In another week or so, summer will officially be over (as if we needed to be reminded by the cooler forecast) and our thoughts turn to Autumn and wines geared towards shorter days and chilly nights. The 2011 Boxhead Chardonnay may be the ideal seasonal transition white wine.
This is a medium-bodied Chardonnay from Australia and is oak free. Don’t be fooled into thinking it is thin and unimaginative like a good number of un-oaked Chardonnays because there is plenty of attractive fruit smell and taste. The first whiff of lemon is immediately followed by spiced apple and subtle peach which will put you in the Fall frame of mind. This wine tastes of baked apple with lemon zest and a lingering flavor of baking spice.
The 2011 Boxhead Chardonnay is a very good value at $9.99. Try it with your favorite shellfish, perhaps even a chowder if you are ready for that. After all it is just about Fall.