The 2008 Hawk Crest Chardonnay from Monterey, California, with 13.5% alcohol scored a very nice 15 points on the 20-point Dionysian Scale of 20.
At under $15, it a great value fruit forward dinner wine. It was made to drink on release, but at eight years old, it had softened and developed a subtle floral nose over the pear, apple ,and vanillas from the light oak. The color was a deeper gold, developed with age, instead of the straw yellow color it had when released.
Hawk Crest is a great value for everyday drinking. The cooler Monterey area produces Chardonnay closer to white Burgundy than in most other Californian areas.
Served with Sweet Potato Fries, Beats, and grilled fresh Halibut, the wine proved itself as a very good food wine. It was balanced and refreshing.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars has produced Hawk Crest since 1974 and it continues to be a smart buy. In vino veritas.
The Halibut called for chardonnay instead of sauvignon blanc which is usually my wine for fish.
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