Edna Valley is one of my favorite wine areas to visit. Do I say that too much? This time I mean it. From the rolling hills to the lovely vineyards to the zany, unofficial mayor of Edna Valley - and her eclectic restaurant - it's a place that reveals something new every time we go there. Not that it's got any wild nightlife or exotic attractions - the wine and the wine people are enough to make us thirst for a return visit.
Edna Valley Vineyard is one of the "showier" places in Edna Valley. Calling anything in Edna Valley "showy" may be a bit of a stretch, but Edna Valley Vineyard's facility - among a few others there - is definitely ready for visitors.
I wouldn't call their Paragon Chardonnay a wine that defines what Edna Valley is all about, but it certainly shows its address well. A golden straw color in the glass, one would expect quite an influence from the oak in this wine. The nose betrays some of that influence with a fairly good dash of spices. There is also a nice whiff of pears and minerals. The rocks are something I expect in any white wine from Edna Valley.
The taste is pretty incredible. I get the kind of sweet fruit flavor that's in a can of fruit, like pineapple, pears or peaches - that heavy juice in the can. There's a good bit of citrus, lemon zest, too. The wood comes through in healthy fashion, with strong notes of vanilla and traces of holiday spice. This would be a great white on the Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner table. But don't wait until then.
Variety: Chardonnay
Appellation: California > San Luis Obispo County > Edna Valley
Vineyard: Paragon
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol Level: 13.9% abv
Price: $11
Acquisition disclaimer: Purchased by the author at a wine store
Appellation: California > San Luis Obispo County > Edna Valley
Vineyard: Paragon
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol Level: 13.9% abv
Price: $11
Acquisition disclaimer: Purchased by the author at a wine store
I don't know when I met Edna Valley Chardonnay Paragon 2008. Since then, there has been no other. I didn't know why this chardonnay was so delicious until I learned about the weather in Edna Valley being warmer in certain months during 2008. I was a devout La Crema drinker (I also live in Sonoma County). Not anymore. It is absolutely delicious.
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of this wine. The bouquet wowed me, then the flavors did a number on me. A beautiful Chardonnay.
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