Napa Ridge Chardonnay

You’ve probably seen this wine on the shelves of your local grocery store — that is, if they sell wine at grocery stores in your area.  Regardless, my point is that this is a mass-produced and widely distributed wine.  It’s made by the Bronco Wine Company, the same folks who are famous for producing Two-Buck Chuck.

A number of years ago there was actually some controversy surrounding this wine.  At one point in time Napa Valley vintners accused Bronco Wine Company of exploiting the Napa name by calling their wine Napa Ridge when it wasn’t from Napa Valley.  But that has since changed and Napa Ridge is actually from Napa Valley these days.

There’s a bit of an earthy, hay-like aroma on the nose of this wine.  It also shows vanilla and apple characteristics.  The flavor is like lemon-drenched apples and honeydew melon.  It’s slightly harsh and off balance when it hits your tongue.  There’s a little bit of heat on the finish too.  It’s a drinkable chardonnay, but not a top pick.

Wine: Napa Ridge
Variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 12.5%
Rating: 82
Price: $12.00

Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.