2006 Rombauer Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay

Pale yellow. The aromas are mostly centered around the obvoious new oak. It's tasty and bold. There's a cheerfulness that seems almost fake and a boldness that lacks the backbone of the icy acidity I've come to expect from a perfect chardonnay. Overall good quality, creamy thick mouth feel and a long finish (which wins lots of points). For me, the oak isn't integrating well enough, so the sense of place of wines in the A grade range is missing. This is not a light crispy white. Drinks more like a red. We drank with gray sole and stir fried veggies, which works well. Retail $28, grade : B+.