Raymond Reserve Napa Chardonnay 2005

Using no malolactic fermentation and moderate oak influence, the Napa ValleyReserve Chardonnay is made in a style that focuses on the inherent qualities of thisvarietal. Raymond's winemakers let the natural flavors shine through. They used along, slow fermentation process in stainless steel tanks to retain the fruit flavors,then aged the wine for three months in new Allier French oak barrels, selected fortheir tight grain that delicately restrains the oak flavors. This gives the wine a touchof oak and creamy vanilla flavors without overwhelming the natural complexity ofthe fruit. read more...This rich, medium-bodied Chardonnay opens with citrus, green apple, honeysuckle,orange blossom and vanilla aromas followed by elegant, refreshing flavors ofvanilla, granny smith apple, pear and apricot. The long, smooth finish is ripe withnotes of pineapple and citrus along with hints of vanilla and almond. A versatile, food friendly wine that will pair well with crab cakes, grilled orange andginger chicken, lemon pork or turkey picatta, poached halibut or mahi mahi,steamed Dungeness crab with Meyer lemon aioli or panko coated white asparagusand poached egg salad with citrus vinaigrette.    (hide)

grassy/bit earthy scent
clean lemon flavor/bit salty
crisp finish

November 2008

The Wine News rating: 90

It’s all about extract in this kick-in-the-pants Chard. Assaults the palate with oversized fruit and the sting of peppery spice. Words like bright, electric and bold come to mind. It’s also sweet and oaky.
100% varietal, the Napa Valley Reserve Chardonnay has perfect balance and classic varietal character. Rich and full-bodied, the wine typically displays subtle flavors of apple, pear and tropical fruit. Fermented in stainless steel, it is placed into French oak barrels for aging. The flavorful, rich Chardonnay complements many entrees including grilled and baked salmon, roasted read more...poultry, sautéed veal, scampi with garlic, rich & creamy pastas    (hide)

It"s all about extract in this kick-in-the-pants Chard. Assaults the palate with oversized fruit and the sting of peppery spice. Words like bright, electric and bold come to mind. It"s also sweet and oaky.

100% varietal, the Napa Valley Reserve Chardonnay has perfect balance and classic varietal character. Rich and full-bodied, the wine typically displays subtle flavors of apple, pear and tropical fruit. Fermented in stainless steel, it is placed into French oak barrels for aging. The flavorful, rich Chardonnay complements many entrees including grilled and baked read more...salmon, roasted poultry, sauteed veal, scampi with garlic, rich & creamy pastas    (hide)

November 2008

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by The Wine News