The Oak Creek Vineyards Chardonnay is a non vintage wine sourced from vineyards from all over California. A $2.99 wine found in drug stores, CVS Pharmacy and Harris Teeter and produced by Golden State Vintners. Golden State Vintners is a suppler of bulk wine to some of the bigger California wine producers. They specialize in producing Chardonnay and make private label wines for a wide variety wine sellers. The Oak Creek line of wines that are made to compete directly with Bronco Wines, Charles Shaw Wines (Two Buck Chuck). The alcohol content is 13%.
The color is a clear golden yellow. The nose is pretty good, golden delicious apple, pineapple and pink grapefruit. A light bodied Chardonnay with a slightly oily mouth feel. It tastes of pear and dried apricot, along with artificial lemon flavoring. The mid palate adds a light touch of apple and a little cream. The acidity is a little out of balance, but not too bad all thing considered. The finish isn’t too shabby, it lingers for a very respectable amount of time.
The $2.99 a bottle, Oak Creek Chardonnay isn’t great, but it is not bad, it’s surprisingly drinkable. This Chardonnay is too light bodied and a little too acidic to be a home run, but it will definitely do in the pinch. It is one of those wines that you expect almost nothing from and when it actually gives you a little something, you forgive its shortcomings. So if your hands are beginning to shake because you need some Two Buck Chuck and there is not a Trader Joe’s in sight, head on over to your local drug store chain and the Oak Creek Chardonnay will get you right.
I actually had this wine and it wasn’t bad and it went well with a number of lighter foods. glad to see it made your list!
I like this wine because it’s lighter and tastes better than 2 buck chuck. Plus, it’s 2 for $5 at CVS.
Update: It’s gone up a bit at CVS, It’s now 3 for $10.
I happen to like the price and the wine Harris Teeter does well to offer this
It’s affordable and I buy it often.
It is mild and enjoyable.
I’ve been drinking this wine for the past 3 years. I’ve tried probably about 8 or 10 other wines in the $5.99 and under range and it is better than anything I’ve found, with one exception.
When Total Wine has it, Fetzer chardonnay in the 1.5 liter bottle at $8.99 is better–in my opinion. (It sells for about $8.99 for 0.75 liter at Harris Teeter.)
Notes:
– I know what I like but I am miles from an “expert,” so take my recommendation with a grain of salt.
– As of last week Teeter didn’t have it, and not spot on the shelf. And their sign implied that they were no longer going to carry it. (Charleston, SC)
I understand Harris Teeter discontinued sales of Oak Creek wines. It was my go to wine and got me into the store, particularly when they had their three day 20% case discount. Now I shop at Aldi, where their Winking Owl chardonnay is under $3.00 for .75 ltr.