Winemaker Fintan “Fin” du Fresne, formerly Domaine Alfred, has a keen palate when it comes to Chardonnay made without oak. He strives to showcase the essence of Central Coast Chardonnay, according to the stat sheet, and he has done it well. Sourced from two sustainably farmed vineyards in Edna Valley and the Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey), only 25 percent underwent malolactic fermentation to soften the natural acidity. Elegant, pure, and quite impressive, it offers juicy flavors of fresh apple and white peach with bright highlights of lemon and tropical notes. This is perfect for swordfish with mango salsa, crab or lobster with buttery sauces, roast chicken, or to quench your thirst when you crave a fine glass of wine. It’s full-bodied and delicious so you won’t even notice it’s 100 percent stainless Chardonnay. A very good buy from an excellent winery, it’s $18 retail.
This article appears in Oct 15-22, 2009.