Start Sipping Sumptuous Chardonnay This Summer

One of the nicest ingredients to enjoying a good Chardonnay is the memory that follows the drink. Certain wines enhance lovely times in a person's life, thus, making that drink truly special. I have found that some of my favorite Chardonnays are ones that I have enjoyed with special people in my life, or at special occasions. This is what truly makes a wine memorable.

My first suggestion for a dynamite Chardonnay is Toad Hollow. This is a California wine that has a good fruit taste with no oak flavor. The Vineyard is owned by Todd Williams who is half-brother to comedian and actor, Robin Williams. Todd is a man in his 60's who prefers to be called by the nickname given to him as a child: "Dr. Toad." Dr. Toad is the type of person to attend a wine luncheon dressed in an Hawaiian shirt drinking a beer. He was a bartender in a scene of Robin Williams" film, Mrs. Doubtfire. When the credits were shown, he was listed as "Dr. Toad." He started Toad Hollow winery and has been extremely successful. I was introduced to this wine on a family vacation several years ago. Enroute to Disney World, we stopped in Savannah, Georgia at
The Pirates House, a restaurant that is supposedly haunted by pirates from long ago. The waitress was telling so many ghost stories of happenings that had occurred in the restaurant. She strongly suggested our trying Toad Hollow Chardonnay and we of course, accepted her suggestion. My sons were not old enough to drink and my husband didn't want any wine. Well, that left this bottle of wine with a whimsical label of a toad and a badger drinking together, for my mom and me. And did we ever enjoy it. The connection to Robin Williams, the enchantment of sharing dinner with ghosts, plus, the company of my wonderful family, made this wine memorable and delicious. You can purchase this at their website: www.toadhollow.com or at most liquor stores. It sells for about $16.99 and is a wine you should try in the near future.

My second suggestion is Kendall Jackson Vintner's Reserve which is another choice from California. This taste will linger and has a very pleasing finish. You can taste honey, vanilla, pineapple, and mango. Since these flavors are among my favorites, this smooth rich taste is very enticing. Kendall Jackson Chardonnay is owned by Jess Jackson who started making wine 27 years ago. His vineyard is called Hawkeye Mountain Vineyard and he produced his first wine in 1982. His wife Barbara is also involved in this family business, and Jess Jackson takes great pride in calling his winery a family run business. I had attended a wine tasting in preparation for my son Chad's Baby Naming, and I choose Kendall Jackson. So, once again, you can see how the memory this wine represents only enhances its beauty. This is a very popular wine and can be purchased at their website:
www.kendalljackson.com or at any liquor store. It sells for about $14 and I assure you, it is thoroughly enjoyable.

Suggestion number three takes us to an Australian Vineyard in South Eastern Australia. The wine is called, Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay and was founded by an Englishman called Dr. Henry Lindeman. He planted his first vineyard in 1834. This wine has a soft, smooth finish and is very similar to Kendall Jackson Chardonnay. You can taste vanilla, pineapple, honeydew melon, and apricot. At a family gathering at the summer home of my late cousin, "Dr. Dan," he opened this wine and it was delicious. This was special summer family time, and once again, these memories are precious. This wine has become increasingly well known, and sells for $8. It too, can be purchased on their website: www.lindeman.com or in any liquor store. I know you will love this one.

My final two suggestions are perfect for me since one is named, Jordan Chardonnay, and the other is called Chaddsford Chardonnay. My sons, are named, Jordan and Chad. Jordan Chardonay is a very fine wine with a rich taste, a hint of vanilla, baked apples, honey, and mango. It is extremely smooth and lovely to drink on any beautiful summer evening. It is a California chardonnay and can be purchased on their website: www.jordanchardonay.com and at most liquor stores. The price is more expensive than the others at $29, but it is definitely worth treating yourself to this fine wine. You will be happy you tried Jordan.

Chaddsford Winery is in southeastern Pennsylvania and is truly a fun place to visit. Wine tasting is a unique experience and this Winery is always very busy. You can visit the winery or order online from their website: www.chaddsfordwinery.com There are two types of chardonnay at Chaddsford. The first is called Chadsford Naked and sells for $14 and the second type is called Miller Estate and sells for $34. The first one has a fruity taste and a pleasant finish. The second one has a rich full taste with fruit flavors. Both wines are incredible and you can't go wrong with Chad. Both the Jordan and Chaddsford wines are two of my personal favorites for obvious reasons. Yet, I must tell you that all of my five choices are fantastic wines. Go out and make your own memories this summer by sipping some of my favorite wines. And remember to drink responsibly and don't drink and drive.