Tasting a Best-value White Wine from Edna Valley in California: Marmesa Chardonnay

By way of background: Central Coast is a fairly wide region in California, generating a number of interesting varietals in its various sub-sections and regions. Today we will sample a chardonnay from the Edna Valley area of San Luis Obispo region.

Initial review : This is Marmesa Vineyards Hollister Peak Chardonnay, Edna Valley, Central Coast, California, 2005, finished at a fairly hefty 14.2.% alcohol. It is finished unoaked, with some stirring on its lees. The wine is part of the Wine Insiders selection.

In the glass: Light yellow, with definite green overtones.

On the nose: Poured cool with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, shows white flowers and restrained citrus notes. Minor hints of pepper and honey. From the aroma, seems like this will be bright, perhaps a touch sweet, with honey on the palate.

On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact a mouthfeel that is evenly poised between roundness and brightness, think citrus melon. It speaks of lightly honey-sweetened lemonade, with a touch of perfume. A bit of sugar rides the acids into your cheeks for the finish, which lingers, but the sugar cloys just a bit at the very end.

In summary: Overall, rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, as I do believe the interplay of its various elements would draw me back again.

Following long decant, one full day in decanter at room temperature: The white flowers on the nose have been dipped in a soft coating of light butterscotch. Now the palate shows a soft and inviting side, the lemony acids having woven together wonderfully with the fruity sugars, bringing this together entirely, and delivering a fourth star. I would stay with this a single white wine choice for the evening. Becomes a best value with this lengthy decant. Suggests additional bottle time would not harm things either!

Find prices and retail availability for value-priced Edna Valley chardonnay.