Wines and Beyond

White Wine by Cakebread from Napa Valley, California. Cakebread Cellars' Napa Valley Chardonnay is light straw in color with a glint of gold. Its aromas are reminiscent of green apples and the faint scent of apricots with a clean scent of mineral suggestive of flint. These impressions are repeated on the palate with a very slight buttery finish and a subtle hint of French oak vanillin in the background. Good depth with an ideal balance of fruit and crisp acidity lead into a fresh, silky finish.

White Wine by Grgich Hills from Napa Valley, California. Since 1977, Grgich Hills has crafted a food-friendly Chardonnay with crispness and acidity to balance the wine's concentrated fruit. They do not allow the Chardonnay to undergo malolactic fermentation in order to preserve the beautiful acidity and intense fruit that they worked so hard to produce in the vineyard. This elegant Chardonnay has luscious aromas of baked pear, lychee nuts and wild honey with a full and rich mouthfeel and a long finish. The bright acidity and balance of oak and body make it the perfect partner for grilled or roasted seafood, chicken and pork.

White Wine by Beringer from Napa Valley, California. Each Chardonnay lot was kept separate throughout the aging process to retain the individual flavor characteristics. After gentle crushing, Winemaker Laurie Hook fermented the juice in French oak barrels (77 percent new) to enhance the natural richness in the wine. The lees were stirred weekly to develop a nutty-toasty character and fully integrate the oak flavors, encouraging a good balance. All of the wines were put through malolactic fermentation to encourage a lush creaminess. After 9 months aging, Winemaster Ed Sbragia and Winemaker Laurie chose the richest, most expressive lots and blended them to create an intensely aromatic and flavorful wine featuring lemon zest, sweet vanilla, baked apple and spicy oak aromas layered with rich flavors of pineapple, and hints of minerality and spice that lead into a long and bright citrus-infused finish.

White Wine by Grgich Hills from Napa Valley, California. The Wine News Chardonnay of the Year! A classy Chardonnay in every respect, offering enticing aromas of acacia blossom, ripe Meyer lemon, honeysuckle, a touch of minerality and a modest dusting of French oak. Full bodied and elegant on the palate with excellent acid balance and expansive flavors of citrus, pear, quince, green apple and spice, this crisp, complex, food-friendly wine remains lively in the mouth, thanks to the absence of malolactic fermentation and the judicious use of French oak (one-third new); long, lemony close. This is the first vintage that our Chardonnay is estate grown, meaning we control everything from the vineyard to the bottle. The grapes were grown organically at our American Canyon and Carneros vineyards, where the coolness allows the grapes to develop complex flavors while maintaining a pleasing natural acidity. We do not allow the Chardonnay to undergo malolactic fermentation. This preserves the wine's crispness and acidity to balance its concentrated fruit. Our full-bodied, elegant Chardonnay has fresh aromas of acacia and citrus flowers, honey and a touch of mineral. All of our vineyards are biodynamically farmed, an agricultural philosophy that incorporates all of the elements of organic farming, using no artificial pesticides, fertilizers, or fungicides. Additionally, it treats the Earth as a living organism and utilizes nature's basic life forces to bring about balance between the grapevines and the Earth.

White Wine by Stag's Leap Wine Cellars from Napa Valley, California. The name KARIA (kar'-ee-ah) is derived from a Greek word meaning graceful, and it is this very character that Stag's Leap Wine Cellars seek most in this wine. With stylistic inspiration coming specifically from their Arcadia Vineyard Chardonnay, the wine is refreshing, light and graceful on the palate, with bright acidity supporting ripe fruit flavors and a butterfly kiss of oak. Inviting aromas of white peach, apple, spiced pear, and citrus join with floral notes of honeysuckle and roses to create a beautiful bouquet. The fruity aromas carry over to the palate and marry with a subtle creaminess and a touch of warm brioche. This delicate richness makes the 2006 KARIA Chardonnay a versatile wine at the dinner table. Try it with chicken piccata, corn risotto, or a warm goat cheese salad.

