One samples Chardonnay from suitable climates to see what winemakers are doing. Larry Brooks, the winemaker at Marmesa Vineyards. This from Central Coast, California, cooled by maritime winds up the valleys, and all that jazz. Full retail about £11.99 I suppose.

This one is unoaked and comes in an over heavy champagne style bottle ! Alc 14% which is too high, although not a hot feel on the palate, it gives the wine a fortified oily texture, that is heavy and just too concentrated at cellar temperature - overblown to my way of thinking. Better, when over chilled.

Attractive floral and honeyed nose. The wine is too old, if this ever was very fresh, it is not now, and one thinks of a pale and light oloroso sherry made with chardonnay ! - How weird is that ?

Pity, there was something desirable in the leesy and sweet herbal notes in flavour, BUT, the grapes should have been picked earlier, and then a less rich, and consequently, a less alcoholic wine could have been made.

Not recommended for chablis / côte chalonnaise white burg folks. Not bad though, just not for me.

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Duncan