Wine Of The Day: July 8, 2010

Chardonnay comes in two styles...the rather more popular citrus, which would be perfect for the hot, humid weather we've had this week; or the oaky vanilla cream version that goes so well with chicken and dishes with white cream sauces.

I was hoping for the former from this 2007 Rodney Strong Sonoma Chardonnay, as the label describes lemon and apple aromas.  Unfortunately, while the wine is light and supple, it really is much closer to the oak version, and that's really not the best for summer sipping.  I wish I had saved the bottle for fall.

Oh well.  It's still an excellent wine, well-made, as are all the Rodney Strong wines.  He's been making Chardonnays from Sonoma grapes for nearly 40 years, and has an international reputation with the variety.  The fact that it was 100% oak barrel aged should have been a hint.  It did exhibit a nice balance between the fruit, which I think tends more towards pears and apples than towards any lemon or grapefruit notes, and the vanilla, but I would call it touch low on the acid end.

Maybe the weather will cool off over the weekend, and I can grill some nice chicken breasts or scallops...this wine would be a perfect match.  It should be widely available, probably even in most grocery stores.  Enjoy!