2018 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay

2018 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay

#22-2021

The Chardonnay Queen and I celebrated our Wedding Anniversary last week at a fine Italian Steakhouse, where we feasted on Shellfish and Pasta, and in honor of the occasion, we splurged on a bottle of 2018 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay.  This is a favorite of ours going back a few decades, so it was a real treat!

This 2018 vintage was a little more delicate than some in the past, but a very good bottle indeed.  The flavors are apple, melon, and a little lemon, with a finish highlighted by a mild toasty oak presence.  There is no question that each sip begs for another.  The alcohol content is 14.3%, and Norm's score is 92.

The delicate nature of this complex, and most enjoyable Chardonnay would make it the perfect companion for Shrimp Scampi and Fettuccini Alfredo!

score: 92

price: $50 - $60

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2018 Maso Canali Pinot Grigio

2018 Maso Canali Pinot Grigio

#21-2021

Springtime is a good time to turn attention to Pinot Grigio, which suggests freshness, and new beginnings.  The 2018 Maso Canali is not new to me, but is rather an old friend, which, this year, is especially fresh and alluring.  It is fresh and crisp, and clean, and ready for the table right now!

The nose is bright and inviting with a mix of citrus and flowers in its bouquet.  The flavors swirl in the glass with notes of peach and apple, and a lemony kiss at the end.  The finish is big on fruit, but dry, with a lingering effect which begs for another sip. The alcohol content is 13%, and Norm's score is 89.  

A bottle of Maso Canali Pinot Grigio would complement any cold shellfish salad, and would stand up well next to a plate of Chicken Piccata and Fettuccine.

score: 89

price: $12 - $17

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2018 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay

2018 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay

#20-2021

I have cooked Tuna Steaks on the grill in the past, but this time we had high-grade tuna which we wanted to turn into Ahi-Tuna Salad, so they had to be seared, and come off the grill pretty rare.  I did fairly well with the tuna, and although either Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, pairs well with tuna, we chose Chardonnay, since it was a salad.  The 2018 Indian Wells Chardonnay from Washington was great!

This is a buttery and creamy Chardonnay with big fruit and enough acidity to stand up to a spicy dish, which might even contain Wasabi (a key ingredient for Ahi-Tuna).  The flavor spectrum is enhanced by notes of tropical fruit and a touch of apricot, with a mild oak finish.  The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 90.  

A bottle of  Indian Wells would also be great with Cedar-Plank Salmon.

score: 90

price: $14 - $19

Norm

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2018 Edna Valley Sauvignon Blanc

2018 Edna Valley Sauvignon Blanc

#19-2021

The Edna Valley is pretty much in the middle of California, about five miles inland from the coast, where the days are warm and the nights are cool.  Its a good place to grow grapes, especially white ones like Sauvignon Blanc

This Edna Valley Sauvignon Blanc has a fragrant nose with floral notes, which leads to pungent flavors 0f grapefruit and pear, with a mild hint of melon.  There is good acidity and ripe fruit, which blend for a clean and crisp finish.  The alcohol content is 13.1%, and Norm's score is 88.  

A bottle of Edna Valley is a good summertime choice for grilled chicken salad, or possibly next to a big platter of fresh fruit paired with soft white cheeses.  If you plan a picnic before the weather gets hot, you will enjoy it with cold fried chicken. 

score: 88

price: $11 - $15

Norm

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity