A Cool Climate Chardonnay attendee: I would not consider 2007 a “cool” vintage in the context of the Cool Climate Chardonnay competition … so to make a good Chardonnay was a real balancing act to maintain fruit and acidity; one that performed that trick well was this Pen Ridge Reserve. A 30-day barrel ferment was followed by a 12 month aging regime in oak; thankfully, the alcohol was kept to a respectable 13%. The nose is pineapple, floral and vanilla – while the palate shows a leanness with pineapple, some vanilla and a decent amount of acidity. Price: $24.95 – Rating: ****