"Light pale golden in color, with citrus fruit on the palate, this Arroyo Seco AVA “Premier” Chardonnay from Monterey County is restrained (in a good way), not overly oaky, and highlights its bright acidity. Compliment that with a relatively low alcohol content, and you’ve got a winner in my book. Bravo to the JL Wood winemaking team for presenting a California Chard reminiscent of an old world white Burgundy.
The wine has a creamy mouthfeel, not overly oaky at all, and with a medium-long finish. In fact, only 20% new oak was used, and there’s no sense of butter and vanilla so typical of California chardonnays. The back label even includes nutrition information, which is progressive even in trendy California. This is an excellent wine, and it’s drinking beautifully right now. At $32 SRP I’d recommend seeking it out while it lasts."