White Wine by Groth from Napa Valley, California. Long, cool fermentation in a mixture of old and new barrels gives this Chardonnay layers of fruitiness and complexity that result in a wine that is very enjoyable when young or after several years of bottle age. This method of fermentation, in conjunction with whole cluster pressing and sur lie aging add layers of toastiness and creaminess to the wine. Together these components meld together harmoniously to create a balanced wine that is both lively and rich in aroma and flavor. Seared Halibut or any shellfish is a natural with this crisp, well balanced wine. I like to serve the Halibut on a bed of couscous with a saffron-fennel broth. -Kimball Jones, Culinary Director

White Wine by Trefethen from Napa Valley, California. Trefethen's primary estate vineyard is located in the heart of the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley AVA, which occupies an ideal climate zone between Napa's warmer up-valley districts and its cool southern tip. The marine influence of nearby San Pablo Bay allows their estate Chardonnay grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, developing concentrated flavors while retaining high levels of acidity. Trefethen 2005 Chardonnay exudes beguiling ripe, yellow apple, peach, honeyed citrus and light butter scents, with intriguing hints of anise and tarragon. On the beautifully structured palate, its bright apple, lemon and pineapple flavors boast a refreshing minerality that persists throughout the wine's long, clean finish. This Chardonnay makes a wonderful match for dishes with bold citrus and tarragon flavors. Roasted chicken, veal piccata, lemon fettuccini Alfredo and succulent pork loin are just a few examples.

White Wine by Girard from Napa Valley, California. The cooling effect of the marine layer fog at the Western reaches of the Russian River Valley provides excellent growing conditions for Chardonnay grapes. Various vineyards within Dutton Ranch are the primary fruit source for Girard's Chardonnay, with additional fruit coming from La Porte Cochere vineyard. The cooler weather yields higher grape acidity at harvest which helps form the base of Girard's trademark style of bright, clean and non-buttery Chardonnay. The 2006 Russian River Chardonnay exhibits wonderful brightness, clarity and light weight on the palate. The crispness and minerality of the wine makes it a lovely food companion but you will find it to be quite enjoyable on its own. Superb peach and melon aromas with refreshing citrus flavors are accented with hints of toasted nuts and a subtle, rich texture from the sur lies aging.

White Wine by Silverado from Napa Valley, California. Bright clear yellow color. Ripe yellow apple, pear, citrus and mineral aromas. Medium body, silky texture with citrus zest on finish.

White Wine by Flora Springs from Napa Valley, California. The 2005 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay is a perfect combination of all the best growing regions in Napa Valley. It boasts flavors of peach and pear on the palate, with just a hint of pineapple, and the mouthfeel is creamy and luscious. This wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation because of the considerable richness that is inherent in our fruit. It is a delicious wine that pairs beautifully with food or can be enjoyed alone.

White Wine by Robert Mondavi from Napa Valley, California. The 2005 Robert Mondavi Winery Chardonnay is a fresh, youthful wine, with lively acidity and abundant fruit. Aromas of zesty citrus, green apple and tropical coconut are enhanced by the subtle use of oak. Ripe layers of fruit flavors unfold in the glass, with citrus and green apple leading to pear and pineapple. In the background, smoky oak deepens into creme brulee.

White Wine by Rutherford Hill from Napa Valley, California. This wine was made with traditional Burgundian practices. Healthy fermentations allowed Sur lie aging from harvest until the first racking 9 months later. Battonage, stirring of the lees, occurred two times a month to integrate extra body and complexity. Some of the finest French oak barrels from the regions of Vosges, Nevers and Centere of France yield the roasted nuts and spices. Fruit and minerality are the signature of Rutherford Hill's Chardonnay vineyards. The 2005 Rutherford Hill Chardonnay will accompany Thanksgiving or any Holiday meal.

White Wine by Franciscan from Napa Valley, California. This vintage continues Franciscan's tradition of using the lost art of wild yeast fermentation. Half of the blend was made in this labor-intensive way to showcase the expressive Chardonnay fruit and the small lot craftsmanship that makes Franciscan wines distinctive. Appearance: Pale lemon yellow Aroma: Pretty stone fruit and ripe pear, with lemon peel notes. Layered aromas with enticing minerality, hints of cream and vanilla, and crisp apple undertones. Flavor: Fresh and lively, yet good richness and body. Flavors of Golden Delicious and pear tart fill the palate, accentuated by fresh citrus and delicate tropical notes. The round mid-palate is filled with fruit and subtle toasty oak, extending to a lingering crisp finish of mineral and bright citrus.

