Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: California
Cost: $14 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes: The rich, slightly sweet, Golden Delicious apple flavors are enticing and prove that California is indeed the Sunshine State. It’s crisp and clean, and it slightly lingers on your palate with Golden Delicious apples, followed by poached pear flavors.
Enjoy our Un-Oaked Chardonnay with a variety of seafood as well chicken dishes.
My Review: I’ve lucked into more unoaked Chardonnay of late than I think I have in the previous two years, which is convenient given my wife’s feelings on Chardonnay that has even looked at an oak barrel. So, to get it out of the way, this wine was April (my wife) approved.
Let’s talk about why.
In the glass the 2019 River Road Un-Oaked Chardonnay was a light straw color. On the nose I picked up aromas of apple and lemon. In the mouth the wine was creamy and tropical, with a hint of sweetness, which turned out great given our food pairing.
We paired the wine an enchilada pasta which, while not spicy, does have a little heat to it, and the sweet notes of poached pear on the wine did a fantastic job of balancing out the food.
I appreciated that while done in 100% stainless steel, the Un-Oaked Chardonnay still managed to have some body and character. It avoided being too “one-note” and was actually interesting to drink.
Given the $14 price point, this is a great value wine, and absolutely one I’d consider for large parties (when we’re allowed to have those again) where you want an approachable, food-friendly white.
Editor’s Note: I received this wine as a free sample for review.
