Wente ‘Morning Fog’ Chardonnay 2013, Livermore Valley
In keeping with the season of mists, I’ve picked the aptly named Wente ‘Morning Fog’ Chardonnay 2013 this week.
It takes its name from the morning coastal fog that is pushed by the Pacific winds into the bowl of San Francisco Bay.
Chardonnay is still struggling with an image problem in the UK, after its huge popularity in the Nineties, but if you are serious about wine you really should have a bottle or two stashed away for the right occasion.
Around £11 at Roberts and Speight (Beverley), Yorkshire Vintners (Ripon) and winedirect.co.uk
18/20
Good ones, like this Californian example, are just about the best match with roast chicken that you will find.
It is full-bodied, rich and lightly buttery, with plenty of orchard and tropical fruit flavours, notes of honey, and just the right amount of acidity.
There are some subtle toasted wood flavours in there too, with part of the blend being fermented in oak.