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Columbia Crest 2013 Grand Estates Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $12
Best Buy! Juan Muñoz Oca’s team in Washington state’s Horse Heaven Hills continues to follow its game plan with this style of Chardonnay, which offers astounding layers – regardless of the price point. Nearly 80 percent of these huge lots spent nine months in a variety of barrels, with weekly hand-stirring of the lees. The nose is quite giving with vanilla, apple blossom and baking spices while picking up dusty pear and Key Lime pie with Graham cracker crust aromas. Its enjoyable mouth feel starts with an entry of lemon custard, followed by creamy butterscotch and pear. Elegant citrusy acidity and a finish of peach pie makes it versatile, both as a cocktail wine or alongside chicken pot pie, crab cakes and pork tenderloin.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 145,000 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
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