2023 Carneros Creek Reserve Chardonnay ($29.95)
Carneros Creek Winery (now a brand under Carneros Wine Company) was originally founded by Francis Mahoney in 1972. While the physical winery was sold to Michael Mondavi in 2006, the Mahoney family has retained the brand names.
This Carneros Creek Chardonnay was aged six months in 25% new French oak and 5% Acacia wood. Acacia’s influence is primarily textural and aromatic. It is said to allow the primary fruit flavors to remain the "star." But another "unusual" side effect of Acacia is that it can impart a vivid golden-yellow tint to the wine, making the Chardonnay look slightly more concentrated.
This Chardonnay is indeed a bright golden color and has aromas of tropical fruits and pear, with subtle floral notes. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine has tropical fruit flavors including nectarine, citrus and green apple. It did not undergo Malolactic Conversion in order to retain the naturally high acidity. It finishes crisp and bright. [ABV: 13.5%, pH:3.5, TA: 5.2 g/L]
Carneros Creek Reserve Chardonnay is a refreshing wine that’s widely available and reasonable price. A great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!
The opinions expressed are entirely my own.