The 2010 Green Barn Mendocino County Organic Chardonnay is produced by Mendocino Wine Company for Trader Joe’s ($7.99). Mendocino Wine Company also produce Parducci Wine Cellars (the oldest winery in Mendocino) and Paul Dolan Vineyards (a leader in sustainable and organic wines since 1987). The Chardonnay grapes are grown to certified organic standards. The wine is mostly aged in stainless steel tanks, but 7% of the Chardonnay was aged in oak barrels, which will give the wine a light touch of butter. The alcohol content is 13.5%.
The color is a pale wheat yellow. The nose is intense apple and pear with a little magnolia around the edges. There is a nice, silky mouth-feel, the wine starts off with tart green apple and lime juice, followed by canned Del Monte pear slices. The mid palate adds an exclamation point of orange zest and grapefruit mixed with a little pineapple. There is a solid amount of acidity, this is a Chardonnay that will pair well with spicy food. The finish starts off well, but falls off quickly.
Ok, what else can you ask for? A full flavored Chardonnay, made with organic grapes by a top notch producer and selling for under 8 bucks. The tart flavors and acidity are just begging for a BYOB Asian joint, this is a Chardonnay that will wake up your tastebuds.
