Kimmel Vineyards

2008 Mendocino County

Chardonnay

$32.00 a bottle

I was just recently given two bottles of Kimmel Vineyards wines to taste and review. Having a crab dinner the other night gave a good excuse to open a bottle of Chardonnay. Now being primarily a red wine drinker there are still times when you need a good Chardonnay and Kimmel Vineyards ‘08 Chardonnay did not disappoint. Kimmel Vineyards is located in Potter Valley California in Mendocino County. The Kimmel family first planted grapes in 1986. Their family ranch produces over 40 acres of grapes. Their ranch has 25 acres of Chardonnay, 9 acres of Merlot, 1 acre of Sauvignon Blanc, 1 acre of Cabernet Sauvignon, ⅓ acre of Cab Franc, ⅓ acre of Petite Verdot, ⅓ acre of Malbec. Kimmel Vineyards winemaker is Bruce Regalia who was the founding winemaker of Goldeneye with Dan Duckhorn. This ‘08 Chardonnay is great in the fact you can taste lots of fruit but still has a very light oak finish. Strong aroma’s of green apple and a light scent of vanilla. First tasting crisp green apple, light pear, and a touch of apricot. This Chardonnay finishes with a very light creamy oak. I really enjoyed this Chardonnay! Love the families motto “Our Passions....Great Wines, Family, Friends and the Land.” I can tell drinking this wine that this is definitely the Kimmel family passion. Can’t wait to try their Merlot next, which has won awards!