Sbragia Family Vineyards
Chardonnay
Home Ranch
Dry Creek Valley
Sonoma County
St. Helena, California, USA
2007
14.4%
$27.99 -- Twin Liquors, Austin, TX
Color: Medium green-gold
Nose: White pepper, honeysuckle, tar
Body: Medium
Front: Hard pear, Meyer lemon
Middle: Graham cracker, orange
Back: Pine, brioche, asphalt
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
For enemies of oak: avoid this one. I find it a charming use of wood, but the long cedary palate will turn you off if you want an acid-dominated wine. There's a bit of fruit up front, and a little persistent acidity that keep it from getting buttery. I like it a lot: it's a bit clumsy right now but I actually think that a little air will sort out the flavors--and even then, it's already a pretty interesting glass of wine!
I'm having a snack of almonds and salami and watching a beautiful Texas sunset, prior to laying on a steak and (perverse though it may seem) a 1997 Burgundy. It's been a long week!
