OH snap! Every so often a totally unexpected gem rises like a phoenix from our sample queue and totally takes us by surprise. Eight year old Chardonnay from Washington? Hmmm…ok, let’s give it a shot.

WHOA. Did not see this one coming, but HOLY SMOKES, what a pleasant surprise! Unexpectedly fresh, zippy, balanced with a lengthy finish. An absolute treat. Then they told us the price? Yea, um, we’ll take it ALL please! If this had any combination of the words “Sonoma” or “Carneros” on it, you’d pay 2-3x easily.

Fermented in steel tanks to preserve that fresh fruit character and with a light oak influence, this wine is very balanced, toeing the line between Chablis and California, and showing a youthful straw color. Abundant lemon curd and pineapple flavors are framed by a nice strain of zippy acidity, with subtle oak layers. Hints of buttery caramel and toasty brioche but it’s not overblown at all. You want a house Chardonnay to enjoy on any given weeknight? Here you go. Serve it up with some shrimp scampi or Dungeness crab and you’re in business.

This is a “case me” type deal if ever there was one, and at $10 – c’mon now, don’t be shy. Add a case to your stash and enjoy with unapologetic abandon!