Wine Review: 2006 Cambria Chardonnay Katherine’s Vineyard

Posted by Wine Welfare | Filed under $8-$10, Chardonnay, USA, White

Bad News First

Whoa. Just…whoa. Based on what this looks like in the glass, it’s either an entire stick of melted butter, or a severely over-oaked Chardonnay. In an episode of a “Black Books,” a hilarious British comedy, the two main characters accidentally drink some very expensive and rare wines owned by the man whose home they are watching while he is away. Once they realize their terrible mistake, they spend an evening trying to recreate the priceless vino by reading the tasting notes in a book and using simple household ingredients to mimic the flavors. When when of the notes says “oak,” one man sends the other out to fetch up an oak tree branch, which they promptly shove into the bottle to let it soak and add flavor.

That is how oaky the Cambria Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay is. We’re just saying. Super-oak is not for us, but some people love their rich, buttery Chardonnays.

Good News

Color: Brilliant gold. New hay and marigold. Just a very pleasant looking wine.

Nose: Vanilla beans (again, from the oak), very ripe peaches and apples smothered in cinnamon and butter.

Taste: Take a wild guess. However, we were very shocked that the oak and vanilla were balanced. The fruit really came through here and the wine took on an entirely new feel. Now, if you are super sensitive to buttery, oaky Chardonnays, this one is not for you. It is thick. It is unctious. And yes, it is VERY oaky. However, if you can get past that, you are going to find a delicious blend of white fruits: peaches, nectarine, apple, and even a slight touch of strawberry. The wood is here as well, helping to stave off the alcohol.