Barnett Vineyards Sonoma County Sangiocomo Vineyard Chardonnay 2003

The fruit for Barnett's Sangiacomo Chardonnay was sourced from Sonoma, specifically the Vella, El Novillero and Bates Blocks within Sangiacomo Vineyard, in Carneros (Sonoma County). The wine was aged sur lie, in French Oak (40% new, 60% once used). Only 25% underwent malolactic fermentation. (1166 cases) 91 points. The color is bright light gold. Here is a Chardonnay with nice complex aromas of peaches, honey, dried pineapple, tangerine and well-balanced oak. The tropical fruit flavors follow suit, with a big fleshy ripe mouthfeel, good minerality and lively acidity. The finish is totally dry, but the fruit and toasty oak reverberates.

The closure is a real cork. (A screw cap would be a plus.)

The $26 Nashville price is very reasonable, a bargain compared to some better known high-end Sonoma or Carneros Chards.