I don't like to keep secrets, so I guess I had better let you in on this one. Mary, "The
Chardonnay Queen" and I don't always drink expensive wines, we are like everyone
else, we have our everyday wine favorites also. And, now I am going to tell you
the secret. When Mary does work around the house, she likes to sip a little Chardonnay
while she works, and her favorite is the 2008 Butterfield Station California Chard-
onnay.
This Chardonnay is much better than most under ten dollar wines, and usually sells for
more than seven, and it is a bargain even at seven or eight dollars per bottle. This is
a good solid bottle of Chardonnay, which has citrus and pear flavors backed by a toasty
finish, surrounding a nice creamy texture. It is very refreshing and a good "sipper", but
also pairs well with light fish and fowl dishes.
It is actually a blend, with 82% Chardonnay, 17% Colombard, and 1% Malvasia. It
has 10% oak aging in both French and American barrels, and 10% has under-gone
malolactic fermentation. The wine comes in at 13% alcohol. There is nothing even
close to its quality in this price range. I would give it an 86 score. Price Range - $6 - $9
Score 86
Norm
