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Alma Rosa Chardonnay 2007
Winery: Alma Rosa
Grape(s): Chardonnay
Region: Santa Barbara
Year: 2007
Special Designation: El Jabali Vineyard
Price: 25-30

Review:
Sourced from CCOF Organically Grown Grapes, aromas of pineapple, vanilla, and a bit of lemon bring life to a glass. A sip offers flavors of lemon zest, vanilla, and pineapple. A fairly creamy, lush Chardonnay with nice amount of oak influence, it still retains a lovely bit of acidity. Try a bottle if you enjoy a harmonious balance of vanilla and brightness.
Rating: 90

Bernardus Chardonnay 2009
Winery: Bernardus
Grape(s): Chardonnay
Region: Monterey County
Year: 2009
Special Designation: (none)
Price: 20-25

Review:
Aromas of tropical fruit and vanilla greet you on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of pineapple, melon, vanilla, and caramel. With lush fruit flavors and nice oak accents, it's a wine for fans of a creamier mouthfeel and sweeter barrel influences.
Rating: 90

Cache Creek Chardonnay 2009
Winery: Cache Creek
Grape(s): Chardonnay
Region: Lake County
Year: 2009
Special Designation: Reserve
Price: 25-30

Review:
Aromas of apple, pear, and vanilla can be discovered on the nose. Those same flavors emerge on the palate with hints of minerals and barrel spices. A rich, somewhat creamy wine, it's for fans of lush, drinkable Chardonnays.
Rating: 90

Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay 2009
Winery: Ferrari-Carano
Grape(s): Chardonnay
Region: Napa Valley
Year: 2009
Special Designation: Reserve
Price: 30-35

Review:
Aromas of pear, apple, and fresh fig mingle with notes of sweet spices and floral suggestions. The pear, apple, and fig return on the palate, along with a bit of vanilla, nutmeg, and oak. A lush, smooth, wine with nicely integrated oak, it's perfect for fans of classic California Chardonnay.
Rating: 91

McIntyre Vineyards Chardonnay 2009
Winery: McIntyre Vineyards
Grape(s): Chardonnay
Region: Monterey County
Year: 2009
Special Designation: Santa Lucia Highlands
Price: 35-40

Review:
A bouquet of crisp apple, baked pear, vanilla, and oak greet the senses. Flavors of tart apple and pear meld with notes of vanilla and hints of minerals on the palate. A fairly round Chardonnay that still has a nice, welcoming acidity, if you like vanilla but still want some lively notes, this is a wine for you.
Rating: 91

Midnight Cellars Chardonnay 2010
Winery: Midnight Cellars
Grape(s): Chardonnay
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2010
Special Designation: Estate
Price: 15-20

Review:
Aromatics of apples, mango puree, vanilla and graham cracker crust greet you on the nose. Flavors of apple, pear, papaya, and tart pineapple meld with notes of vanilla and oak on the palate. A fairly crisp wine, with an inviting acidity, fans of livelier Chardonnays that still have some vanilla character will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 90

Mitchell Katz Chardonnay 2010
Winery: Mitchell Katz
Grape(s): Chardonnay
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2010
Special Designation: Shadow Hills
Price: 15-20

Review:
Aromatics of creamy, toasty oak along with notes of pear and tropical fruit rise up from a glass. The palate offers flavors of rich vanilla, pear, and pineapple with a few hints of gram-cracker. A fairly round wine, with a supple mouthfeel, it's for fans of approachable, creamy Chardonnays.
Rating: 90

Steele Wines Chardonnay 2009
Winery: Steele Wines
Grape(s): Chardonnay
Region: California
Year: 2009
Special Designation: Steele Cuvee
Price: 15-20

Review:
A bouquet of tropical fruit, apples, and pears meld with lush notes of vanilla and sweet spice greets the sense. On the palate, flavors of pineapple, green apple, and a bit of lime are accented by suggestions of vanilla and all-spice. A rich chardonnay that still has real pleasing acidity, it offers very nice balance and surprising depth for its price range.
Rating: 90

Ventana Vineyards Chardonnay 2009
Winery: Ventana Vineyards
Grape(s): Chardonnay
Region: Monterey County
Year: 2009
Special Designation: (none)
Price: 15-20

Review:
A bouquet of tropical fruit mingles with notes of vanilla and tart apple. The palate offers flavors of pineapple, apple, and citrus fruits with accents of vanilla and sweet spice. A fairly round wine with nice a light acidity, fans of Chardonnays with a good balance of vanilla and fruit will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 89

Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay 2010
Winery: Wente
Grape(s): Chardonnay
Region: Monterey County
Year: 2010
Special Designation: Riva Ranch
Price: 15-20

Review:
A bouquet of bright tropical fruit, floral suggestions, and sweet spice greets the senses. The palate reveals flavors of pineapple, dried apricot, white-blossoms, graham cracker and vanilla. Somewhat round but still bright on the palate, it offers some interesting layers and welcoming fruit. Fans of more subtle vanilla in Chardonnays will enjoy this wine.
Rating: 89

Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay 2010
Winery: Wente
Grape(s): Chardonnay
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2010
Special Designation: Morning Fog
Price: 10-15

Review:
Aromas of apple, pear, and tropical fruit with just touch of sweet spice can be discovered on the nose. With a sip, flavors of green apple, pear, and pineapple are accented by suggestions of vanilla and all-spice. A nice, crisp Chardonnay with only a subtle oak influence, if you're not a fan of big, round, and buttery, this is a wine for you.
Rating: 89