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…
![clos du val chardonnay](https://i0.wp.com/briscoebites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/17-Estate-Chardonnay-HI-RES-e1561755020466.png?resize=290%2C1000)
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.
BriscoeBites officially accepts samples as well as conducts on-site and online interviews. Want to have your wine, winery or tasting room featured? Please visit the Sample Policy page where you can contact me directly. Cheers!