Joan & Walt Flowers, Flowers Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, 2007

Light gold with a slight green tinge, the Flowers Sonoma coast Chardonnay 2007 has shy herbal and floral notes, slightly smokey, backed up by crisp pear and apple aromas. The attack is strong and heady (Alc 14%), with a roundness to the body, good intensity, and well balanced acidity. Long finish, a still refreshing despite the high alcohol level. Recommended by the Whole Foods wine manager as "Burgundian style", "one of my favorites, from the Sonoma coast which is a great Chardonnay producing area". Score 15/20, drink now + 3 years.