The taste of different Chardonnays even from the same region and year can vary widely, so it’s really a personal preference on the exact style and nuances that each person enjoys.  Me, I tend to like cleaner, less oaky, more fruit forward Chardonnays in the style of most Burgundies, particularly Chablis.

It seems like many more of the CA producers are toning down the oak, which appeals to me, but I found this bottle from Daou, which I really really wanted to like, just not to my tastes.

The nose hints at a more citrus fruit forward wine to come, but once in the mouth the wine is overtaken with butter, cream and wood, leaving little in the way of discernible fruit.  And that oak lingers a long time in the mouth.

I tried changing the temperature of the wine, and pairing with a few different cheeses, but the oak cut through about everything.

Now, I understand some people love their Chards like this.  They want big butter and big oak, and that’s totally cool.  I feel it’s our job to report on the style and share our opinion but also let you the reader make the decision on the wines you will like best.

I’m not sure how to rate this bottle so I’m not going to.  It was $14.99 at my Costco in the Atlanta area.

Costco item number: 549335

Alc. 14.2%