From K&L Wine Merchants Newsletter

We may not have the centuries of wine-growing history here in California like they do in Europe, but the original "New World" of wine does have some stories to tell. Cuvaison and Chalone are two classic producers who made stellar Chardonnays in 2007 that ready to drink and priced to take home.

2007 Cuvaison Carneros Chardonnay ($15.99)

92 points and a Best Buy, Wine & Spirits: "Slice a late summer Bosc pear over puff pastry and bake it - the tart will taste a lot like the flavors of this Chardonnay. It's grown at Cuvaison's estate vineyard, on 30-year-old vines. Though tightly built, the wine broadens into the finish, refreshed by a bristle of acidity. Decant it for roast veal with chanterelles." (07/09)

92 points and an Editors' Choice, Wine Enthusiast: "A beautiful Chardonnay with so much class and elegance, it's a bargain at this price. Shows lush flavors of pineapple creme brulee, Meyer lemon custard and vanilla sorbet, balanced with crisp acidity and a fine touch of smoky oak. Perfect with shellfish." (08/09)

Cuvaison has been a name that has been around the wine world for sometime, since 1969 to be exact (under the same ownership since 1979), and they have been the proving grounds for some great up-and-coming winemakers who turned into legends, Philip Togni anyone? With more history than probably 99% of the wineries in California today, and access to great vineyard sites, it’s a wonder why we don’t hear more about them.

Maybe their 2007 Chard will change all of that. It has already caught the attention of key member of the press; note the double 92-point scores above. It also caught our attention and then it wouldn’t let it go. Maybe it was due to the fruit-driven nose of hot buttered pears, cherry flesh and watermelon. That was surely a great opening line. Or it could have been due to the lime zest, Granny Smith apples and sweet corn that are so explicitly laid out on the palate. Also possible was the lasting impression it left as the finish trailed off into flavors of honeydew and butterscotch. Whatever it is that catches your fancy, the best news is that for a paltry $15.99 this can easily be the new house white. (Bryan Brick, K&L) )

$15.99 is a sale. It usually goes for $18. Either way, it's good.