446 Chardonnay

Last night I reviewed the 337 cabernet sauvignon and tonight I thought I’d give props to his sister, 446 chardonnay.  It’s another part of the Noble Vines lineup.

This wine is named after a combination of the vine clone and the block where it’s grown.  The vine, clone 4, is also called the “Martini clone” and is named after winemaker Louis Martini, who cultivated the clone in Carneros.  These vines are planted in block 46 of the San Bernabe Vineyard in Monterey, California.  This is a cool climate region, which is perfect for chardonnay.  And there you have it, clone 4 + block 46 = 446.

In case you didn’t pick up on it, this is a single vineyard wine.  And it’s only $12.99, which conceptually seems like an an incredible bargain… as long as it’s good.  And it is good.

I, like many wine lovers these days, am not a big fan of chardonnay.  Or a better way to put that is I’m fed up with poorly made chardonnay.  Too often it’s over-oaked, lacking acidity and not showing the tropical flavors that could make it spectacular.  Those shortcomings are not found in 446.

This wine is pleasantly floral, offering a honeysuckle-like aroma.  It also shows some citrus, melon and mineral aromatics.  The palate brings melon, citrus and tropical fruit flavors with sufficient acidity.  The finish is medium in length with melon and mineral notes.

In short, this is a good chardonnay.  It’s not exceptional, but it’s good.  And for the price it’s very good.

Wine: 446
Variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2011
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 86
Price: $12.99
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.

Find 446 Chardonnay with Snooth