Singing praises too loudly in the world of wine can bring on great controversy especially in light of the vast array of styles and varieties available in the market place today. This could not be any more true than when the topic is Chardonnay. This is the number one variety of wine sold in the world today, and Chardonnay wine spans a wide range of styles, as well as an arena full of different palettes for those who enjoy it. This is why we have such an abundance of Chardonnay wine to choose from. In our store alone we have more than two hundred labels ranging in taste from dry, to fruity, to oaky,with flavors from melon to pineapple. That is why I have thought very long and carefully about my next sentence.

I have just tasted the 2005 Simi Russian River Valley Chardonnay and it is the best bottle of Chardonnay I have tasted in the last few years, regardless of price. Yes, that is what I said, "the best I have tasted in years, regardless of price!" At $24.99 it is more expensive than a lot, but quite less expensive than a good many others.

This wonderful Chardonnay was aged for ten months in 50% new French Oak after being 100% barrel fermented, and has an alcohol content of 14.5%. The fruit comes from the Russian River Valley, which is becoming more and more famous for its big and succulent fruit flavors in both the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown there. The wine is a straw color with golden hues, and the nose is very fragrant with aromas of apple, citrus, and tropical fruit. The taste is rich and buttery, and literally attacks your senses with abundant flavors of vanilla, apple, and lemon curd. The finish is long and lingering with good acidity and oak, but not over-powering. You almost can't really enjoy the finish since you are so greedy for your next sip to start the waterfall of sensory perception all over again.  Whether you are a novice or a seasoned wine taster, you will know at first sip that this is a fantastic bottle of wine.

This wine will go well with any food you would drink white wine with, even fried chicken. However, to experience it in all of its glory, enjoy it with king crab, lobster, or fowl such as pheasant or cornish game hen. If you need a score, I give this one a 96, as I compared it to a more expensive Chardonnay which has a 90 score in the Wine Spectator, and this one blew it away!

World Beverage
6190 Highway 400
Cumming, GA 30040
678-513-6284