An 18 point Gold Medal wine costing under $20 with 13.5% alcohol is the 2013 Franciscan Estate Chardonnay from Napa Valley.

Filled with creamy butter, apple, pear, butterscotch and vanilla from the oak, it’s as good or better than many French white Burgundies.

IMG_5448

I never age my Californian wines as long as European examples. This four year-old white is drinking very well and might age another five years.

I usually like Sauvignon Blanc with fish, but with a creamy toasted sauce, the Franciscan worked very well with fish, rice and veggies.

IMG_5413

Franciscan has become my go-to easy drinking white and I get a case every other year.

The wine is fermented sur lie and aged for just seven months in French oak to round it out. Well done!  In Vino Veritas.