Goodfellow Family Cellars Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay 2013 750ML ($37.95) Buy Now: $33 special
Tasted blind in a flight with four white Burgundies, the Goodfellow Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay held its own. It showed a moderately restrained nose with notes of fresh cream, toasted barley and autumn leaves with a little something else that is hard to define. The savory character showed on the palate as well, with notes of toasted nuts and dried ginger. There was ample acidity that was balanced – suggesting it would make a good wine to drink with food. It offers excellent value and, though distinctive, it certainly gave the Burgundies a run for their money.
Once bottled under the Matello label, the Richard’s Cuvee is all dry-farmed grapes from the Whistling Ridge Vineyard. The vineyard, in the Ribbon Ridge, is composed of shallow sedimentary soil. This Chardonnay is their tribute to Meursault wine. Marcus Goodfellow is migrating a number of his bottlings to his family’s name. -Suzanne