Maybe it’s age or maybe its experience, but I find myself leaning more and more toward lesser or non-oaked Chardonnay. My most recent top pics who win top marks for subtle winemaking methods that produce flavor-packed wines has to go to Passaggio Unoaked Chardonnay and Panther Creek 2016 (oaked) Chardonnay. Let’s see how Wrath’s Ex stacks up…
About the Wine: The Wrath Wines Ex 2017 UnOaked Chardonnay is made from 100% Clone 4 Chardonnay grapes, harvested from 35+ year-old, own-rooted vines in the winery’s estate San Saba Vineyard, located in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA of Monterey County, California.
After harvest, the grapes were hand harvested and hand sorted. This Chardonnay underwent primary fermentation only, and did so for three months in 100% stainless steel tanks.
1311 cases produced.
13.5% ABV
Flavor Profile: Open the bottle of the Wrath Ex 2017 UnOaked Chardonnay and breathe in green apple, yeast, fresh baked bread. This Chardonnay presents a pale straw on the pour and in the glass. Initial aromas are of apple, apple blossom, honey, baked bread. Swirl and get more floral notes, enliven some acidity, and get a dose of citrus.
The palate of the Wrath Ex 2017 UnOaked Chardonnay is very smooth, crisp, with a light body. The acidity, too, is light, but consistently working through and through. There is a strong green apple flavor, and just a bit of tartness on the finish. Secondary flavors are lime/lemon zesty notes, lime leaf, and just a hint of soft nuttiness—all of which are more dominant in the back-breath/afterbreath than during the bulk of the tasting.
Food Pairing: Overall this is a well balanced, light, fun easy drinking wine. It is definitely appropriate for a mid-week, come back from work ‘pick me up.’ Which is what I did and paired it with a simple salad.
More Info: I received the Wrath Ex 2017 UnOaked Chardonnay as a sample for review. (Cheers D’Ann!) Price: $19. For more information about Wrath, their wines, and to purchase wine directly, please visit the Wrath Wines website.
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