2002 Keller Estate "La Cruz Vineyard" Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast

I've written before about Keller Estate, so I won't repeat myself with praises. I've been enjoying this wine along with their Pinot (also reviewed here) since I first heard about them. For not having been around that long, and being quite small, Keller has made an immediate impression, garnering high scores from the Spectator for their Chardonnays several years in a row (Last year's got a 93, this year's a 92).

This 2002 wine is a great example of a solid Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.

Tasting Notes:
I love the color of this wine -- gorgeous buttercup yellow, clear as a bell and shining. The nose is a little softer than it could be, but with distinct scents of pamelo/grapefruit, mango, and melon, with a hint of sweet oak. The luxurious mouthfeel is suffused with tangerine, oak, butterscotch, and cream without a complete malolactic overload, thankfully. The finish is nice, although shorter than it could be.

Food Pairing:
Because of the oak in this wine, I lean towards starchier and creamier foods to pair it with. I've had it occasionally with pastas in white sauces with much success. In particular I recommend trying it with sweet potato ravioli in a sage butter sauce.

Overall Score: 8.5/9

How Much?: $28

This wine can be purchased through the winery's web site. I got my bottle through Porthos.