EDNA VALLEY VINEYARD

Paragon Vineyard Chardonnay
Edna Valley AVA
San Luis Obispo County
2005

• Visual: Medium yellow

• Nose: Lots of buttery vanilla right up front, but almost like artificial vanilla flavoring; some tropical fruits were buried underneath, but no distinctive pure fruit notes.

• Mouth: This wine had a fairly rich mouthfeel with white fruits, but no focus; there was medium acidity, and an overly oaky finish making the aftertaste slightly bitter.

• Overall impression: This is a broad (not precise) vanilla bomb that lacks elegance and purity.

• Stats: 8 months in 100% new oak; 100% Malolactic; 245,000 cases, $15; my score: 87