2008 Joel Gott Chardonnay
Monterey, California / $13 -$17 Retail
One of Napa's premier winemaking families produced this Chardonnay from grapes grown in Central Coast's Monterey County. Cooling breezes and fog cover from Monterrey Bay lengthen the grapes' maturation period to create a perfect balance between the fruit's natural sugar and the wine's crisp acidity. Fermented in stainless steel, the wine touches no oak, resulting in clean, fresh flavors. In the glass, intense bouquets of orange blossom and green apple are followed by citrus and pear flavors, mineral notes and a lively finish. Drink it with lemon chicken, broiled salmon, trout amandine, creamy seafood soups and light pasta dishes. Buy it at: Cork & Bottle, The Wine Seller, Rouses in Mid-City, Dorignac's, Langenstein's in Metairie, Winn-Dixie in Covington and Acquistapace's Covington Supermarket. Drink it at: Antoine's, Cafe Minh, LePhare, Katie's Restaurant and Bar, The Melting Pot, Impastato's, Harrah's and Cafe D'Cappuccino. — Brenda Maitland
