2018 Landmark Overlook Chardonnay

2018 Landmark Overlook Chardonnay

#27-2020

In the last few months I have sampled some really good Chardonnays, many in the Classic California style.  The 2018 Landmark Chardonnay is a bit of a departure, in that it is a more easy to drink modern style, highlighting big fruit, and a tasty sweetness, which does not deny that it is still a dry dinner wine.

The nose is fat, juicy, and pungent with the aroma of sweet juicy apple and pear backed by a spicy veil of tropical fruit.  The flavor spectrum is dense, with layers of Golden Delicious Apple and Sweet Bartlett Pear, with traces of stone-fruit and a dash of pineapple.  The finish is compelling with a bit of spice, and begs for another sip!  The alcohol content is 14.3%, and Norm's score is 90.

A bottle of Landmark Overlook Chardonnay, paired with Bay Scallops and Angel Hair Pasta in Garlic Alfredo Sauce, was the right combination for a wonderful dinner!  Throw in a fresh avocado and tomato salad, and you are indeed "Living the Good Life"!

score: 90

price: $21 - $26

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2017 Charles Krug Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2017 Charles Krug Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

#26-2020

This Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Charles Krug, like many California Cabs these days, is a Bordeaux style Blend, with other grape varieties added for a more complex taste experience.  The effect in this case is highly successful!  For me however, the best way to enjoy a California Cab, is still with a Slab of thick, juicy beef, grilled medium rare!

The 2017 Krug is big in the nose and long in taste, with a lingering finish, which compliments a nice thick fillet in a stylish manner.  The flavors are mostly black cherry with a healthy dose of dark berries, and just the right amount of oak in its smooth finish, which begs for another sip.  The alcohol content is 14.1%, and Norm's score is 90.

A bottle of Krug Cab, a thick fillet, a baked potato, and a fresh salad of Romaine and Avocado, made a delightful dinner for us on an early summer night. Oh how I love Grilling Season, especially since it is also Cab Season

score: 90

price: $28 - $33

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2017 Duckhorn Napa Valley Chardonnay

2017 Duckhorn Napa Valley Chardonnay

#25-2020

We seem to be in a rut, and The Chardonnay Queen is loving it.  It seems that so far this year, we have tasted one excellent Chardonnay after another.  The latest is the 2017 Duckhorn Napa Valley Chardonnay, which is yet another classic, old style California Chardonnay.  It has it all, crisp fruit with just a kiss of oak, and a big mouthfeel leading to a lingering finish.

The nose broadcasts the aroma of apple, with a hint of stone-fruit  throughout the room.  The flavors are full and rich, highlighting crisp apple, sweet pear, and a touch of pineapple, with an under current of vanilla and mellow oak, leading to a finish which sails off into the night  The alcohol content is 14.1%, and Norm's score is 92.

We enjoyed this terrific Chardonnay with a seafood salad featuring sauteed shrimp and scallops, with avocado, ripe tomato, and fresh Romaine.  We sided this summer style salad with Angel Hair Pasta in Alfredo Sauce.

score: 92

price: $28 - $33

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity