
Its enticing nose delivers aromas of tropical fruit and the slightest suggestion of coconut (just a hint, not enough to be off-putting). A Carmen Miranda headdress of pineapple and mango and white peach. The palate delivers much the same, but adds some creme caramel to the mix, evidence of the winemaker's barrel choice - a restrained amount of new French oak for this barrel-fermented wine provides a solid stage while allowing the essence of the fruit to play the lead.
The wine finishes with a light citrus note that creates its refreshing appeal, along with some cardamom spice that adds to its interest as well as its ability to pair with more interesting foods. Perhaps this latter is a result of its whole-cluster pressing, which adds a soupcon of flavor from the short contact with the stems. A well-balanced wine I am pleased to present to you.
Food Suggestions
The Stats
The Winery
The Bonneaus farmed the land, had a dairy and ran a small country store/deli that is still in operation today along with a gas station, espresso stop, towing service, and... The Bonneau's are an industrious lot.
In 1989 the family planted 30 acres of Chardonnay grapes on premium rootstock. Yvonne, as matriarch of the family farm, began supplying grapes to some of the best known wineries in Sonoma and Napa, earning consistent praise for the quality of the fruit.
In 2001, Yvonne's son, John Bambury, launched Bonneau Wines with the 2002 Los Carneros, estate Chardonnay. Since then Bonneau Wines has added Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel using fruit from some of the best vineyards in California. I think you'll like what you taste.
Tasting Notes
I think of this wine as an evangelist. It's the wine you want to send door-to-door, ringing the bells of those who have sworn off Chardonnay for the rest of their lives, just so they can see what they're missing.
Bonneau Chardonnay pairs well with Brie cheese and fruit as well as light pasta, spicy seafood, poultry & veal. This wine can be enjoyed now but it will also continue to gain depth and richness for at least 5 years.
In 1921 August and Catherine Bonneau purchased 70 acres of land in Schellville, just south of the town of Sonoma. It was a very remote at the time - a full day's travel from San Francisco - and reminded them of their birthplace near Bordeaux.
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