2009 Trinitas Chardonnay- Oak, smoke, no joke at $19.95
26 Aug
Do you like subtle, clean, stainless steel Chardonnay? If so do not buy this wine. On the other hand, if you are like me and prefer the rich, oaky, barrel fermented version, Trinitas has yet another fantastic value with their 2009 vintage Chardonnay from Carneros. Carneros, which spans Napa and Sonoma on Napa’s southwest side, is to Chardonnay what Oakville is to Cabernet. In a word (or three)- the perfect climate. The cooler climate created by the maritime influence of San Palo Bay is perfect for growing Chardonnay grapes and this AVA tends to produce the most expensive Chardonnay coming out of Napa and Sonoma.
This wine has a complexity rarely found in a $20 Chardonnay. The toasty oak in which this wine was aged makes for a fragrant, smokey nose and a rich buttery texture. The complexity of this wine is serious. It reminds me of a cross between Rombauer and Beringer Private Reserve, which is putting this $20 wine in pretty esteemed company. Trinitas has a history of making some fantastic values. Their Oakville Cabernet for $25 is awesome, and this Chardonnay is equally as good.
2009 is looking like another 2007 quality vintage for California. We are really lucky to have only one or two less than stellar vintages per decade in this state. Go to France and you have to turn that equation on it’s head- they have only one or two great vintage per decade. Watch for more great values emerging from 2009 as more wineries release their whites this year and their reds in the next two years.
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