I love pretty much everything from Flora Springs. You can click on that link and see all the rave reviews I’ve done on their wines — from hearty red blends indicative to Napa Valley to an enjoyably (and surprisingly) minimalistic Sauvignon Blanc. But, for me Chardonnay from Napa is a hard sell — I find many winemakers in the area, for whatever reason, seem to overwork the grape with either too much new oak influence or too much ML, or in some cases both.
While I enjoyed this Flora Springs Chardonnay (especially with the appropriate cheese!) I do have somewhat of a mixed review…
About the Wine: The Flora Springs 2017 Family Select Chardonnay is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes harvested from the winery’s estate vineyards in the Oak Knoll and Carneros appellations in California’s Napa Valley. The wine was aged in a combination of French oak (86%) and American oak (14%) barrels for 7 months.
13.5% ABV
Flavor Profile: Pop the cork of the Flora Springs 2017 Family Select Chardonnay and find strong aromas of passionfruit, ginger, and hay. This Chardonnay presents a luminous golden straw on the pour and is just as vibrant in the glass if not a bit more jewel-like.
Initial aromas are of apple, butter, buttermilk, and pear. Swirl and find even more acidity, some citrus, lemongrass and wet grass. Float above the mouth of the glass to find baby’s breath-like florals and a hint of chamomile.
The palate of the Flora Springs 2017 Family Select Chardonnay is a bit flat, a bit textural, with an initial calm acidity. Through the course of the evening the malolactic elements do become stronger and, for some, may be too overpowering if enjoying more than a glass or two. Dominant flavors are of lemon, lime, popcorn, persimmon, persimmon skin, pear, and buttermilk.
Food Pairing: I paired the Flora Springs 2017 Family Select Chardonnay with a pizza — topped with copious amounts of cheese, mushrooms and olives. I will say this: this Chardonnay loves a good stinky cheese. When I got a good bite of the hard parmesan and took a sip of wine, it was absolutely lovely.
That being said, this is by no means my favorite Chardonnay, but it is an easy Chardonnay and will pair well with any fun or easy meal you’d like.
More Info: I received the Flora Springs 2017 Family Select Chardonnay as a sample for review. (Cheers Mora!) Retail: $36. For more information about Flora Springs, their wines, and to purchase wine directly, please visit the Flora Springs website.
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