Last week I wrote about Channing Daughters Vineyard’s 2003 Fresh Red. This week, I turn my tongue to one of their few white wines that are still available. In other words, the 2004 Scuttlehole Chardonnay hasn’t sold out like so many of their small-run creations.

Eyes: This wine, which never sees oak in its creation, is a very pale, lemon yellow.

Nose: Nena described this wine as "Grapefruity and grassy. Almost like a Sauvignon Blanc with a little fresh pear at the end." I agree with her but would add faint notes of white peaches and some mineral quality as well. I didn’t get as much grass as she did either.

Tongue: Fresh, light and crisp…this wine offers delightful citrusy flavors with hints of green apple and pear on the finish. Reminds me a bit of some Chablis I’ve tasted. It has more body than a Sauvignon Blanc, but not heavy at all because of its food-friendly acidity.

Price: $14

Food: Nena picked this one out to serve with some parmesan-crusted chicken thighs I made and it paired marvelously. This is an absolutely great wine for foods like fish, shellfish, light chicken and young cheese.

Overall: Delicious. We both love this wine and it will be one of the wines we offer at our wedding reception. It doesn’t get much better than this in a refreshing, unoaked Chardonnay. It would make an excellent house white to buy by the case for parties too. I hope California Chardonnay makers are paying attention.

By the way, Scuttlehole is the road their winery/tasting room is on…and most of the grapes for this wine come from the vineyard just outside their window.

Lenn’s Grade: B+/A-
Nena’s Grade: A-