Sonoma-Cutrer, Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2006, California
Well, one week from today is the 4th of July, so if you feel lile celebrating Independence Day there’s time to secure a bottle of this lovely Chardonnay, which is also on special offer. Sonoma-Cutrer are one of California’s top Chardonnay producers, who acquired cult status for thier wines. They have been available in the UK for only for a couple of years, with this wine and a partner Pinot Noir, which might be described as their ‘entry level’ offerings, with a number of site-specific and single-vineyards wines further up the price range. With four years in the bottle this has a delightfully fresh, hazelnut character over crisp, juicy apple fruit. The palate has more of that nuttiness and a slight underpinning honey, but the focus is on fresh fruit and an elegant lemony acidity that has lots of finesse. This is a sophisticated, beautifully balanced Chardonnay of great style. £14.99, Waitrose, Ocado, Majestic and Booths.
