Stark Sips: 2010 Hillgate Chardonnay, Mendocino County

2010 Hillgate Chardonnay, Mendocino County

87

OUT OF 100

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VERDICT: "Go for it"

Your basic Norcal Chardonnay daily drinker.

USA, Mendocino County, Chardonnay, 14.7% alc.

Here’s another decent, daily Chard, with grapes once again sourced from Mendocino County.

I continue to revel in that most popular of California grapes from that most special of wine regions. Many dismiss the variety. Too common they say! Instead, more exotic ones make it the top of their lists. Nothing wrong with that, but, you know, there’s a reason why Chardonnay remains so universally popular and loved.

So I persevere and work the west coast, in seek of daily Chards, and premium, cellar-worthy examples. The chase is half the adventure.

With spring coming, why hold back your affection for the king of whites? Especially if you live in Northern California, where you can find solid wines, like this Hillgate, readily available at local shops, likely for under $20.

Don’t expect this to win gold medals anytime soon. Nor does it dazzle with strong pedigree. It’s simple, perhaps lacking in complexity. Nevertheless, for the price I do like the steely profile, the hint of melon on the nose, and clean finish.

2010 Hillgate Chardonnay, Mendocino County

Clinton Stark

Clint writes about Silicon Valley (Churchill Club Academy member), film, California wine (Stark Sips), theater (ATCA member) and tech (including his Canon EOS 60D and unlocked Nexus 4). A would-be NHLer if it weren't for the clarinet, he tries in vain to direct Loni on Stark Insider TV. He's held executive marketing roles at Cisco, EMC and Salesforce.com, and is active with start-ups across the valley. Clint's story...

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