The 2010 Lucky Star Chardonnay is 95% Chardonnay and 5% Muscat (one of the oldest known grape varietals) sourced from multiple vineyards in the Lodi AVA, Sonoma, Lake County AVA and the Central Coast AVA. Lucky Star is a virtual winery (this is very common in California), they do not own their own vineyards or their own winemaking facilities, they lease space at Sonoma Wine Company in Graton, California, 4 Vines and Avalon Wines also lease space at the same facility. The Lucky Star Chardonnay is not aged in oak of any kind and a portion of this wine underwent malolactic fermentation. Malolactic fermentation is a process that reduces the acidity in wine, it is used routinely for Red wine and for Chardonnay it has an extra benefit, it transforms tart, citrus-like acid to an acid that tastes of apples and pears. So, the Lucky Star is a combination of tart flavors and juicy, smooth flavors. The 5% of Muscat was added to enrich the nose of the wine and add a little suppleness to the body of the wine. The alcohol content is 13.5%.
The color is a golden wheat yellow. The nose is mix of fruit stand and florist, melon, peach, pear, grapefruit, pineapple with a spring mixed bouquet of flowers. This is a crisp, refreshing flavorful Chardonnay. The apples, peaches and pears take the lead, with lemon/lime and grapefruit dancing along the edges. The mid palate adds a very appealing creamy texture, along with a late hit of pineapple juice. The acidity is well balanced, but you can detect a mild tingling sensation on your lips at the finish and the acidity allows the finish to last and last.
The Lucky Star is a drinkers Chardonnay, I imagine it will pair well with fish and spicy Asian cuisine, but a glass or two after a long hard day is almost guaranteed to improve your mood. It is an unpretentious, bright, delicious Chardonnay that goes down very, very easily.
