Reviews & Ratings

2012 Balletto Chardonnay "Russian River Valley"

Winery: Balletto

Vintage: 2012

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Russian River Valley"

Wine Category: Chardonnay

Grape blend: 100% Chardonnay

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Russian River Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $24

Cases produced: 784

KWG Score: 88.5 (based on 2 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89)

Review date: December 13, 2014

Wine Review: This pale yellow colored Chardonnay opens with a mild pineapple bouquet with a hint of pear. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, slight acidic and savory. The flavor profile is a faint oak influenced apple with notes of minerality. I also detected hints of green apple and pineapple. The finish is dry and refreshing. This Chard is very food friendly and versatile. I would pair it with Chicken Francese. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: This light-straw colored wine is both complex and elegant, showing its cool-climate heritage with concentrated flavors and bright citrus acidity. It opens with warm spices, tangerine and lemon aromas and fresh fruit. The various aromas overlap and mingle, producing an ever-changing bouquet that is the hallmark of our Chardonnay. Oak has been used sparingly to enhance the wine with subtle toasted and vanilla aromas, rather than dominate the aroma profile. The texture and balance are spot on, making it one of those wines that draws you in for another sip. The finish lasts for several minutes and is both tart and creamy with lingering lemon and creme brulee flavors. This wine is easy to enjoy at the dinner table. It has the rare quality of being lush and refreshing at the same time and will enhance a wide variety of foods. It will pair well with salty foods like aged cheeses and oysters. It can also be paired with foods based on its creamy side and compliment rich soups like butternut squash and potato leek.

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