Chardonnay

[knobby]

I'm a just getting into wine and would like to try a chardonnay. What would be a good Chardonnay that not too expensive to try?

I guessing I'm looking for something well rounded, crisp, easy drinking, not bitter (low tannin).... Overall something refreshing...

I've tried the 2006 Kendall Jackson Vitners Reserve Chard, 2006 Sterling Chard (Sonoma), 2005 Buena Vista Carneros Chard (I found this one to have a bitter after taste although it the aromas were really nice)

[This message has been edited by knobby (edited 01-24-2008).]

[hotwine]

Welcome to the board. Suggest you look for a French Chablis, which is made with the Chardonnay grape. Try Costco if you're a member, or a local discounter. The French are not so prone to use barrel-aging for their whites as are many New World winemakers.

[VouvrayHead]

Chablis is great, but a bit on the pricey-side at times.
A great chard that fits the character you seem to be looking for is the Macon-Lugny "Les Charmes" is $10-$12 and a real winner.

[winophite]

Be careful if going with Chablis. Don't get that pinkish, inexpensive Calif stuff called chablis, (sometimes in big bottles),if your wanting a dry white Chardonnay. Real Chablis only comes from Chablis in france. WP

[PinotEnvy]

Costco can be a great place to get a deal on a bottle of wine.... even if you are not a member too. There is a separate door to get in the liquor store here. You do not need to be a member to buy alcohol from there. I do not know if it is the same in other states. Minnesota requires a similar setup if a grocery store wants to sell wine.

[TheEngineer]

Depending on how low you want to go, I even find that Brands like Crane Lake ($4) and Charles Shaw ($3) (both are from the same producer), are decent. For about double the price you can start to see some naked chards as well which matches your need for crisp refreshing wines (but round they will not be).