CONCANNON CONSERVANCY CHARDONNAY - 2008

From Livermore Valley, California. 100% Chardonnay with 13.5% alcohol. Aged in French and American oak barrels.

TASTING NOTES:

Light golden color with minerality and apple on the nose. Clean, crisp, creamy, smooth, very balanced. Pear, citrus and tropical fruits up front with apple, charred oak, coconut and creme brulee caramel on the finish.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

89+ PTS

Let me start out by saying that I've lost a lot of love for Chardonnay over the years. Mainly because they are over-oaked, flat and not very exciting wines. This Concannon Chardonnay helped me remember what I love most about this varietal. Depth of flavor, great mouthfeel, balance, pairs well with food, creamy, oak is in check, subtle yet surprising. This is just a terrific effort for $15 a bottle. This is a wine with some real finesse. Worth noting that this wine tasted as good or better on day two and three.