4.5 Review: Pam’s UN-Oaked Chardonnay 2020
Confession: When it comes to white wine, Chardonnay generally isn’t my first choice.
I’m not anti-Chardonnay, I just tend to prefer other varieties. But sometimes, I come across a Chardonnay that strikes my fancy. When that happens, more often than not it’s an unoaked Chardonnay.
Unoaked chardonnay is just what it sounds like — Chardonnay made without the use of oak. It’s often made without the use of malolactic fermentation as well, which is the process that gives some Chardonnay a buttery characteristic.
The result is a wine that offers a pure expression of the fruit that goes into it. This may be why some people call it “naked Chardonnay.” These unoaked Chardonnay tend to have lively, bright fresh fruit characteristics. Such is the case with Pam’s UN-Oaked Chardonnay.
This wine is produced by Ron Rubin Winery in California, which is SIP-certified (Sustainability in Practice) and Certified Sustainable by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. It was cold fermented in stainless steel tanks (i.e., no oak).
“Who exactly is Pam?,” you might ask. The wine is named after Ron Rubin’s wife, Pam. Like me, Pam is not a fan of oaky Chardonnay.
Tasting Notes
The aromas are complex and delightful, offering fragrances of tangerine, pear, golden delicious apple, vanilla and a hint of lemon. On the palate it delivers flavorful ripe fruit reflective of pear, peach and lemon. I would call this one “off dry” as there’s a slight touch of sweetness, but it’s not too much and would do well with spicy foods like Thai. The acidity is sufficient and the mouthfeel is nice. It finishes medium-long with lingering peach and pear flavors.
Wine: Pam’s UN-Oaked Chardonnay
Varieties: 100% Chardonnay
Vintage: 2020
Alcohol: 12.5%
Rating: 87
Average price: $15
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.
Previous vintage: 2018 Pam’s UN-Oaked Chardonnay
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