Today we review a California chardonnay from Napa Valley that costs about $20 a bottle.
Bottom line: Recommended for those who like buttery, oaky chardonnay. Did I mention buttery?
OK I have a confession: I have something against most California chardonnays. That being, I hardly ever like them. The ones that are remotely affordable are usually way too oaky and they feel sort of clogged, flavor-wise. Clogged with what? I don’t know — strange, artificial-tasting flavors.
Now, for a ray of hope. Today’s chardonnay is a bit different: it’s extremely buttery, and yes it’s pretty darn oaky, but it’s not overwhelmed with those weird, fake flavors I was mentioning. So despite my bigoted prejudice, I think William Hill chardonnay from Napa Valley is actually pretty darn good. And I’m really glad that the winery sent me this sample to check out.
The downside? It’s not crisp or refreshing, because there is so much deep, intense flavor. And yet, it doesn’t do anything really wrong. For $20, that’s special.
As for the Wine Review Tasting Notes — you know, “braised honeydew melon with hints of duck taco” — they aren’t that important here, because William Hill tastes similar to every other decent California chardonnay, with its flavors presented in a way that feels more natural, and less weird to your Wineguider. But two other things stand out: it’s a little bit minerally, and it’s a bit spicy. Yum. More William Hill, please?
You can now store your ice cubes safely in hell, because your Wineguider has decided that this $20 California chardonnay is:
Recommended.
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