Kendall-Jackson Avant Chardonnay Monterey Santa Barbara Mendocino Counties 2009

A new category of Chardonnay introduced this year by Kendall-Jackson, and likely to eventually compete with its best-selling Vintnerrsquo;s Reserve. The wine is slightly sweet in pineapple, orange and vanilla honey flavors, with the crisp acidity that comes from coastal grape sourcing. The wine has better structure and is somewhat more minerally and elegant than the Vintnerrsquo;s Reserve.

Another new offering is K-J's 2009 Chardonnay Avant. One hundred percent estate grown, it is a blend of 64% Monterey, 35% Santa Barbara and 1% Mendocino fruit. One-third is aged and fermented in stainless steel. The wine offers aromas of orange blossoms, white currants and white peaches in a fresh, fruity, medium-bodied, refreshing, Chablis-like style.

This refreshing Chardonnay bursts with intriguing layers of fresh pineapple, bright green apple, crisp Meyer lemon, juicy pear and wildflowers. The wine's refreshing acidity and sleek mineral notes are balanced by a rounded mid-palate.

This refreshing Chardonnay bursts with intriguing layers of fresh pineapple, bright green apple, crisp Meyer lemon, juicy pear and wildflowers. The wine's refreshing acidity and sleek mineral notes are balanced by a rounded mid-palate with a long, pure fruit finish. - Winery

A new category of Chardonnay introduced this year by Kendall-Jackson, and likely to eventually compete with its best-selling Vintner's Reserve. The wine is slightly sweet in pineapple, orange and vanilla honey flavors, with the crisp acidity that comes from coastal grape sourcing. The wine has better structure and is somewhat more minerally and elegant than the Vintner's Reserve.

Kendall-Jackson Avant Chardonnay Monterey, Santa Barbara, Mendocino Counties 2009 750ML

Winemaker's notes: Vivid, crisp and bright - the brand new Avant Chardonnay continues the nearly three decades of pioneering distinguished varietal wines from California’s cool coastal appellations.