2008 Stephen Ross Edna Valley Chardonnay

Extremely classy California Chardonnay here, made by Steve Dooley, former President/winemaker at Edna Valley Vineyards. The fruit is sourced from from two southwest facing sites that are fairly calcareous, which accounts for the mineral backbone supporting this rich and full Chardonnay. The nose greets you with aromas of ripe tropical fruit aromas, creamy vanilla, and brioche; the palate, though creamy and broad, also has acidity and finishes clean and crisp, a clear nod to Burgundy. It is lighter and more food-friendly on the palate than the nose suggests. Any lover of Chardonnay, be it from California or Burgundy, can appreciate the flavor, texture, and balance of this finely crafted wine. One of our best California Chardonnays under $20 in stock right now.

One of the best ways to make great wine is to start with great fruit, and that is exactly what Stephen Ross has done with his new 2008 Edna Valley Chardonnay. Like reading as a who’s who of vineyards, this wine is composed of 54% Wolff Vineyard, 31% Oliver’s Vineyard, 15% Bien Nacido Vineyard fruit. This wonderful trio of sources has done wonders for this wine, with pretty aromas of fresh cooked flaky pastry dough and dried apricot. Building texture on the palate from the 25% new French oak that the wine rested in, this is a lovely medium weight Chardonnay full of flavors of Pink Lady apple, raw cashew, lemon preserves and layered butterscotch. It still has nice acidity on its entry and should never be confused with the throngs of lifeless over-blown domestic Chardonnays. This is easily one of the best wines I've ever seen from this producer.