Wine of the Week: 2008 Four Vines “Naked” Chardonnay

I only recently noticed the vines on the label are made out of ladies...

This is the perfect wine for all those Chardonnay bashers out there. Based out of Paso Robles, California Four Vines is famous for its “in your face” wines and packaging. Known for it’s big, rich Zinfandel and outrageous red blends Four Vines has also been consistently producing one of my favourite un-oaked chardonnay’s for years. Although Four Vines is based out of Paso Robles, the naked Chardonnay uses grapes from the cooler Santa Barbera region.

Although many un-oaked Chardonnay’s can come across refreshing yet bland, the naked chardonnay delivers the goods. The wine achieves richness and a full bodied character without the vanilla/caramel/buttery toast components that some wine drinkers detest. Notes of white peach, pear, citrus and grapefruit mingle with refreshing acidity to create a lip-smacking experience that keeps you coming back for more. Best of all this won’t totally break the bank coming in at around $20.00 on the shelf here in Calgary.

Enjoy this wine in the fall sun on the patio or throw it down with oysters, prawns or halibut.