Recommendation: An unusual Chardonnay that’s not recommended.
Winery/Producer: Produced and Bottled by Crosbarn Winery; Sebastopol, California.
Grape Variety: Chardonnay.
Geographic Region, Appellation: Sonoma Coast, California.
Vintage: 2012.
Price: $22.95
Purchased From: Woodland Hills Wine Company; Woodland Hills, California
Paired With: Artichoke
Tasting:
He said: Served chilled. Very pale yellow-green color. Strong lemon zest and hints of damp wood aromas. Quite crisp citrus, pineapple, leather and mineral taste with a medium-length tart finish. Although 12-15% was aged in oak there was not a trace of vanilla, caramel or butter. I did like the acidity; however I missed the characteristic Chardonnay tastes. For me this was an unusual Chardonnay that would go into my “OK” category, but, I probably would not buy it again. Needless to say this was better drinking alone than with the artichoke.
She said: Artichokes are hard to pair with wine and this was really bought to pair with smoked chicken. Thus it was not great with the artichoke. Pleasant aroma but it had a sharpness ending with a tad of bitterness in the long finish. Although it was said to be oaked, the oak flavor was very light and not particularly good with the artichoke.
Comments: Four of us tasted this Chardonnay and all of us commented about the tart, bitterness in the finish.
Alcohol: 14%
Bar code: 897941000110