SONOMA-CUTRER SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY - 2005

This is the first vintage of the Sonoma-Cutrer Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. The California vineyard is known for combining Burgundian methods with American technological innovation to create terroir driven wines.

TASTING NOTES:

Rich caramel scents emerge immediately after uncorking then quickly dissipate and are replaced by oak and citrus aromas. Straight-forward buttery, oaky flavors dominate. There's a bit of apple-pear here too, but it's mixed into a slightly thin Chard with a watery edge.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

86 PTS
Not bad for an inaugural vintage, but this wine simply isn't good enough and lacks complexity for its $20 - $25 ask price. California has too many superior Chardonnays in this price range to even consider picking this one up.