While labeling isn’t always the best indication of wine style, VRAC Chardonnay hails from Burgundy, which is pretty conservative for a new world style label. As this wine isn’t from a Premier Cru or major region, this is more of a bargain hunters gamble. Does it deliver, or is it best left in the bin?
Sight: A medium shade of straw, complemented by flecks of gold.
Smell: The nose instantly lights up as fruity with plenty of golden apples, ripe peaches, and fresh lemons. A subtly creamy vanilla note comes into play, and more stone fruits kick up throughout, with apricot being particularly notable.
Sip: Bright, with lots of lemon and peaches comes together right from the start. There’s a creaminess to the mouthfeel that builds with a vanilla and hints of toast. Hints of bitter almond come in, but are mixed in well with apricot and nectarine notes.
Savor: The ending keeps elements of that creaminess, and leaves behind a refreshingly lively mix of stonefruit and citrus.
There’s a lot to love here with VRAC Chardonnay 2014, especially with the direct fruit forward character. The creaminess and weight of the mouthfeel are spot on for chardonnay, and the brightness keeps it from being too heavy. If you’re an anything but chardonnay drinker, VRAC Chardonnay is delicious enough at a low enough price point, that you should consider giving it a shot.
Verdict: Peaches, Apricots, Citrus, Balanced, Apples
Rating: 90
Price: $10
Burgundy, France