2010 Buty Chardonnay, Conner Lee Vineyard, Columbia Valley, Washington
You won’t find many Chardonnays in the New World that are this crisp — even from the cooler growing regions. But this one, clear straw in hue, is exceptional. The nose offers up crisp aromatics of lime and orange, sharp stone fruit, and a limestone minerality. Aged in older Burgundy barrels, with only 20% of the juice undergoing malolactic fermentation, this is as close as you’ll get to a fine Chablis in a glass without traveling to France. Surprisingly round and balanced in the mouth, there is ample sweet-tart fruit that stays juicy through to the finish. Pair with all manner of shellfish, or poach a salmon filet in white wine with lime juice.
MSRP: $35 (June 2012)
Wine Lines rating: 90
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RATINGS EXPLAINED
80-84 points: A sound wine that shows varietal character. 85-89 points: An unflawed wine that shows some depth and concentration of aromas and flavors. 90-93 points: A Gold Medal wine of its type, showing balance, depth and secondary flavor profiles found in the best of its style. 94-97 points: Hedonistic pleasure in a glass. Remarkable balance, aromas, flavor and length. A pure expression of the varietal or type. 98-100 points: A wine for the ages! Will drink sublimely for decades. Learn more here!
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