Educated Guess Chardonnay

I find Chardonnay's are all over the board.  Too oakie.  Too acidic.  Crisp.  Nice fruit. Who knows what you'll find. I am always searching for a good one.  I had a bottle of Educated Guess 2007 Chardonnay in my wine rack, and the 2009 was available in the stores.  This called for a taste comparison.   

Educated Guess Chardonnay is from Roots Run Deep winery in Napa Valley, California.  It is both barrel fermented and stainless steel fermented. 

Educated Guess 2007 Chardonnay is from the Napa Valley regions of Oak Knoll (85%) and Mt. Veeder (15%).  It is 50/50 barrel and stainless steel fermented with 50% Malolactic Fermentation. 12 Months in Burgundy French Oak Barrels (50% new).  The flavor profile is creamy and tropical fruit with a hint of vanilla and spice. Nicely balanced. This was quite enjoyable. 

Educated Guess 2009 Chardonnay ($18) is from the Napa Valley regions of Oak Knoll (88%) and Mt. Veeder (12%).  It is 60% barrel fermented and 40% stainless steel fermented with 60% Malolactic Fermentation and 12 Months in Burgundy French Oak Barrels.  The aroma is tropical with pineapple, banana, and honeysuckle.  The flavor is spice, vanilla and a hint of banana and creaminess.   This was not as balanced as the 2007 vintage and more acidic; not as enjoyable.

Winemaker's Notes (the same for 2007 and 2009): This is not your typical Napa Chardonnay. By combining the characteristics that both traditional barrel fermentation and stainless steel ferment provide, we were able to retain the delicious tropical fruit flavors, while also giving the customer what they have come to love in Chardonnay - creamy notes, toast, spice and vanilla without being overdone in any way. No “stick of butter and a 2x4” Chardonnay here! Very food friendly and crowd pleasing!