Chardonnay 2010 – Gold Medal Winner at San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
One of the best-known wineries in Santa Cruz County is Storrs. Their wines are easy to find in most local supermarkets and liquor stores, and you will see them on many a restaurant’s wine list. And the reason is – they make excellent wine that is reasonably priced for the quality product you get.
Take the Chardonnay 2010, a gold medal winner in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition this year—and a bargain at $24. Beautiful aromas of green apples and citrus are the tempting whiffs of what’s to come in this well-balanced Chardonnay. It’s actually a blend of grapes from several vineyards, each with its own distinct microclimate within the appellation. Barrel fermented and aged sur lie in Burgundian oak for 10 months, the wine takes on distinct regional character and complexities.
Chardonnay can sometimes be rather underrated. It’s often the play-it-safe wine that everybody drinks when the thought of trying a Viognier or a Tempranillo would be, for many, the dreaded unknown. But when you come across a good Chard, such as the ones made by Steve Storrs, then one can appreciate the complexities and full-throttle taste. Gorgeous flavors of apples, pears and tropical fruits fill the mouth on the first sip, and I love the touches of vanilla and toast in this delightful straw-colored wine. The extravagant fruit flavors and earthy mineral accent are delicious in the mouth—and it’s simply a delightful wine to enjoy whilst it’s young and fresh. Or keep it for four to six years as it ages gently on your wine rack.
Storrs Winery, Old Sash Mill, 303 Potrero St., Santa Cruz, 458-5030. storrswinery.com. Open daily from noon to 5 p.m.
Wine Events:
Romancing the Rhônes
Looking for something fun to do on Bastille Day? From 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 14 several of our local wineries will be participating in Romancing the Rhônes, including Bonny Doon Vineyards and Poetic Cellars, in a Rhône Shootout. The event will be held at the Old Mint, a National Historic Landmark located in downtown San Francisco. Tickets are various prices so go online for all the info at affairsofthevine.com.
Bittersweet Bistro Offers Wine at $5 a Glass
Bittersweet Bistro is still doing its Recession Crushers specials every night – where you can get a small plate of food for $6 and a drink for $5. Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, a glass of wine is $5 (that’s a good deal these days). Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays you can get a martini, tequila or beer for $5. These special offers apply in the bar and patio area only. Bittersweet Bistro, 787 Rio Del Mar Blvd., Aptos, 662-9799. Bittersweetbistro.com.
