1998 Meridian Chardonnay, Santa Barbara

[Bucko]

1998 Meridian Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, $11.00 retail, less from places like Wine Exchange. The 1998 Chard saw a long hang time due to the season. It was brought in just before the rains. 80% of the wine was BF in French and American oak, and 80% went thru MLF. For an $11 Chard, the wine is a good buy if you do not mind moderate oak. Full of tropical fruit, creamy oak and spice, the wine has nice acidity and a long aftertaste. Not my style of wine (I wish Chuck Ortman would use a more gentle hand with the oak), but it will appeal to many, especially for the price. To be released shortly.

Bucko