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Goose Ridge 2009 Chardonnay - Wine of the Week

Feeling a bit pressed for time this month, I could not resist sharing with you my Wine of the Week pick a little early; enjoyed too many iced café mochas this evening, and I’m wide awake, buzzed.

Goose Ridge 2009 Estate Bottled Chardonnay.
Advantage of having a party at our home last weekend, all the lovely wine our guests brought us. One of the gifted wines we’re enjoying this week is the 2009 Goose Ridge Estate Chardonnay. I do appreciate a good Chardonnay. The Goose Ridge 2009 Chardonnay is a very good Chardonnay.

Affirmative, I am happy with this Washington white wine, surprised even.

At first, the luscious nose of this Chardonnay took me aback - intense aromas of ginger, fig, buttered toast followed by pear and a delicate mandarin floral caress. This is a Chardonnay? But how does it taste? Flavors of ginger-toast, with a creamy but crisp, pear skin finish, good weight on the tongue. It is quite complex and not what I expected. The 2009 vintage is the last vintage winemaker Charlie Hoppes would have been involved with - so I should not be surprised by the quality of this wine. It is well balanced and extremely enjoyable on a hot summer afternoon. Recommended.

The local Goose Ridge tasting room is located on Dallas Road, in Richland. They have a large, well maintained green area with great views of vineyards and mountains making a perfect setting for a desert sunset. Go visit them when you are in the area.

Goose Ridge 2009 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Estate Bottled, 14.5% alcohol, aged for 11 months in 57% new oak and 43% neutral oak, comprised of 80% French oak and 20% European oak.
$18.00 direct from the winery

Richland Tasting Room
Open daily 10am-6pm; Also by appointment for groups and private tours (please call).
16304 N. Dallas Road, Richland, WA 99352
Phone: 509-628-3880, Fax: 509-628-3900
www.gooseridge.com 

Cheers!

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