Rich & Creamy Chardonnay 2015

Rich and Creamy Chardonnay. Lee Newspapers photo.

By Chris and Sherry Hardie/Brambleberry Winery

Sometimes it’s difficult to tell from the label if the chardonnay inside is going to be light and crisp, big and oaky or somewhere in between.

The name of this California wine makes it pretty clear what its taste profile wants to be. While the use of oak has a significant impact on imparting vanilla flavor, the creamy, buttery and rich flavors favored by many chardonnay drinkers comes from malolactic fermentation. It’s a secondary stage that turns tart malic acid into smooth lactic acid.

We prefer the bigger chardonnay style and this offering certainly leans in that direction.

Sherry: “Medium-bodied with citrus lime flavors and subtle pear and honeydew.” (3 stars out of 5)

Chris: “A pineapple bouquet with flavors of peach, pineapple and a hint of butterscotch.” (3.5 stars out of 5)

Available from $8 to $12.

Coming next week: J. Lohr Syrah