Cavalier & Sons, Chardonnay 2014, France

Tasting Note: A basic French chardonnay that is made in an oaky style, presumably for the export market.

Medium-intensity gold in color this wine has an aromatic nose of vanilla oak, green apple and ripe pear.

On the palate the dry, medium-bodied wine displays a light oak character on the attack underpinned by fruit suggested on the nose.

The wine is straightforward and basic but good for its price point.

While I would have preferred less oak, it’s not overwhelming in the style of some chardonnay producers producing for the American market.

Bottle Note: In 1907, Jules Cavalier, brilliant inventor of some of the smartest equipments ever developed for the wine industry, planted his first vineyards in order to experiment with new machines. Nowadays, his inventions are no longer in use but his descendants have expanded the vineyards in several of the best places in France and now produce some of the most respected wines in the country. This chardonnay is very aromatic and full of ripe fruits: pear and dried banana are followed by hints of oak. Enjoy as an aperitif and with seafood, fish with a creamy sauce and goat’s cheese.