I’m definitely getting pickier about my Chardonnays. Too much oak influence, too much ML, and you lose me with one whiff. But this one, this one is pretty well balanced…
About the Wine: The Clos Du Val 2017 Chardonnay is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes harvested from the winery’s estate vineyard in Napa’s Carneros AVA. The wine was barrel fermented in 100% French oak (35% new) for 10 months, with only 50% of the wine undergoing malolactic. (Told you this one was balanced.)
13.9% ABV
Flavor Profile: Open the bottle and breathe in sand, warm, sand…
This Chardonnay is very pale on the pour. In the glass a stronger, golden straw. Initial aromas are of still that beachy sand, but also notes of honey, soft floral notes like chamomile and jasmine, citrus blossom, and maybe a bit of yellow apple. Swirl and you can sense the acidity. Perhaps a bit of ML. There are also notes of vanilla that come through a bit stronger.
The palate is soft, smooth, round, with a subtle acidity that rides from front to back, start to finish. Dominant flavors are of vanilla, cream, a perfume of those soft florals sensed on the nose, dewy grass warming in the springtime sunrise, and maybe even a few background savory notes of cardamom-poached pear.
Food Pairing: Vegan ravioli, tossed with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, onion, wilted spinach and…olives
More Info: I received the Clos Du Val 2017 Chardonnay as a sample for review. (Cheers Olav!) Price: $32. For more information about Clos du Val, their wines, and to purchase wine directly, please visit the Clos du Val website.
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