Bouchaine Chardonnay Estate 2006

This wine definitely does not fit the mold of a traditional California Chardonnay. There is perfume and incense on the nose, with just a touch of citrus fruit. The flavors are over-ripe apples with a touch of salty yeast, a far cry from the butter and oak of tradition. The finish is lacking, a there and then gone sprite component. Definitely an original undertaking.

I have never actually been to the track, but for some reason this wine takes me there. Picture this: bright and sunny, with the scent of goat cheese, ripe green apples, and horses. On the palate it starts off tart - like the skin of a granny smith apple and turns into this nutty yeasty flavor on the mid palate. It's soft and I almost like where it's going, with it's finish like creme fraiche topped bananas. Sounds like a classy day the horse races to me. . . .

On the smell action sensation I'm picking up a mixture of grapefruit, sour apple and a pinch of hazelnuts. The taste rolls in with a buttered popcorn taste with a hint of yeast in addition to the sweet breakfast fruit melange.

It is a true expression of Chardonnay—bright, citrusy flavors graced with only the merest hint of oak. Its fruit flavors, bright acidity, notable texture (a hallmark characteristic of Napa Valley Carneros Chardonnay), and relentless finish harmonize in an elegant, stylish wine.

July 2009

Wine Tasting NotesBouchaine Carneros Chardonnay has a straw gold color that dances in the glass like sunlight. It is perfumed with scents of mango, passion fruit, and guava. Summers ripe nectarines and honeydew melon, and a squeeze of lime unveil themselves as you sip. Enjoy this little trip to paradise.

January 2009