White Wine by Beringer from Napa Valley, California. Winemakers Ed Sbragia and Laurie Hook chose complementary lots of Chardonnay from several vineyards to craft a wine that exhibits bright fruit, richness and complexity. Lemon zest, green apple and spice aromas lead into mouthcoating citrus, toasted coconut, nutmeg, cardamom and apple flavors and a bright fruit finish.

White Wine by St. Clement from Napa Valley, California. The grapes for this wine were hand picked, and the fruit was whole cluster pressed to protect the flavors and aromas. This Chardonnay is 100 percent barrel fermented in 20 percent new French oak, with the remaining portion in two and three-year-old French oak. Winemaker Danielle Cyrot chose to put approximately 85 percent of the blend through malolactic fermentation. All of the lots were kept separate and aged sur lee with no lees stirring for eight months before blending and bottling. The goal is to create a wine with a creamy texture and mid-palate weight that retains the character of the fruit and the Carneros acidity. This Chardonnay has lush aromas of lemon, ripe cantaloupe and kiwi that transition to flavors of honeydew, citrus and green apple on the palate. A creamy mouthfeel and vanilla spice notes from the French oak round out the mid-palate, and the wine finishes with a refreshing acidity and a touch of minerality.

White Wine by Sterling from Napa Valley, California. Light straw in color, this Chardonnay offers a rich, creamy entry with flavors of ripe pear and apple, vanilla and spice followed by a long, fruity/toasty finish. Enjoy this wine with a variety of foods, including Caesar salad, fried chicken, and fresh fish in cream sauce.

White Wine by Rutherford Ranch from Napa Valley, California. Blend: 90% Chardonnay, 10% other white varietals The long summer weather was mild and moderate, encouraging extra growth, increased berry size with heavier and tighter clusters. This cooler climate was perfect for Chardonnay and some say the grapes have the best flavors since the replanting of the Rutherford Ranch vineyards in the late 1980s. This characteristic Chardonnay starts off with aromas of freshly picked apricots and sweet honey. The fruit theme continues with scents of crisp green apples and just peeled lemon zest followed by hints of vanilla and creme br\\xFBlee. Full bodied, with beautiful balance, this Napa Valley Chardonnay with flavors of ripe peach, pear, vanilla and crisp Myers lemon are perfectly balanced leaving your palate with a clean, crisp finish. This Chardonnay is perfect for a summer afternoon - slightly chilled it is refreshing to drink this wine on its own or while grilling fresh salmon or sea bass with fresh herbs.

White Wine by St. Clement from Napa Valley, California. Pale yellow in color, this Chardonnay features aromas of lemon, ripe melon, pear and tropical fruit that transition to bright fruit flavors of citrus, apple and cantaloupe on the palate. A creamy mouthfeel of Kiwi, guava, vanilla and spice notes from the French oak combine with balanced acidity and a touch of minerality that prolongs the fruit flavors throughout a long, saturated finish.

White Wine by Rutherford Ranch from Napa Valley, California. A widely appealing Chardonnay with aromas of fresh citrus blossom, dried white peach, nectarine and pear are apparent as soon as you pop the cork. These wonderful fruit fragrances are intertwined with soft butterscotch and French vanilla. Crafted with fresh pear, apricot and green apple flavors this classic Chardonnay has a round mouth feel leading to a clean, crisp finish. This crowd pleasing Chardonnay is perfect, slightly chilled, by the glass. A perfect companion to traditional dishes such as oven roasted chicken, grilled pork shoulder or a summer salad. This wine is also a superb choice when serving fresh scallops or prawns, fettucini alfredo or chicken parmesan. A great choice to pair with fresh fruit tarts or pecan ice cream.

White Wine by Raymond from Napa Valley, California. The R Collection Chardonnay opens with aromas of pineapple, grapefruit, lemon, ripe melon, pear and vanilla with a touch of sweet oak. Bright tropical fruit flavors of pineapple and mango followed by kiwi, green apple, pear, vanilla and honey on the finish. Medium-bodied with very light oak influence, this Chardonnay is nicely balanced with a rich, smooth mouthfeel and a long finish. This food friendly wine will pair well with a wide variety of grilled fish, from sea bass, swordfish and tuna to salmon and halibut. Also a great match for roast or grilled chicken, stuffed Cornish game hen, seared scallops with citrus butter, fresh lobster salad, linguini tossed with olive oil, tomato, garlic and basil or Thai spring rolls with a sweet and sour ginger dipping sauce.