Forward green apple, lemon-citrus and crème brûlée aromas precede bright, fully realized flavors of cinnamon-apple, ripe pear and toasty-oak vanilla. Creamy texture and finely balanced acidity add weight and lingering freshness to the palate. Fish and chicken are prime pairings, with herbed pork loin and salmon in almost every style a good match for the more venturesome.

A generally mild summer in Mendocino County created favorable conditions for ripening Chardonnay grapes to their maximum flavor potential. Our sustainable farming practices also played a role by giving the grapes everything they needed to achieve full fruit intensity. Quick pressing, cold settling of the juice and barrel fermentation with a slow fermenting yeast strain captured the inimitable lemon-apple flavors of Mendocino County Chardonnay, while partial malolactic fermentation and frequent stirring of the yeast lees during barrel aging contributed polish and complexity.”

Our continued success with Bonterra Chardonnay reflects a commitment to sustainable farming practices, which encourage flavor intensity in the grapes along with a judicious use of oak. Seventy percent of the wine went through malolactic fermentation, which softens the wine and adds a creamy texture. The wine was lies-stirred for several months to add complexity.

The 2002 Bonterra Chardonnay can be enjoyed with shellfish appetizers, mushroom pasta, fettuccine Alfredo, tarragon-roasted chicken, grilled swordfish and halibut, and braised pork or veal dishes. It is also delightful for sipping on its own.

Top 10 Value: 2002 Chicago Value Challenge
"Bright yellow-gold hue. Smoky vanilla, butter, and sweet apple aromas follow through on a medium-bodied palate with a smooth texture and bright and fresh finish. This is consistently a favorite at Tastings for its freshness of flavors and balance."

"You won't get much more than citrus, maybe green apple, in the fruit department, but the wine is so well structured and clean, it creates interest. Oak and lees are prominent but not overwhelming."

#1 out of 10 - Best Value Chardonnay of the Year
"Forward scents of spicy green apple and succulent, ripe pear. Mouthfilling with loads of flavor that replicate the nose. A generous, well-proportioned Mendocino Chardonnay with silky texture and crisp acidity."