Alexander Valley Vineyards Chardonnay 2012. AVV is very dependable producer of Sonoma wines at affordable prices. This effort is a delicate beauty with demure citrus, peach, pear, apple; there is suggestion of creamy French oak, balanced by fresh, smooth texture and welcomed acidity achieved by aging 70% in stainless steel (with no malolactic fermentation in the steel tank). Thankfully, this is not over-oaked, super-buttery, big-malo mess that some chard makers careen into. It is not complex, multi-dimensional treasure, but is a very solid, vividly clean expression of chardonnay grape. Robert Parker wrote: “This well-made chardonnay is a steal at $18 per bottle.” I agree and recommend. $18
