From Sonoma California, this wine has a very unique color. Not as golden as I have seen some Chardonnay's, but it has a very brilliant, light yellow color tone--very nice. The first sniff has a mixture of pears, and some type of tropical fruits. The first whirl is quite nice -- slightly sweet yet has a slight almond taste. Second sniff -- I am still leaning towards pears and some type of tropical fruit which I cannot pinpoint which type of fruit. The second whirl has a slight smokey wood taste; however the sweetness is still present. The finish is very nice, very smooth and mild.
Overall I am going to give this one 3 stars. I purchased this one at Costco for Y1,590. At another retailer here in Tokyo it is about Y2,400. Yet again, Costco scores. I would recommend this wine for a casual summer party.
Summary: Good wine with a nice and unique color. Slightly sweet; however the finish is delicate.
Rating: 3 stars
Purchase Cost: Y1,590 (Costco)
Other Japanese Retailers: Y2,450 (Rakuten website)
USA Retail Price: $12.95
Food: NA
From Central Coast (California) this Robert Mondavi Chardonnay was good. I bought two bottles of this one and I actually enjoyed the first one more than the second one, which I opened tonight. Comparing the two, the first one had a rich buttery flavor with a strong almond finish (I believe is a Chardonnay characteristic).
Tonight it was quite different. The initial aroma reminded me of pineapples; however the taste was not as buttery, nor did it have a strong almond finish like the previous bottle (a bit of lemon/citrus flavor tonight). I decided to let this one open for about 45 minutes to see if it changed at all and the nutty/almond flavor did come out a bit more, but the acidy was still quite strong. Overall, it is still a decent bottle of wine.
I am going to rate tonight's bottle 2.5 stars; however had it been the flavor and texture like the first bottle I think I would give it 3 stars. Costco is the place to buy this one as Rakuten is selling for Y2,200 (huge mark up)!
Summary: Good Chardonnay. Please read the review above as I had two samples of this wine. I enjoyed the first bottle better.
Rating: 2.5 Stars (Second Tasting)
Purchase Cost: Y1,050 (Costco)
Other Japanese Retailers: Y2,205 (Rakuten website)
USA Retail Price: $11.00
Food: Cream pasta
Tucked away in southern Burgundy, I believe this vineyard uses a Chardonnay grape. Overall very pleased with the acidity and flavor (This wine had some similarities to a Sauvignon Blanc). It is dry; however has a hint of cantaloupe or honey dew flavor. After letting the wine open for about 30 minutes the flavor of the wine improved.
Priced at Y980 at Costco, I am going to rate this one with 3 stars. A good value and everyday table wine.
Summary: Good acidity and nice balance. The wine is dry; with some citrus flavors. A hint of cantaloupe aroma.
Rating: 3 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y980 (Costco)
Other Japanese Retailers: Could not find another retailer
USA Retail Price: $16.99
Food: Japanese vegetable Nabe (hot pot)
