The first thing I thought of when I tasted this wine was that it would be a good idea to buy a case of it. Though this wine is made to be consumed now, it has the structure to age well for many months, even years. In other words, you could open a bottle at a time, whenever the mood strikes you, for years to come.
This chardonnay has nice woodsy aromas with typical vanillin — but it’s not one of those overwhelming butter-and-vanilla California chards. The woody theme continues on the palate, with a sense of grapes from a forest. Both mouthfeel and structure are appropriately substantial, and can be even more enjoyable when paired with cheese, fish, seafood and other dishes.
Also important to note: the wine showed much better on the first night it was opened. If you don’t have a reliable wine preserver, maybe open it for an evening with friends?
WHO: Beringer Vineyards
WHAT: 100% chardonnay
WHERE: Napa, California
HOW MUCH: $41 (media sample)
RATING: 91