Wed 23 May 2007
The Sierra Vista Unoaked Chardonnay 2006, El Dorado, a terrific summertime wine, offers so much personality and such lovely silkiness that you don’t miss the wood influence. It’s vibrantly fresh and clean, bursting with notes of green apple, lemon and lime zest and hints of jasmine and 
honeysuckle. In the mouth the mineral element comes forward in impressions of limestone and wet gravel; flavors of lemon curd, lime and pineapple are couched in a seductive texture that comes close to being lush. Crisp acid keeps everything honest and forthright.
We drank this with seared swordfish served in a white bean ragu with green beans, roasted red pepper and rosemary. You can’t beat the price, about $14. I rate the wine Very Good+, though you may call it irresistible.
May 24th, 2007 at 6:37 am
How does the Sierra Vista rate with the Alamos Chardonnay 2005? This Alamos Chardonnay 2005 also has a hint of fruit (sometimes apple and sometimes pear). It is usally in the $12.00 ish range.
DOes it (Sierra Vista) compare with Travis Monterey Chardonnay 2004?
May 24th, 2007 at 9:19 am
Hi, Fred, I haven’t tried the Travis but compared to the Alamos, which I have had in a couple of vintages, I like the Sierra Vista better. To me, it has more body and character.
May 24th, 2007 at 9:50 am
One of my favorite unoaked chardonnays is from New Zealand’s Kim Crawford,also very modestly priced at about $13 or $14. How does the Sierra Vista compare?
May 24th, 2007 at 10:33 am
That makes the Sierra Vista sound good. I’ve always been a Mondovi person. Their Woodbridge wine is a great budget wine. His reserve section has some good wines, but they can be pricy.
May 24th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Hey, Ed, I like the Kim Crawford chardonnay, it’s usually a good deal, though to my palate it has a little of that Down Under flamboyance in the ripeness of the fruit. Still, it’s also nicely reticent and minerally and good with food.
May 26th, 2007 at 6:27 pm
Where is the Sierra Vista Chardonnay available?
May 28th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Johnny, if you live in Memphis, let me know; I’ll tell you where to find the wine. If you don’t live here, you’ll have to do some internet searching or make some phone calls to local stores.
June 3rd, 2007 at 6:39 pm
FK, I’d love to try this wine. Please do let me know where I can find it in Memphis.
Additionally, I do hope you know I meant nothing ill towards you in my rant on the CA blog. My hat is off to you for the objectivity you project in your writings. FYI, you won’t see me rejoining the ranks of restaurant ownership in the Memphis area any time soon. For the forseeable future, I’ll continue cooking in the Bluff City as a personal chef.
But do tell, where might Wally be hanging his hat next?
June 4th, 2007 at 10:17 am
Hey, Sam, I didn’t consider that a rant; just an astute observation from someone who has been at the barricades for many years.
I bought this wine at The Wine Market, that very nice stop near the William-Sonoma store in the Target shopping center off Southern.
And i almost hate to ask this, but what happened to Seasons @ White Church?
June 10th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
FK, I hope you rec’d my recent reply in this regard. Please advise if you did not!
I picked up a bottle of your recommended Sierra Vista at the aformentioned locale, and saw my a familiar face from the spirits shoppe on poplar, “riding” the counter! I have the grill (wood charcoal only) fired up, and am about to grill some wild ivory alaskan king salmon to enjoy with it.
Opinion to follow!
s
June 11th, 2007 at 5:55 am
Hey, Sam, yes I got your other message, thanks….. I look forward to your appraisal of the chardonnay and the salmon.
February 28th, 2008 at 6:05 am