Reviews & Ratings

2006 Vine Cliff Chardonnay "Carneros"

Winery: Vine Cliff

Vintage: 2006

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Carneros"

Wine Category: Chardonnay

Grape blend: 100% Chardonnay 100% Chardonnay

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Carneros

State or country: CA

Price: $35

Cases produced: 1,544

KWG Score: 90.8 (based on 5 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93.99-90)

Review date: October 1, 2008

Wine Review: This Chard from Vine Cliff is a perfect example of where we see many winemakers going with the grape these days. What we see is more fruit and less oak these days and this wine fits that bill nicely. This light yellow wine opens with an inviting light lemon like bouquet. On the palate, this medium bodied wine is smooth, slightly creamy, and nicely balanced with terrific green apple and light lemon like flavors. The finish is dry and nicely extended. This is a very food friendly Chard and would pair nicely with chicken, broccoli, and ziti smothered in a nice cream sauce. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: The aroma displays a complex array of fresh pineapple and mango, sweet lemon, with hints of peach jam and apricot. Cinnamon, clove, and sweet vanilla add richness to the underlying scent of honeysuckle and creamy caramel. The palate has juicy peach, lychee and grilled pineapple flavors at entry, then displaying a core of sweet ripe apricot and apple. The flavors build with vanilla and brown sugar which gives the wine a smooth, round syrupy texture. The finish is long and lingering with nutmeg and crème brulee.

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