Here’s a 2007 California chardonnay that costs $22 and is from “Sonoma Coast.”
Bias alert! I’m doing this series because I don’t generally like California chardonnays — so if I can recommend one, it’s probably good enough for most people. I am not a normal, impartial judge of this kind of wine.
Bottom line: The most intense white wine I’ve ever tasted. Unless you’re a crazed California chard fanatic who is looking for the fringe of possible chardonnay flavors, this wine is not recommended.
GAAKK!!! SCHUG chardonnay may be “respecting the fruit and regional character of each variatal,” but this stuff is VERY challenging to drink right after you open it. Positively face-wilting with sour flavors, it just defies you to bring it to your lips for a second try. However, as I explain below, it gets MUCH better on day 2 and could be fascinating to a die-hard California chardonnay fan. Right after opening, for me the smell was the worst part, reminding your Wineguider of urine and rotting flowers.
On day 2, it definitely got better, with some minerality, citrus and green apple, but it was still VERY intense. Is this stuff awful, or stellar and academy-award-winning? I’m not sure! All I know is, it’s way, way out there. The smell improved on day 2 as well, morphing into a pleasant combination of light tropical fruits.
And I have to give some serious “props” to SCHUG chardonnay: UNlike most California chards, it tastes very organic and very natural. If I were really into California chardonnay, I could see loving this stuff. It’s quirky. It’s off the beaten path. It’s intense. It makes a very serious statement.
I just don’t think that the average wine drinker will want to listen. This one is:
Not recommended.
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