Simi Chardonnay Russian River Valley Reserve Goldfields Vineyard 2010

decent, but this reserve did not impress more than the standard simi chardonnay

Nose: Melon, grapefruit. Mid-palate: butter and oak. citrus (lemon, mostly) Weight: medium-body, silky Finish: medium I bought this wine blind, based only on Simi's reputation, in Manhattan for a family dinner, where salmon was the entree. From the first taste, the six people at the table glanced at the bottle to make sure people were leaving enough for a second glass. The buttery-lemony-oaken flavor, silky texture, and solid weight were a perfect match to the salmon. There were a few "Wow!"s, an "Ohmygawd," and a "Niiiiicccceeee" from the people at the table. My own reaction was just as greedy. I didn't have to analyze the wine to enjoy it; it was a "guzzle first, think later" experience. Pair this with a meaty, full-flavored fish (salmon, swordfish) to reinforce the heartiness of the dish.

Nose: Melon, grapefruit. Mid-palate: butter and oak. citrus (lemon, mostly) Weight: medium-body, silky Finish: medium. I bought this wine blind, based only on Simi's reputation, in Manhattan for a family dinner, where salmon was the entree. From the first taste, the six people at the table glanced at the bottle to make sure people were leaving enough for a second glass. The buttery-lemony-oaken flavor, silky texture, and solid weight were a perfect match to the salmon. There were a few "Wow!"s, an "Ohmygawd," and a "Niiiiicccceeee" from the people at the table. My own reaction was just as greedy. I didn't have to analyze the wine to enjoy it; it was a "guzzle first, think later" experience. Pair this with a meaty, full-flavored fish (salmon, swordfish) to reinforce the heartiness of the dish.

Nose: Melon, grapefruit. Mid-palate: butter and oak. citrus (lemon, mostly) Weight: medium-body, silky Finish: medium I bought this wine blind, based only on Simi's reputation, in Manhattan for a family dinner, where salmon was the entree. From the first taste, the six people at the table glanced at the bottle to make sure people were leaving enough for a second glass. The buttery-lemony-oaken flavor, silky texture, and solid weight were a perfect match to the salmon. There were a few "Wow!"s, an "Ohmygawd," and a "Niiiiicccceeee" from the people at the table. My own reaction was just as greedy. I didn't have to analyze the wine to enjoy it; it was a "guzzle first, think later" experience. Pair this with a meaty, full-flavored fish (salmon, swordfish) to reinforce the heartiness of the dish. This also goes well with smoked cheeses.

[SPAC picnic] pear on the nose and in the glass with some oak, acidity, and spice at the finish just when you think it is over there is a pleasant lingering pear on the palate. Dollar for dollar my favorite Cali chard. (**)