Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: California
Cost: $17 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes: Sur lie aged, which translates to “on the lees” is the aging process used to capture this richer and fuller-bodied Un-Oaked Chardonnay. Balanced with flavors of citrus and stone fruit. Pair with a variety of seafood as well as chicken dishes.
My Review: While the label of this wine said “un-oaked,” I’ll admit I was a bit apprehensive given that it also said “Reserve.” Given that calling a Chardonnay reserve often means it’s spent a bunch of time on oak, I was curious to see how this wine showed, especially after spending 4 months aging sur lie.
There was no need for worry.
In the glass the wine was a golden wheat color with hints of green that showed through in the light. On the nose I picked up aromas of green apple, lime, and stone fruit, while in the mouth I got flavors of lime, green apple, and white flowers. The wine was good and crisp with a nice balanced acid; enough to keep it refreshing, but not so much that it overwhelmed the wine and made it one note.
I paired the wine with some spicy chicken lettuce wraps and it was a great choice. The citrus and apple notes were a good counterbalance to the spiciness of the chicken, and in fact really shown through as a result of the spicy chicken. I personally liked this one even better than the 2020 River Road Un-Oaked Chardonnay (though my wife preferred the non-reserve wine more), and at $17 a bottle it’s definitely one I would keep an eye out for–it’d be perfect for sharing at a summer party as a versatile white option.
Editor’s Note: I received this wine as a free sample for review.
