2010 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Chardonnay Wine of the Week

Wine of the Week: 2010 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Chardonnay
Region: California
Price: $20

I must admit that it is not easy for a California Chardonnay to gain my attention. But not this 2010 Napa Valley Chardonnay, from Robert Mondavi Winery.

So many Chardonnays are dull and one-dimensional or overblown, over-oaked and and overly alcoholic. But this Chardonnay is deliciously refreshing (and I do not say that lightly), vibrant and packed with flavor. Not bad value either at $20 or less.

On the nose the aromas are ripe, but not blowsy, showing subtle restraint - toasty macaroon, vanilla custard, grapefruit, pear and cantaloupe. The attack is crisp, juicy and refreshing. A very balanced wine, with oodles of bright citrusy and orchard fruit flavors. It is clean and focused, with a solid structure. The oak is evident, but is very well integrated, and adds complexity and definition to the wine. Medium bodied with a moderately long length, with just a whiff of sweetness on the finish.

At the Table
Chardonnay is a very versatile wine when it comes to food, especially if it is not too powerful or overly oaked (when it kills the food). I can see this wine on plenty of Thanksgiving tables, as it will pair really well with the turkey, as well as various roast vegetables. It is also juicy and refreshing enough to serve as the pre-dinner drink or with nibbles.

About Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Chardonnay
Robert Mondavi hardly needs any introduction. Legendary, he was one of California's most seminal wine figures. This 2010 Napa Chardonnay actually has about 3% Sauvignon Blanc in the blend (this is totally legal), which adds to the vibrancy of the wine. Most of it was barrel fermented and barrel aged sur lie, but about 25% was fermented in stainless steel, to retain brightness and a vibrant fruit profile.

Mary Gorman-McAdams, MW (Master of Wine), is a New York based wine educator, freelance writer and consultant.

Previous Wine of the Week: Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV Champagne

---

Robert Mondavi Woodbridge Chardonnay 2010 Wines of the Week 5.00 - Asda, 8.29 - Sainsburys When it comes to marketing mass-produced wine in the UK, two opposing methods dominate. The first one involves a heavily researched ... Robert Mondavi Moscato D Oro - Wine - Compare Prices, Reviews and ... Robert Mondavi Moscato D Oro - 3 results like Robert Mondavi Moscato d'Oro (375ML half-bottle) 2010 Muscat Wine, Robert Mondavi 2010 Moscato D'Oro Napa Valley 375ml ... Robert Mondavi Winery - Wines - Robert Mondavi Winery Contact Us. Robert Mondavi Winery 7801 St. Helena Highway Oakville, California 94562; E-Mail Signup Robert Mondavi Wines Homepage Showcasing the Finest in California Fruit. Robert Mondavi Private Selection was created to showcase vineyards from across California's finest growing regions. Napa's Best Cabernet: Tasting at Premiere Napa Valley 2010 ... Napa's Best Cabernet: Tasting at Premiere Napa Valley 2010. One of my favorite events each year involves the opportunity to sample some of the best wines that Napa ... Wine Review Robert Mondavi 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ... Robert Mondavi, 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Blend: 85% Cabernet, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Syrah, 1% Petit Verdot Alcohol: 15.3% Residual Sugar: .14 g ... Wine Country Tour Shuttle with Robert Mondavi Winery, Napa Tours ... Most Premium Napa Valley Wine Tours. Wine Country Tour Shuttle offers Napa Valley Wine Country Tours. California Wine Country Sightseeing Tours. Small Group Shuttles ... Napa Valley Film Festival Nov 7 - 11 2012 Film. Food. Wine. Extraordinary Mondavi wines, 22 chefs, artist Clifford Bailey, live music & dancing with David Martins House Party, VIP guests from SOMM and nonstop glamour. The Wine Spies Mission Codename: The Kings Bounty. Operative: Agent Red. Objective: Infiltrate Bartholomew Park Winery in Sonoma, California. There procure their sought-after ... The Best Cabernet in Napa: Tasting at Premiere Napa Valley 2011 ... The Best Cabernet in Napa: Tasting at Premiere Napa Valley 2011. One of my favorite events each year involves the opportunity to sample some of the best wines that ...