Stuhlmuller Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay from the Alexander Valley represents a growing trend among California Chardonnays… a move toward less oaked, leaner, drier, and earthier wines. And this particular vintage is much in the manner of a fine French Chablis, exhibiting decidedly mineral-like elements but still managing to maintain an elegant, lush, and complex backbone of citrus and ripe fruit.
There’s great body here, but, thankfully, it isn’t drowned in the ponderous presence of too much artificially infused sweetness. Yes, there is a touch of oak… but it is perfectly balanced by 14.1% alcohol and sufficient acidity.
This is a Chardonnay that is wonderful for a variety of food pairings – predominately fish and shellfish and other lighter fare – but it is also just right for au naturel solitary summer quaffing.
The 2009 Stuhlmuller Vineyards Chardonnay is truly a wonderful wine… bright, balanced, and completely food friendly. And it is also, given its incredible quality, more than reasonably priced. It normally retails for $24.00, but the PA Liquor Control Board has placed it on sale at $14.99 – a steal!
The premium LCB store in Wayne (in the Whole Foods Plaza on Lancaster Avenue) had cases stacked to the ceiling… but they sold out in a buying frenzy over a weekend (Yes, it’s that popular!). As of this writing, the store in the Gateway Shopping Center, Wayne, has 6 ½ cases in stock; and the store in Berwyn another 2 ½… But you’d better get a move on!!!
Cheers!
The Artful Diner
August 2011
The
Artful Diner is an independent, freelance food writer. His latest review and an archive of past reviews for restaurants around the country and the world can be found on this site on the
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