There is a lot of debate around what’s the “best” style of California Chardonnay.  Oak vs. Steel, malolactic fermentation or not, buttery vs. crisp.  Unfortunately, this debate has caused producers and consumers to focus more on style and less on the quality of what’s in the glass.  So many California wine tastings start with a pour of Chardonnay followed by a statement like “Now don’t expect some sort of buttery/overoaked Chardonnay.  We take a different approach”.  Here’s a different approach: focus on making good wine out of good grapes, and let the wine speak for itself.

Gary Farrell did just that with his 2009 Russian River Valley Chardonnay.  This wine has some oak influence, but it doesn’t taste like a campfire.  It’s crisp, balanced, has an exceptional mouthfeel and a very long finish.  In other words, it’s a great Chardonnay, regardless of the barrel program, fermentation techniques, yields or any other show-offy winemaking jargon.

$32 from the winery and just $26.95 at LA Wine Co.  This is the perfect summer drinking Chardonnay.  Make it part of a case for $25 flat shipping!

Buy Here: Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Chardonnay $26.95

Don’t to forget to mention “Nickel and Dime Wine $25 Shipping” in the notes for $25 flat case shipping!  Details here.

Wine Spectator 93 points

“Clean and refreshingly rich without being weighty, delivering a core of creamy pear and apple, with spice and floral touches, ending with a lively aftertaste of white peach. Drink now through 2020. 2,237 cases made.”