Stuhlmuller Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay from the Alexander Valley represents a growing trend among California Chardonnays… a move toward less oaked, leaner, drier, and earthier wines. And this particular vintage is much in the manner of a fine French Chablis, exhibiting decidedly mineral-like elements but still managing to maintain an elegant, lush, and complex backbone of citrus and ripe fruit.
There’s great body here, but, thankfully, it isn’t drowned in the ponderous presence of too much artificially infused sweetness. Yes, there is a touch of oak… but it is perfectly balanced by 14.1% alcohol and sufficient acidity.
This is a Chardonnay that is wonderful for a variety of food pairings – predominately fish and shellfish and other lighter fare – but it is also just right for au naturel solitary summer quaffing.
The 2009 Stuhlmuller Vineyards Chardonnay is truly a wonderful wine… bright, balanced, and completely food friendly. And it is also, given its incredible quality, more than reasonably priced. It normally retails for $24.00, but I have seen it on sale for $14.99– a positive steal! But it’s selling fast, so you’d better get a move on!
Cheers!
TAD
{ 0 comments… add one now }