Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1004126
88 / the tasting panel / july 2018 THE TASTING PANEL IN ACTION THE TASTING PANEL'S PALATES PICK OUR 88 / the tasting panel / july 2018 THE TASTING PANEL IN PANEL IN PANEL ACTION THE TASTING PANEL'S PALATES PICK OUR TOP TEN FAVE CHARDONNAYS UNDER $17 Edna Valley Vineyard 2016 Chardonnay, Central Coast ($15) Ginger, chamomile, and savory lemon verbena make a cocktail for the soul and the nose. Green apples spruce up the palate, reminding us of granny's summer pies with that little bit of crust firming up the mid-palate. Ripe pineapple notes are juicy and sweet, but it's the rare appearance of apricot nectar blending seamlessly with subtle hints of toasty oak that puts this entry over the top for us. Texture played an important role in showcasing a wine that signifi- cantly overdelivers with finesse and quality for the price. 94 E. & J. GALLO A fter tasting more than 75 Chardonnays over the past several months, our team battened down the hatches to choose our ten best from the bunch. While there were many fine competitors, these wines stood out for taste, character, mouthfeel, balance and all the other important attributes that make a wine noteworthy. These wines work hard for the retailer and the restaurateur by offering outstanding value for customers in this competi- tive, high-volume segment. These ratings are based on scores within this tasting group of wines. "I could not be happier doing what I'm doing," says Edna Valley Vineyards Winemaker Kamee Knutson. "Winemaking is the perfect mix of science and creativity, especially at Edna Valley Vineyard, where I'm able to work with some truly amazing fruit sources throughout the Central Coast. It's really the greatest reward to craft Edna Valley Vineyard wines and see them enjoyed by wine lovers everywhere." PHOTO COURTESY OF EDNA VALLEY VINEYARDS CHARDS THAT PUNCH ABOVE THEIR WEIGHT CLASS BEST CHARDONNAY UNDER $17