Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Chardonnay, 2010

The old saying "everything comes in threes" will hold true here.  Today is the third day that I am reviewing a Coppola wine.  Last night I tasted the Chardonnay that was in the Francis Coppola gift basket I purchased at Costco.  (Cabernet Sauvignon reviewed yesterday.)

Francis Coppola 2010 Diamond Collection Chardonnay ($14) is from Monterey, California with the grapes being sourced from two Monterey vineyards.  One near the Gabilan mountain range and the other from Arroyo Secco (a region where J Lohr Chardonnay (delicious) is from).  This is 100% Chardonnay.  50% is aged in French oak and 50% stainless steel fermented.  A tropical nose of pineapple and banana is enticing.  The flavor is also pineapple and banana with a hint of spice, a bit of creaminess, and (as stated in the Winemaker's Notes) crisp acidity.  A bit more acidity than I enjoy, but I know there are customers out there enjoy that quality in a Chardonnay.

Winemaker's Notes:  Appearance: Yellow gold, Aromas: Pears, vanilla and cloves, Flavors: Pineapple, guava, tangerine and honeysuckle.  Our Chardonnay reflects the distinctive personality of Monterey vineyards, which give rise to juicy apple, guava and melon flavors.  Whole-cluster pressing and a combination of barrel and stainless steel fermentation ensures that the creamy texture and caramelized sugar finish is balanced by a crisp acidity.