Reviews & Ratings

2005 Handley Cellars Chardonnay "Handley Vineyard"

Winery: Handley Cellars

Vintage: 2005

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Handley Vineyard"

Wine Category: Chardonnay

Grape blend: 100% Chardonnay

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Dry Creek Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $20

Cases produced: 1,947

KWG Score: 87.6 (based on 5 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89.99-87)

Review date: September 10, 2007

Wine Review: This wine finished 5th in our recent blind tasting of Chardonnays. At $20 per bottle this wine is a particularly good deal. This light yellow wine opens with a crisp granny smith apple bouquet with hints of peaches and even some cucumber. On the palate, this medium bodied wine is extremely well balanced, creamy, has good acidity, and pear like flavors. Some panelist likened it to Sauvignon Blanc like in style. The finish is slightly dry and is brief. This wine would pair nicely with poached fish with shallots or sole with a lemon butter sauce. Enjoy - KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: The 2005 Chardonnay is a nicely balanced wine. Its flavors mirror the refreshing bouquet of fresh oranges and pineapple, with a hint of spice. The fruitiness, texture, and good balance of this wine allow it to hold up to foods with a bit of spice, like sushi or mild chicken molé.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Chardonnay.