California Chardonnay gets a tough rap. It's too oaky, too buttery, not cool, etc. Wah wah wah! Cheer up, crybaby, because there’s another way out there: the Alfaro way. A lanky biodynamic hippie in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Richard Alfaro seems to have this Puligny-Montrachet way of making Santa Cruz Mountain Chardonnay - just like Mount Eden has managed for years. Clean, distinct custard apple, lemon, and mineral flavors with amazing balance. The fog speaks. Not much is made of this; as great for summer grilling as it is for crab season. |