What the !@#$%^&*!? has happened to California Chardonnay? (A rant)

[Thomas]

Let's agree on this: some like it, some do not.

Maybe 10,000 people like flabby, buttery, woody wine that tastes unlike Chardonnay fruit and more like cheese. Can't argue with them if they pay Randy's bills.

Me, I like the simple way most Italians approach food and wine: let the inherent qualities come through, do not mask or obliterate them. Give me balanced wines that have not had their acid completely stripped, their fruit changed into dairy and their body beat up by wood.

Thanks for the food and Chardonnay suggestions, Randy, but I can think of many other ways to enjoy wine with most of those foods without having to drink wood.