine, and salty minerality expand on the palate. Acidity weaves its way through an inner richness that levels out with honeyed peaches on the finish.
Minerality is as striking on the nose as on the palate. Gem-like citrus notes combine with honeysuckle, almonds, and cinnamon-apple. Fuller bodied than most Pinot Grigio’s from this region, and delectable, with a bite of juicy pear on the finish.
From one of Sonoma Coast’s most prestigious sites, this wind tunnel of a vineyard sees a plethora of fog along its rugged terrain and is one of the Price Family’s Heritage Vineyards. Cherries and sugar beets burst with a juicy flow. Its velvet mouthfeel is entrancing, and powers notes of chocolate and ripe plum, amped by a fine acidity.
Deep color, well-extracted, with nicely nuanced aromas and flavors of black fruit, dark cherry, mocha, and roasted coffee, with a well-integrated smoke note. Full and weighty on the palate, seamlessly smooth, and supremely balanced with good length and soft tannins. Aged in (25% new) French oak for 15 months. Outstanding value.
Bright boysenberry sets an animated tone for this pretty red. Velvet-lined tannins create a slick mouthfeel, sparked by white pepper and enlivened by hibiscus.