The 2011 Bachelder Oregon Chardonnay has rich aromas of gooseberry, stems, pear and subtle wood on the nose and pear, lemon, butter, vanilla and coconut on the palate. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity to integrated wine; BALANCED with excellent acidity and a medium to long finish. This is a sipper but will pair very well with most dishes; drink for the rest of this decade at least (cork enclosure). My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 92 pts – recommended for its quality and value. Tasted in Jul/14 at 'Barrels & Bonfires (i4C 2014)' http://grapeselections.com/i4c-2014/.

See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:

http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections

or here @

http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy

Clear & focused Chard, oh yes it’s also yummy

Description: Bright light yellow gold in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This complex wine features a beautiful nose followed up by crisp citric fruits, sweet tropical fruit, spices with oak playing a supporting role. Medium+ body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Use the larger Montrachet glass to bring out the tropical fruit

Drink now or in the next 7 years on its own or pair it with pecan crusted pan seared Trout.

Tasted: 26 Feb 2015

Top Pick

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9/10 (Clearance price: 9.5+/10) Total: 18+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4+

Light yellow gold with a hint of green. That greenness carries through the nose and palate. Medium to full bodied. Of the fruit, there's notes of green apple and lime. Of the soil there's distinct minerality. Of the deft Bachelderan touch there's spice, caramel and butter. Green herbal tarragon. Excellent length. Nicely balanced acidity makes this a very food friendly imbibe. It rocked with a grilled halibut drizzeled in a wine vinegar, mustard and tarrogan/chive vinaigrette. For a change of pace, try it with red meat, maybe surf and turf. Will age well another 2-3 years. Aug. 2014.