I've been a bit slow tasting through samples of late, but here are a few wines that I have tasted but will not receive full published reviews. All five are varietal chardonnay, and while some are well made, none was particularly interesting or inspiring.
(3 out of 5 | Recommended)
Pellegrini Vineyards East End Selection 2007 Chardonnay ($15): Thought this used to be mostly steel, but significant oak on a toasty, vanilla-inflected nose with roasted apples, pear and a little raw oak. Medium body with good tree fruit up front. Vanilla and oak come and stay through the oaky, short finish. Only okay acid. Rating: (1.5 out of 5 | Not Recommended-to-Average)
Channing Daughters Winery 2007 Brick Kiln Chardonnay ($20): Ripe pear and apple aromas are gently accented by vanilla and spice notes. Nice spiced pear flavors with delicate oak and a silky, lively mouthfeel. My favorite of the tasting. Rating:
(3 out of 5 | Recommended)
Lakewood Vineyards 2007 Chardonnay ($13): New York oak barrels used. Nose is lightly floral with distinct burnt sugar aromas with melon, pear and oak. Lively acidity and medium body but too much oak. Overwhelms the pear and melon. Caramel on the end of the medium-length finish. Rating: (2 out of 5 | Average)
Pellegrini Vineyards 2006 Chardonnay ($18): Pineapple, toasted almond and overripe pear on the nose. Fuller bodied with lush, tropical fruit with a nutty back note. Good, but not great acid. Longish finish. Rating:
(2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)