2005 Ferrari-Carano Emelia's Cuvee Chardonnay

[wondersofwine]

The 2006 vintage is priced at $36 from the winery. Single vineyard; limited production. Cooperage is 30% new Burgundian oak and 70% older French oak. (Their Dominque Cuvee receives 40% new oak treatment and 60% older oak.)
14.8% alcohol by volume which is high but not as high as the Travis Chardonnay from Monterey County on which I posted a note.
Pale straw color with transparency. The nose suggested to me spiced green and white fruits. I found apple flavors on the palate--baked apple and cinnamon possibly. A little hard to pin down but the overall impression was quite positive. It went nicely with a chunk of Feta cheese while watching NFL football on tv. I also had some with dinner the night before with breaded fish and mozzarella-herb tortelloni.
I would recommend this to others as a California Chard with some palate presence and yet elegance and restraint. It does not taste "hot" despite the high alcohol volume. I really like this and also the Ferrari-Carano Tresor (Bordeaux-type red blend) and the Pinot Noir bottled under the winery label. I may have to place an order with them this fall.