The bouquet is interesting, and if that sounds like a euphemism for “bad,” it truly isn’t. After it warms up in your glass (still below room temperature, but warmer than Coke temperature), there’s almost a white port smell to it. It’s like alcoholic, poached pear dessert. Apple, and some white pepper spice are in there, too -- the pepper is most likely the alcohol in disguise, but it does add a nice dimension.

The mouthfeel is what will really have you shaking your fist at the injustice that is the price gap (and thus perceived value gap) between red and white wines. One sip and you’ll look like a grandfather sitting on his porch yelling, “You damn kids, get off my lawn!” It has great smoothness in the mouth, but there’s some nice acidity as well. It’s plenty big, but isn’t rich, but only because it’s more elegant than “rich.”

Oh, and the flavors don’t suck, either. Slightly sweet green and golden apple is dominant on the palate, but there’s also more than enough oak to keep a discerning termite happy.

The finish is great. Tart apple and just a little steel/mineral notes linger for long enough to have you pondering why it is that Indian well water tastes so good. Heck, your own notes about this chardonnay might even begin with such a pondering.

From there, you’ll probably be noting what a steal this wine is at just $15. If you end up fist-shaking on your porch, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Get off my lawn,
TSW

If this is what Indian well-water tastes like, I’ll be thrilled to seek out and drink from as many old holes as I can find!

This is an incredible wine, and it’s nearly embarrassing that it only costs $15. Think about it: a quality red wine can run you $20 bucks without raising a single eyebrow. But, charge that much for a white wine, and the majority of the wine-swilling public cries “outrageous!”

What a double-standard crock o’ crap. Great wine is great wine, so who cares what color it is?

And speaking of color, this chardonnay is far from white. It’s the color of that cosmetic jewelry approaching we’ve all seen that tries to be Champagne diamonds. Pretty in a wine glass; not so pretty strung together on your wrist.