September 14, 2021

Cote Bonneville Chardonnay

Who makes it?

Cote Bonneville is a family run winery in the Yakima Valley, Washington State. The Shiels family expanded the vineyard back in the early 1990s when they purchased it and daughter, Kerry Shiels, is now the winemaker. The oldest block in their DuBrul Vineyard was planted with riesling back in 1982. The vineyard sits on the foothills of the Rattlesnake Mountains.

Having tasted a few of their wines recently, I am keen to try more.

How do they make it?

While this Chardonnay fruit is ripened one the sloped vineyards, it is still cool climate. What makes this wine unusual is the barrel fermentation with extended lees contact of around 18 months. It also undergoes full malolactic fermentation. The wines are then racked rather than fined or filtered.  

What does it taste like?

There can be no denying that this wine is creamy in texture, aroma and flavour. How could it be anything but after all that time in barrel? That creaminess in no way detracts from the citrus and light pineapple nature of the fruit. It is dry, fuller bodied but crisp and balanced. 

The time in barrel also has given it a nutty spiciness as well as a polished softness. That softness is kept in line with a fresh flush of acid. The Cote Bonneville Chardonnay is a well judged and elegant wine and is one that will age gracefully in your cellar. 

What to drink it with?

The flavours of this Chardonnay are robust enough to enjoy with anything from salad topped with either grilled Haloumi, or grilled scallops or grilled chicken through to white fish served with creamy sauce and toasted flaked almonds. But it does not need food at all.

Quickie review «This is a fuller creamier style Chardonnay while still being elegant and fresh. It doesn’t overwhelm while still giving generously.»

Country of Origin: Yakima Valley, USA 
Tasting Date: July 2021
Price:  US$50
Drink: now – 5+ years
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

Like the sound of this Chardonnay from the USA, you might like to try.
Frei Brothers Russian River Chardonnay
Journeyman Chardonnay

Visit cotebonneville.com for more information

Categories

Looking for a something specific, please use search:

You May Also Like…

Quinta do Crasto Superior Red

Quinta do Crasto Superior Red

Who makes it? Quinta do Crasto Superior is a succulent Douro red blend. The Quinta has apparently been making wine since 1615. The current family has been in custody of the Quinta for over 100 years.  Crasto mean ‘Roman fort’ in Latin (castrum). The...

The Beach by Whispering Angel

The Beach by Whispering Angel

Who makes it? The Beach is a recent addition to the Chateau d’Esclans range of rosé. Unquestionably, they have a now enviable range of rosé from the South of France. The range also includes the uber prestigious ‘Garrus’. The estate is partly owned by Sacha Lichine,...

Luis Felipe Edwards Macerao Naranjo Orange

Luis Felipe Edwards Macerao Naranjo Orange

Who makes it? Luis Felipe Edwards makes the Macerao Naranjo Orange wine from the Itata Valley in Chile. This is a very approachable ‘natural’ wine. The name ‘orange’ is due to the colour. As is the term ‘Naranjo’ which relates to the orange tree.   The term...

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *