Kendall-Jackson Avant Chardonnay

By Chris and Sherry Hardie

Kendall-Jackson Avant Chardonnay 2010

The winemaker who put California chardonnay on the map has come up with a new version of America’s top-selling grape variety.

Kendall-Jackson’s Avant (from the French word for “before) is created from two separate blends – one fermented in stainless steel and the other fermented in used oak barrels — which then are mixed 50/50 and bottled.

The result is a fresh, crisp wine with stone fruit and tropical flavors that has nuances of spice and vanilla from the oak.

We favor the very oak-influenced chardonnays, but Avant is smooth, medium-bodied and strikes a very nice balance that is a pleasant compromise between the chardonnay styles.

Sherry: “Vanilla, light butter, a bit nutty and a lime finish.” 3-1/2 stars

Chris: “Pear and pineapple flavors with a creamy feel and a hint of lemon.” 3-1/2 stars

Available locally for about $11.

Coming next week: D’Arrigio Pinot Noir