Beringer
2006 Chardonnay Private Reserve

Appellation: Napa Valley, California

French-like in feel, and less oak-influenced than I remember in previous vintages, the 2006 Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay displays nice spiced apple and lime-like citrus notes, a crisp level of acidity, and good balance and focus. It probably went through a full malolactic fermentation, but has the bracing acid of a non-malolactic Chardonnay. At less than $30/bottle, this is a good buy in premium California Chardonnays.