'07 Tobin James Reserve Chardonnay

[Innkeeper]

2007 Tobin James, James Gang Reserve, Monterey County, Chardonnay ($25 - spring ’09 shipment). Alcohol level: 13.6%. Grapes all come from a Monterey vineyard that contains “Lockwood Shaley Loam.” They were fermented in new oak and maled, so my antennae went atwitter.

The wine gave a healthy dose of citrus (lemon & lime) on the nose and upfront. There was more fruit with bursts of vanilla (oak) in the complex middle. The finish was surprisingly long and pleasant.

We like to build dinner around wines like this to minimize the negative aspects. So we matched it with smoked mussels and smoked salmon in Alfredo sauce on linguine, with salad. Perfect! It was a great Friday night repast.