A Pair of Summer Chardonnays

Despite my loyal reading of Wine Spectator magazine and many ripped-out pages of Best Values and Smart Buys, I still end up going to our House Wines most of the time.

But it was time for a project. So I bought and then tasted two Chardonnays that Wine Spectator had rated in the high 80's. And (important to the Life Should Be Beautiful philosophy), both were in the $10 price range.

Both are worthy as summer sips. (And might actually be good enough to make YOUR house wine list.) Here are my tasting notes:


Hogue Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2006
Rated 88 by Wine Spectator magazine.

This one had velvety texture with a floral nose that quickly leans toward the tropical flavors of mango and pineapple. It's perfect with grilled fish or simply-prepared shrimp.

Meridian Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2006
Rated 87 by Wine Spectator magazine.

Drinking this one felt like biting into a caramel apple. But it's a Granny Smith apple. The wine is a perfect blend--both on the nose and on the palate--of rich and acidic, sweet and savory. Crisp and refreshing, it's great with grilled chicken, but, heck, who needs food? Sit in the hammock and enjoy....