Wonderfully Balanced Chardonnay: La Follette’s 2014

As Greg La Follette moves on to the 2014 vintage, the trend in his Chardonnay’s combination of elegance and careful balance continues.  Although the “North Coast” Chardonnay has a few less dimensions than the “Sangiacomo”, it still offers a captivating character that the unoaked Chard fan will appreciate.

Tropical fruit is the most prominent characteristic of the bouquet, but it is soon joined with a little peach and an ever so slight hint of earthiness.  As it opens, the earthy component fades and fruit becomes a little more floral.  Very nice.

As with many of Greg’s wines, the balance in the mouth is simply fantastic.  Although not a Chard for those who like the “California Buttery” character, the crisp balance of the acidity is simply refreshing.  In addition, there are not many Chardonnays that soften on finish the way this one does.  Traces of spice and vanilla linger in the in the end to hold the interest of those who really love this varietal.

As for the future, we should expect to be surprised by La Follette’s Chardonnay as Greg continues to develop fruit sources from such prime spots as Russian River Valley, Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma Coast, and Mendocino Ridges.  One of the best things about the North Coast Chard is that the regional character of the blend will change per the winemaker’s choices with every vintage.

You can order this wine through Bevmo for under $25, but they may have to ship it from another store to get it into Arizona.  Of course, you can always buy direct through their wine club.  Expect the distribution of these wines to increase even more this year, so they will continue to be easier to find.