TN: 2008 Foxglove Chardonnay (USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley)

WINE TALK
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  • 2008 Foxglove Chardonnay - USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley (9/24/2009)
    Having seen this on several email blasts and Traci’s mom asking about it, I was pleasantly surprised to see Traci had a bottle open when I got home from AP Vin Winery.

Interesting wine, I believe it sees no new oak and no malolactic fermentation. The wine is nice with baking spice/apples on the nose and a nice weight on the palate with more spice, pear and something a little earthy. A solid CA Chardonnay in the $11-13 range. For those with a Trader Joe’s nearby, check out Domaine Alfred’s Stainless Steel Chardonnay (also Central Coast) for $9.99. Comparable although the Alfred is a little brighter. 85-87/00 (86 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

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We did a single blind testing with this and the Kendall Jackson '07 Vintner’s Reserve, given the latter wine’s performance in a double-blind chardonnay tasting reported on The Other Board, in which it did extraordinarily well in.

There was no mistaking one wine from the other. The Foxglove was more in the citrus camp with little or, as mentioned above, perhaps no oak influence. The Kendall Jackson had oak as a component and displayed a fuller presentation on all counts.

We preferred the Kendall Jackson, since when tasted side-by-side the Foxglove showed as more limited and even with a touch of harshness (as opposed to good acidity).

However, taken alone each is a QPR winner, and each will appeal to different tastes, or instead may be preferable depending on what one wants in a chardonnay that evening.

No formal note on the Foxglove, but here’s one on the KJ:

  • 2007 Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Vintner’s Reserve - USA, California (9/17/2009)
    Gold color. Nose of green apple, pear, brioche, floral elements, vanilla. The palate is medium, and is remarkable for terrific acidity, which gives the wine’s flavors of green apple great lift and freshness. This evening the oak was in good balance and not overwhelming. Surprisingly good finish. I must say this is a QPR winner. (90 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

I should also say that it appears we liked this wine more than the other Cellar Trackers who have posted notes on it.