Review Kendall Jackson Chardonnay California 2007 Vintners Reserve

Sitting by the pool just after sundown with a plate of mixed Mediterranean olives and peppers marinated in Napa Valley Chardonnay... I reviewed this delightful chardonnay.

I will conf ess right now this is my favorite chardonnay under $12.

My tasting partner thought it was quite good but preferred her Sterling Vineyards chardonnay for it's lingering "buttered popcorn" finish as she called it. A $70 "buttered popcorn" finish. Not exactly Frugal.

First here is an excerpt from the Wine Advocate review who I believe gave it a score of 90.

"According to the Wine Advocate: Thanks to Jess Jackson’s extraordinary agricultural empire of top-notch vineyards sprinkled throughout the state of California, the 2007 Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay is entirely made from estate fruit. It is 100% barrel-fermented, and aged five months with 100% malolactic, an incredible fact considering the volume produced. This cuvee seems to get better with each vintage as winemaker Randy Ullom is a virtuoso at producing such high quantity / high quality wine. Notes of melons, honeysuckle, and lemon oil along with remarkable flavor and texture are found in this wine, which can be purchased for under $15 a bottle. It is best consumed during the first 1-2 years of life."

This chardonnay had a brilliant clear golden color.

On the nose I first noticed lemon, tropical citrus and honeysuckle. Medium bodied with silky refined tannins. A nice noticeable texture.

It had a lingering rich finish of toasted oak with a hint of buttery nut.

Drink this one young.

A Frugal Wine Review Steal at $10.99 & available at local markets.

Our first taste of this was paired with a lightly seasoned bread crumb pan seared Mahi topped with a lemon butter and caper sauce.

I give it 5 stars!

- Frugal Wine Review