May 23rd is national Chardonnay Day. Chardonnay, for all the naysayers, is still the number one wine varietal in the US in terms of acres planted and market share. Due to the large amount of Chardonnay produced there is bound to be poorly made wines. Over-ripe, over-oaked and buttery Chardonnay's are common to every wine region in the country I have visited. But there are many wineries that still select from ideal vineyards to produce a complex wine worthy of the your cellar.
One of my favorite produces of Chardonnay is Fantesca Estate located on Spring Mountain. They source their Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley and is made by Heidi Barrett. As far as I am aware this is the only Chardonnay that Heidi makes in the Valley.
The 2011 Fantesca Chardonnay is a signature Chardonnay. It is medium bodied, not over powering but extremely complex and shows remarkable depth. Apple and melon notes greet the front palate. The mid palate shows a slight hint of oak but is well balanced with the acid and fruit. The mid palate into finish shows light to medium minerality which keep the wine from being over powering.
A perfect wine to pair with seafood and lighter meat proteins.
Recommendation - 2011 Fantesca Chardonnay is a true expression of remarkable Chardonnay that can be made from the Russian River Valley but the price is a bit high ($75). Well worth a few bottles to keep for special warm weather celebrations.
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