TN: 2011 Franciscan Estate Chardonnay (USA, California, Napa Valley)

WINE TALK
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  • 2011 Franciscan Estate Chardonnay - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/7/2013)
    I had very low expections for this wine, Sunday night quaffer with grilled shrimp. Well, this was a surprise. I put on my “blind tasting hat” just noted what come to me. First thing that hit me was it starts as an acid driven Chardonnay but then transitions with a touch of butter and vanilla. So I kept wanting to place it in the buttery popcorn cali char category but the attack is green apple and prevalent mouth watering acid. Could it be they blended malo and non-malolactic fermented barrels? Maybe so, it sure taste like it. This is a very nice wine and it only cost $10 on sale.

Posted from CellarTracker

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We sell it, but the oak has been cut way back, about 20% new, and about 50% of it was wild yeast fermented. Janet Meyers is doing a good job there with readily available and affordable wines.

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Glad to hear. I have a soft spot in my heart for Franciscan from the early 90’s.