Here’s a 14.5% alcohol Chardonnay from Bulgaria made to compete with California. The 2012 Chateau Burgozone Collection Chardonnay cost under $35, and scored 17+ Dionysian points on its 20-point scale.

There were only 2940 bottles made for the entire world. It was barrel fermented at the winery north of Sofia. It’s only 6 years old and should go another six if stored in a dark, cool cellar. However, I’ve found that higher alcohol Chardonnays don’t age as well as lower alcohol ones with good acid.

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Loads of buttery oak, rich apple pie fruit, and a long aftertaste makes this a special and interesting white wine perfect for current drinking.

Except for the high alcohol, this Chardonnay could have been made in Napa.

It was enjoyable right now.  In Vino Veritas.