Oddly enough, at a wine dinner I attended in Monterey — hosted by the Estancia Director of Winemaking, Scott Kelly — I found their reserve chardonnay too oaky, too sweet and too, well, manipulated. But this simple little gem paired better with more food than most of the carefully chosen wines at the dinner. Shockingly great quality, especially from a corporate-owned winery (Constellation Brands). Elegant, soft and creamy with fragrant peaches, tangerine and enough acidity to pair with just about anything. Jump-for-joy price. Sw=2. $10. 4 stars.
Taylor is a self-proclaimed Southern foodie, turned Californian food, wine, and gardening hipster.