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TwitThisAustralia, New Zealand and Chile
2004 Wolf Blass, Yellow Label, Chardonnay (South Australia) Yellow Label is the value brand from the famous Wolf Blass Vineyards of Australia, and this wine is a very nice value indeed. It starts with a perky nose of citrus, peaches and a hint of white truffle. The mouthfeel is soft and silky with fruity flavors of peaches and cream with a sprinkle of toasted nuts. You'll find it most places for under $10.
2005 The Wishing Tree Unoaked Chardonnay (Western Australia) This is a distinctive wine that almost jumps out of the glass. It is very pale in color and has a lively green apple/pineapple nose. It is very fruity with pear, melon and lime flavors and a clean, fresh mouthfeel. The flavors are aggressive, but there is good balance and no bite. In fact, it's hard not to like this different but delicious wine, especially under $10 a bottle.
2004 McWilliam's Hanwood Estate Chardonnay (New South Wales, Australia) Another great value from Australia. This one has melon, peach and a touch of earth on the nose. On the palate there are vibrant flavors of apples, grapefruit and vanilla. There is enough oak here to give the wine some heft. It has good balance with a crisp finish and a little bite at the back of the throat to remind you you're alive and kicking. You can get it for under $10 a bottle.
2005 Kim Crawford, Unoaked Chardonnay (Marlborough, New Zealand) Kim Crawford and his wife are among the most celebrated winemakers in New Zealand, and this little gem will do nothing but help their reputation. This is a deliciously fresh wine with spritely citrus and hints of butter on the nose. There is a strong sense of grapefruit and lime on the palate, reminiscent of the Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs. The finish is lively but nicely balanced. You can find it for $14 to $15.
2004 Montes Reserve, Barrel Fermented Chardonnay (Curico Valley, Chile)
It's a pale gold in color with green highlights. The nose is lovely with soft but distinct hints of vanilla, hazelnuts and butter. The wine is fresh and light on the palate with flavors of apple, buttered nuts and a spritz of lemon. Great balance. It was aged 75 percent in oak and 25 percent in stainless steel. Under $10.
A Final Note
If you are looking for delightful, inexpensive reds, run to your favorite store and buy a sampling of the 2005 Beaujolais from Georges Duboeuf. There are a number of bottlings from different villages and vineyards in the region and it's hard to find a bad one. Find the ones you like best and stock up while they last. Almost all are less than $15.
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