Recommendation: Recommended as a buy
Winery/Producer:Shelton Vineyards; Dobson, North Carolina
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Geographic Origin:. Yadkin Valley, North Carolina
Vintage: 2008
Price: $35.00
Purchased From: Shelton Vineyards, Dobson, North Carolina
Pared With: Chicken with tarragon/garlic cream sauce, whole wheat spaghetti with the cream sauce, zucchini and summer squash flavored with basil and garlic.
Tasting:
He said: Fairly dark (2008) yellow straw color. Very intense vanilla and oak bouquet. Smooth oak taste that continues into a long vanilla and oak finish with just a hint of tartness. This wine is the epitome of an oaky Chardonnay. It’s soooo creamy smooth and strong flavored. This has to be one of the best North Carolina wines. It’s very similar to the 1990’s Beringer Reserve Chardonnay, and a very “memorable” wine. It’s a lot of money, but I think it’s worth every penny, and every time I’m in the Dobson area I buy a bottle or two!!!
She said: If you like oaked Chardonnay with vanilla flavor this is the wine for your. Personally, I love it and enjoyed every taste from the strong flavorful bouquet to the long lasting finish. We could tell from the first sniff it was going to be outstanding and it did not disappoint. It was exceptional with the tarragon flavor in the sauce and would be good with most seafood except oily fish. We have been drinking this wine for several years and have loved it for its creaminess, full body, and long lasting tasty finish. It is the best Chardonnay that north Carolina has produced. You might think that is not saying much but before you poo poo it, try it. It is amazing. It is definitely not a bargain wine at $35 but it sure is good.
Comments: Just a side note…Shelton Vineyard has an OUTSTANDING restaurant and if your in the Dobson, North Carolina area it’s well worth a visit for a gourmet lunch and some of this delicious Chardonnay
Comment 2: Our standard for an “outstanding-buy” Chardonnay has always been Columbia Crest Grand Estates. We opened a bottle and it was not up to the Shelton Family Reserve. The Shelton has more intense bouquet, a more delicious taste and a longer finish. It is a like a California/Oregon/Washington Oaked Chardonnay…only better!!!
Bar code: 688589006011