 Norm's Tasting Notes by:Norm Bentley 2011 Franciscan Estate Napa Valley Chardonnay
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It is always pleasing to find a bottle of wine that tastes like it costs more than its actual retail price, and this was the case with the 2011 Franciscan Estate Napa Valley Chardonnay. If you did not know better, you would think that this is a twenty dollar plus bottle of Chardonnay, when it can actually be purchased for around fifteen dollars.
The nose is fresh with aromas of apple and melon which burst above the rim of the glass. The opening flavors are definitely Chardonnay with pronounced green apple, a nuance of pear, and a generous serving of ripe melon. These flavors transcend into a big mouth-feel of creamy and buttery tones, wrapped up in a slight citrus breeze. The finish is crisp with a nod toward the wine's barrel fermentation, and seven months of oak aging.
This wine is in perfect harmony, with a pleasing balance between the fruit and acidity, and the mild oak undertones. We enjoyed this wine with a chilled shellfish salad of lobster, shrimp, and king crab, which was magnificent with the Franciscan as a companion. Norm's score is 91.
Score: 91
Price: $13 - $18
Norm
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