Finally! We.ve got the kind of weather to have some cold, refreshing white wines!
Varner El Camino Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2015, ($28.99), The Varner brothers have garnered quite a following since they started making wine, and this Varner El Camino Vineyard Santa Barbara County Chardonnay is another reason why. It’s ready to drink and priced just right. Pour your first perfectly chilled glasses to go with Mom’s baked Chex mix. Tell the truth, you loved it as a kid. The toasty notes are delicious opposite the fully loaded personality of this California Cab. For a decadent next course, wow the crowd with lobster mac ‘n cheese. The richness of the dish works beautifully against the perky acidity of the wine. A crisp-roasted chicken stuffed with lemon quarters and garlic cloves is another great choice, as is classic Louisiana shrimp and grits. What are you hungry for? This is what Robert Parker has to say:
“The 2015 Chardonnay El Camino Vineyard from the Varner brothers is lovely, wafting from the glass with an expressive bouquet of honeycomb, ripe peaches and fresh apricot. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, pure and textural—displaying a touch more mid-palate ripeness than the 2014 rendition—and concludes with a long, saline finish. This is a characterful Chardonnay that represents terrific value. Drink 2018-2024.”
Frenzy Sauvignon Blanc 2017, ($17.99), succulent mango, melon and tangerine flavors are fleshy and lush, with dried floral hints and a touch of matcha green tea on the finish.Intensely aromatic and lively with flavors of passionfruit and guava underpinned with aromas of fresh herbs and blackcurrant, this is a great wine to enjoy as an aperitif, or match with seafoods. The palate is vibrant with zingy fruit that is balanced with a long, crisp mineral finish.
Guigal Cotes-du-Rhone Rose 2016, ($16.99), There aren’t many things we like more than the quenching, food-friendly style that is classic to Rosé’s home in southern France. It has delicious fruit like currants, raspberry, and white cherry; the floral notes and clean, beautiful balance don’t hurt either…. Offer it as an aperitif, and swim around in its gorgeous flavors. If you’re outside, grill up some salt-and-pepper halibut steaks and drizzle them with a melted lemon and tarragon butter. Or, for something on the sweeter side, marinate chicken pieces in apricot jam, white wine, garlic and scallions, and then grill to perfection. If dinner’s inside, make it Maryland style crab cakes with a summer slaw of cucumber ribbons, green cabbage, and multicolored carrots. You’ll be glad you did!
Big Basin Coastview Chardonnay 2013, ($46.99), They only made 200 cases of this Big Basin Coastview Chardonnay, and we grabbed some. Both Galloni’s Vinous and Wine Enthusiast are singing its praises. It’s ready to drink now. We’re thinking about some eggs Benedict with a lemon hollandaise. Poached salmon with that same hollandaise for dinner or lunch. Fried buttermilk chicken with roasted potatoes and honey glazed carrots too. That about wraps it up!
