I am notoriously ABC (anything but Chardonnay) , but since I had this sample chilling long after I snarfed down the delectable Sauvvy B, I thought why not? And I coerced anothe friend who said, "Okay, while I don't like to drink Chardonnay in other people's houses, yours, I'll try". Wow! We were glad we did. With the pollen count as high as the sun and spring fever vying with hay fever, we were feeling the white wine. This came out of the glass a bright lemon yellow. Aromas of white flowers and pear tart. Nice mouth feel with silk and crisp balanced. Flavors of dried pear with a wisp of smoke in the mid palate. Lots of tropical notes in the yummy finish. I got the sense of deft oak treatment. I was curious, so pulled the winemaker notes:"Using no Malolactic fermentation and moderate oak influence, our Napa Valley Chardonnay is made in a style that focuses on the inherent qualities of this varietal. To preserve the unique Chardonnay flavors and aromas of grapes grown in this region, this wine was whole cluster pressed and cold fermented in stainless steel tanks. We aged 50% of the Chardonnay for five months in Nevers and Allier French oak barrels, selected for their tight grain that delicately restrains the oak flavors. This gives the wine a touch of oak and creamy vanilla flavors without overwhelming the natural fruit flavors".
The folks at Raymond treat the wonderful fruit from Napa Valley with respect and it shows in a lovely, well integrated wine. We drank it all! I don't have any pairing notes because it was such an easy to drink wine, we paired it with a warm evening and good conversation.
If you are in the St. Helena area, it is such an interesting place to visit!
Raymond Winery
849 Zinfandel Lane
St. Helena, CA 94574
St. Helena, CA 94574
More info here
Whatever you are drinking, I hope you have a happy Chardonnay Day!
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