Topian 2002 Chardonnay

Topian 2002 Chardonnay
Carneros, California

Carneros, just north of the San Francisco Bay, includes parts of both Napa and Sonoma and is one of the most well-regarded wine regions of California, especially for white wines. Its hills and cooling breezes from the Bay mean grapes mature slowly and evenly throughout the California summer, giving them flavor and freshness; hotter weather can make white wines seem fat and flabby.

Topian has exploited Carneros' virtues to make its 2002 Chardonnay, which explodes with the tropical fruit flavors that you expect from a Californian Chardonnay. Aging in oak barrels has added some vanilla scents, but pineapple, lime, and mango aromas remain dominant. This is a great wine for summer, full-bodied enough to feel voluptuous in the mouth, but still refreshing and not overbearing.