Paris Valley Road California Chardonnay 2018

… a deeply joyous discovery. Old school big bold chardonnay. Masses of creamy oak, and explosion of tropical fruit, and yet with the acidity and balance to stop it becoming a simplistic fruit bomb. 

California chardonnay has long had to deal with the impression that it is all made in a big, rich, heavily oaked style ... [This wine] certainly has elements of this style but is also really nicely balanced with lively, zesty acidity. There are aromas of ripe tropical fruits, apple pie and vanilla, followed by a broad,  rich but fresh palate with more tropical fruits and green apple acidity and a long finish. I really liked this wine, it makes for a lovely autumn white and would go well with a chicken tray bake. 

Wine of the Week: ... fabulously fresh and fragrant ...  A theatrically ripe pear and stonefruit nose welcomes a luscious palate full of citrus, peach and crisp, sweet apple flavours which are deftly balanced by understated spice and very discreet hints of oak and mineral. Zingy and zesty, this tangy, delightfully dry Californian white will also go wonderfully well with seafood, salads or gently spiced Asian or Mediterranean cuisine. While the archetypal Californian Chardonnay is big, juicy, slightly sweet and full of fruit, this particular drop bucks the trend and has all the refinement and sophistication of a Maconnais white.

... offers gentle baked apple, mango and vanilla-scented aromas that are classic to California and can really hit that spot when looking for a rich soft chardonnay hug, with or without food. Grapes are harvested from estate vineyards in the rocky hills of Monterey where chalky soils and a costal climate ensure slowly ripening high quality fruit developing delicate but rich flavours.