2001 West Slope Chardonnay “Edna Ranch”
Here are three wines for the Thanksgiving table, all under $20. It’s hard to believe that a little more than $10 will buy a Chardonnay of this quality. Although it isn’t touted prominently on the label, West Slope Chardonnay is produced by Mount Eden, one of the biggest and most reliable names in California Chardonnay. Made from grapes grown on Edna Ranch in the Edna Valley, barrel-fermented and aged in French oak, this is a classy and classic California Chardonnay. It’s rich and full with a moderate touch of oak and a lilting note of citrus, a wine that can hold its own against much pricier bottles. Pour with abandon for the Thanksgiving feast.
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Region: Central Coast
Price: About $11
Style: Moderately oaked California Chardonnay
Food it goes with: Seafood, roast chicken and turkey
Where you find it: Cardiff Seaside Market in Cardiff By The Sea, (760) 753-5445; Grape Connections in Point Loma/San Diego (619) 523-6441; and Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454.