2009 Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net



2009 Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay Chardonnay
#nb-14-11


My wife Mary is known as "The Queen of Chardonnay" because she loves Chardonnay wines and really has a discerning palate when it comes to these wonderful white wines, which are the number one selling grape variety in the world. Her favorite Chardonnays come from the vineyards of Rodney Strong, and we have enjoyed many wonderful vintages from several of the different Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards.

The Chalk Hill vineyard is located in Sonoma County, and is known for its chalky white soil, which is similar to Montrachet in Burgundy, home to some of the best Chardonnays in the world. The 2009 Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay is clean and crisp, with a mineral background from the chalky soil, and a good representative of this style of wine.

The aroma of this straw colored wine is that of pears and melon, which lead into these flavors blending together with the taste of crisp green apples for a true chardonnay character. The wine was barrel aged for ten months and finishes with a hint of oak. Malolactic fermentation produces a creamy texture which compliments the aforementioned clean and crisp taste.

We wanted to pair this wine with an appropriate meal, so we went online at www.rodneystrong.com/recipes and borrowed a recipe for "Sauteed Honey Ginger Grilled Salmon", which helped us produce a delightful dinner. The wine and the salmon were a perfect match, and once again we enjoyed another treat from the folks at Rodney Strong.

Price: $15 to $20
Score: 87

Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http: //normwine.blogspot.com

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
dawsontimes.com
cumminghome.com
pineisland-eagle.com








Wine - God's proof of his love for humanity