Attributes:

Fritz Winery

Russian River Valley, United States

Chardonnay

750 ML

2005: WineAndSpirits Rating: 90

fresh, soft

oak

Food Matches:

(shar dohn nay)—This noble grape’s reputation was established in France, particularly in the Burgundy region, and the highly prized Chardonnay wines from Chablis, Mâcon, Mersault, and Pouilly-Fuissé are imitated by winemakers around the world. Generally an oaked wine (whether from expensive oak barrels or a quick soak in oak chips), its fruity aromas and flavors range from apple in the cooler regions to tropical fruits such a pineapple in the warmer regions. It can also display subtle earthy aromas, such as mushroom or minerals. It has a medium to high acidity and is generally full-bodied. Classical Chardonnay wines are dry. Chardonnay is also an important grape in the Champagne district where it's picked before fully ripe and while it still has high acid and understated fruit flavors—the perfect combination for champagne. California has adopted this grape with a fervor and there are some 200 wineries producing Chardonnay wines in other parts of the United States. Chardonnay has also seen a tremendous planting surge in Australia, and new vineyards are being planted in Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand, Spain, and South Africa.

Attributes:

Barossa Valley Estate

Barossa Valley, Australia/New Zealand

Syrah / Shiraz

750 ML

2003: WineSpectator Rating: 86

deep, supple

cherry, spice

2002: WineSpectator Rating: 88

lively

black cherry, licorice, raspberry

ripe

2002: WineEnthusiast Rating: 84

soft

open

2002: Tanzer Rating: 86

fat

rich

earth, flowers, oak, red plum, smoke

sweet

2001: WineSpectator Rating: 86

light

cherry, spice

2001: WineEnthusiast Rating: 84

velvety

Food Matches:

North of Adelaide, this relatively warm region of South Australia is home to Australia’s largest winery. It is famous for its robust Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as rich Sémillon and Riesling (both of which are grown in the cooler hills).

Originally grown in France’s Northern Rhône Valley (where it is a noble variety) this grape has spread to Australia, California, Washington, Italy and Spain. In the Rhone region this grape produces deeply colored wines with full body and firm tannin, however in Australia, where it is known as Shiraz, the wines are lighter and fruitier. Aromas and flavors for these wines vary as much as their geographical breadth suggests: berries, smoked meat, bell peppers, even tar.

Australian name for the grape known as Syrah in France.

Attributes:

Villa Mt. Eden Winery

Santa Maria Valley, United States

Chardonnay

750 ML

2003: CGCW Rating: 83

2002: WineSpectator Rating: 83

anise, earth, hazelnut, mineral, pear, spice

2002: CGCW Rating: 88

rich

tasty

oak

2001: WineSpectator Rating: 90

complex

apple, citrus, hazelnut, pear, spice

concentrated

2001: CGCW Rating: 88

bright, lively

apple, caramel, pear

2000: WineSpectator Rating: 86

honey, lemon, pear, toasty oak

2000: WineEnthusiast Rating: 87

ripe

2000: Tastings Rating: 86

full-bodied

rich

oak, smoky, sour, toast, vanilla

Food Matches:

(shar dohn nay)—This noble grape’s reputation was established in France, particularly in the Burgundy region, and the highly prized Chardonnay wines from Chablis, Mâcon, Mersault, and Pouilly-Fuissé are imitated by winemakers around the world. Generally an oaked wine (whether from expensive oak barrels or a quick soak in oak chips), its fruity aromas and flavors range from apple in the cooler regions to tropical fruits such a pineapple in the warmer regions. It can also display subtle earthy aromas, such as mushroom or minerals. It has a medium to high acidity and is generally full-bodied. Classical Chardonnay wines are dry. Chardonnay is also an important grape in the Champagne district where it's picked before fully ripe and while it still has high acid and understated fruit flavors—the perfect combination for champagne. California has adopted this grape with a fervor and there are some 200 wineries producing Chardonnay wines in other parts of the United States. Chardonnay has also seen a tremendous planting surge in Australia, and new vineyards are being planted in Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand, Spain, and South Africa.

Northern most wine region of Santa Barbara County. The Santa Maria River Valley is 19,000 acres of vineyards running east to west with the river. The Pacific Ocean sends cool air over the region, creating mild temperatures all year. This region has a growing season that is longer than most wine regions in California. The cool summers and long growing season combined account for slow maturation of the Pinot noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay grown there.