2009 Bouchaine Chardonnay, Napa Carneros~

Ok, can I first say that it may not be “cool” to pick Chardonnay…just not “wine geeky” enough.  But Chardonnay isn’t the “one size fits all” type of wine of the ’90s.  Meaning the oaky, buttery, all the same wines, yawn.  Domestic Chardonnay has grown up as wineries have found the perfect location & winemaking style.  Bad news though…the next few vintages will be short making for no big bargains in Chardonnay.

Back to Erin’s Pick….Bouchaine Chardonnay is wonderful, perfectly balanced with an excellent expression of Napa Carneros fruit.  The winemaker, Michael Richmond (started Acacia Winery) is passionate about creating wines that are regionally correct.  For Bouchaine Chardonnay that translates into very clean, bright and vibrant fruit from as far south in Napa as you can go.  The vineyard backs up to San Pablo Bay with fog rolling in over the vineyard almost daily in the growing season.  The cool summer fog keeps the vineyard very slow ripening making for complex and elegant wines…perfectly balanced for pairing with food or just sipping.

2009 Bouchaine Chardonnay: Was  $28.99/btl   Now: $23.99/btl (almost 20% off!)

Bouchaine Vineyards lies on the Southern border of Napa Valley, adjacent to the

Napa-Sonoma Marsh State Wildlife Area. This unique geographical location, shoulder-to-shoulder with brackish water ponds that are home to western meadow larks, red-winged black birds and a variety of owls and hawks, inspires our commitment to preserving our local wildlife and avian neighbors. In 2004, our vineyards became the first property to attain the Fish Friendly Farming and Napa Green Farming certifications through the Napa Valley Vintners Association and the California Land Stewardship Institute.

2009 proved to be a fantastic harvest year for this estate wine. The cool summer gave way to September heat that quickly ripened the vines, producing bright and well-defined Chardonnay intensity. Marked by a third year of drought conditions, the prudent watering from our partially filled ponds allowed for full fruit development, while limiting crop yield. It was a one-in-ten harvest year.

A variety of yeast and malolactic bacterial strains contribute a range of subtle variations that, coupled with the influences of oak barrels of different ages, toast levels and origins, yields an intriguingly complex chardonnay experience.

The very light golden color reflects the cool vintage and promises the bright citrusy impressions over the sweet ginger undertones. This wine is somewhat of a chameleon, changing subtly to resonate with a wide range of cuisine styles, responding graciously and prudently.