For those who keep asking about Chardonnay, here's a tip of the hat to Chateau St. Jean

Hope to see you all at SoDelFest this Saturday, Oct. 8. Find all particulars at www.sodelfest.com. This is geared up to be a spectacular wine, food and music event. You can buy tickets at the door. Last year Sodelfest donated a tad less than $18,000 to Meals on Wheels and Rotary Global Polio Eradication Effort. Long range forecast says sunny and 70 degrees, if Matthew behaves. I sure hope this is the normal overhype from the forecasters. Barbara and I had a wonderful time last year. Be there or be square.

For those who keep asking about Chardonnay, here’s a tip of the hat to Chateau St. Jean. These folks produce some delightful under $20 bottles where the fruit is sourced from Alexander Valley’s Robert Young vineyards. As you may remember Young is one of the best known of the regions for Chardonnay growers, to the point they have a clone named for them. Ch. Ste Jean, Alexander Valley Robert Young Vineyard 2013 had a 5,000 case production and there is still some around. One hundred percent barrel fermentation without malolactic provides lemon, tangerine and smoky, barrel driven, spice aromas. These are full mouthfeel wines with wonderful acidity to balance the fruit flavors. They are ready now but will cellar for at least three years 92 McD. Add two price points if you can buy a case of June 2013 and June 2014. The 2014, 92 McD, is much different with roast nuts and apple aromas. On the palate you find Asian fruit but it is the killer, medium long, finish that made me smile.

More apples and great barrel spice notes with appropriate, acidic support to clean it all up. I’m disagreeing with the other critics here who grudgingly gave 89s and 90s. These are made in the 90s style. Those were the days when I often wrote of Cali Chards. Another 2013 C. Ste J release is the Alexander Valley Belle Terre. 91 points.

Look for honey, smoke, hazelnut and tea. Again the average users rating exceeded those of the pros. It’s a modern vs. classic thing. I must tell you that C. Ste. J. under the guidance of Margo Van Staaveren continues the tradition of making top quality wine at very affordable prices. Ms. Van Staaveren won winemaker of the year in 2008 and in 2014 “Twenty most admired winemakers.” Many of their reds are priced under $10.

RIP Mary Weber Novak! Mrs. Novak was the owner of Spotteswood Estate. A schoolteacher, mom of five, she was forced to take over a relatively new vineyard, which only sold its grapes, when her husband died of a heart attack.

With little more than brains, grit and determination, she took over “the farm” and then decided to also make wine. Good fortune, in the guise of winemaker Tony Soter, famed for his stint with Etude among others, shone on her and she turned Spotteswood into a well-regarded producer often named California’s CH. Margaux. Along with Frog’s Leap, they were second to employ organic growing in the valley. The 2013 Family Estate Cab was raved over by all the local suspects at 97 points and priced today about $170. Their Estate Cab has been rated 94 points or better, since 2004, with the exception of the 91-point 2011 (horrible weather and a new winemaker). Right now I’m recommending the Spotteswood Lyndenhurst Cab. St Helena 2013 at $80 with a 96 point McD to my value shoppers. James Suckling wrote: “Fantastic aromas of blueberry, blackberry, violets, black licorice and stones. Full-bodied, firm, silky, and fresh. Very long and balanced. Beautiful tannins. All in harmony. Drink in 2019.”

Amen to that. Also keep your eyes peeled for a commemorative 2016 bottle if you are a collector. I also enjoy their 2014 Sauvignon Blanc.

At $33 these are a bit pricey for SB but the well-crafted mouthwatering wine is there to provide good value. 92 McD priced under $35.