If you have read earlier blog posts of mine, you have probably read about my quest to find the perfect bottle of Chardonnay for my very sweet "83 years young" neighbor. She enjoys a glass of Chardonnay in her beautiful garden every night before bedtime, and is always bringing us something delectable from her kitchen.
During a Memorial Day trip to Arnold and Murphys, California - I visited the tasting room of Stevenot Winery, where I managed to find a wonderful nightshirt that reads, "Wine Takes the Bitch out of Me". I also found this incredible Chardonnay that Beverly tells me was my best "score" for her of the entire summer.
My tasting notes (yes, it has been a while since Memorial Day), read that this wine was very smooth with just a hint of oak, lemon, and butter. It was light without feeling like a Sauvignon Blanc, but not too heavy - just nicely balanced.
Several weeks ago, when Beverly's daughter visited from Oregon, she opened the bottle I brought her for all to share. I was amazed to find that it tasted even better than I remembered it. Beverly served it chilled, with fresh berries in every flowered glass. This was a particularly nice touch, and it blended very well with the fresh brie and crackers she offered on her garden table.
I would definitely recommend this wine as one of the best Chardonnays I have ever tasted.
Food Pairings: A light shrimp scampi would be fabulous with this wine, as would rock cornish game hans glazed with apricot jam and roasted in a 350 oven for 40 minutes. I really enjoyed it with brie, crackers, and almonds. A parsley crusted Tilapia filet also comes to mind, as the fresh parsley flavors would complete the bright fruit in the wine.
Music Pairings: The music of Bay Area local Christian Tamburr would be lovely while sipping this Chardonnay - I really enjoy his light touch and lively, progressive jazz sounds. Vivaldi's Four Seasons - Spring selection would be wonderful with this wine as well.
Other Pairings: This was the ideal end-of-summer garden party wine, sipping something so fruity and well-balanced is particularly enjoyable while looking at the harvest moon and gardens.
Where to Buy: You can find this wine at the winery or winery website . Finding it elsewhere is a bit trickier, as it appears the winery ownership is changing hands. I suggest keeping your eyes peeled at Bevmo or local wine shops.
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