buttery chardonnays

[RenieSot]

help- I am trying to find a reasonably priced BUTTERY Chardonnay. I used to enjoy Jekel 1996, but the 1997 is much sharper than its predecessor.

Any suggestions?

[Jerry D Mead]

If it's available in your market...check out the Boyer Chardonnay. It's made by Jekel winemaker Rick Boyer for his own label, and I suspect he's buying even better barrels for his limited production wine...and the price is a steal...around $10-$12.

JDM

[Jerry D Mead]

Also check out the Hahn Estate 1997...another bargain...and lots of buttery, toasty oak...tastes like $20...sells for $10 or less. That one you should be able to find.

Re the Hahn...make sure you get the 97...the 96 didn't have the wood level the 1997 does. Haven't tasted the 98 yet.

JDM

[Randy Caparoso]

Don't neglect the Southern Hemispheres, where percentage-wise I think they're making them more buttery-toast-oaky than California.

From South Africa, the Glen-Carlou Reserve Chard is plenty smoke and dairy; quite nice for about $12-$13.

From Australia, look for Rosemount's "Orange Vineyard" ($13-$15) or "Giant Creek" ($13-$15), Tyrrell's "Vat 47" ($16-$18), or the Mitchelton "Reserve" ($15-$17).

From Chile, Casa Lapostolle "Cuvee Alexandre" ($12-$13) is also plenty buttery, with a nice, round, viscous texture.

Pass the bread!