Alamos Chardonnay 2009

Chardonnay is a confusing varietal. Not by nature, but because we have created two distinct styles of the wine. The grape itself exhibits characteristics of apples (from granny smith to honeycrisp), citrus, minerality, and spices, which are most apparent in the leaner more elegant styles of Burgundy. And yet, those flavors respond so well to oak that we've created the voluptuous, oaky, buttery wines most commonly coming out of California.
Chardonnay is going to be really pissed at me if I make you think you that she is a bipolar hot mess. The truth is that she is more than just two extremes. There are a lot of producers creating chardonnays that both parties will want to hang out with. You must be open to traveling beyond France and California to discover your less partial cocktail wine. The good news is that you will save some money as well.

I parked my car on the median in Argentina. The 2009 Alamos Chardonnay smells like baked apples and lemon creme. The mouth feel is creamy and the flavors of oak and crisp citrus acidity are in great balance. Alamos Chardonnay from Mendoza will please the most diverse of palates and, at $9.99, will be easy on the lightest of wallets.