21 Jan A sensible chardonnay – Waterbrook 2018 Reserve
Thomas Marshall.
Who was he?
Woodrow Wilson’s vice president.
What did he do?
According to research, not much.
Marshall is best remembered for a phrase he uttered way back when.
“What this country needs is a good five-cent cigar.”
Marshall is long forgotten.
But his sentiment about the American consumers’ desire for “sensibly affordable products”
lives on…more than one hundred years down the road.
It’s Wine Thursday!, our weekly good-wine-at-a-good-price-
that-you-can-find recommendation, just in time for your weekend.
This week, we’re shining a light on a sensible, well-priced chardonnay.
Waterbrook is a staple in Northwest groceries and big box wine stores.
You’ve probably seen Waterbrook’s entry-level $10-$12 chardonnay.
The Reserve runs a couple of dollars more but it’s well worth it.
This is a full-bodied…almost thick…wine.
Butterscotch is a prominent flavor with pear and apple notes in the background.
Many chardonnays in this price range show an excess of oak.
Yes, there’s oak in this wine too but it’s balanced by a proper amount of acidity.
As a result, you’ll know the oak is there but it’s not overpowering.
This is part of Waterbrook’s “limited” portfolio which would imply
that quantity might be a factor.
But we had no trouble sourcing it.
In fact, it’s quite easy to find and, at an average price of $14,
it’s one of the better mid-range chardonnay buys on the market.
We found Waterbrook 2018 Reserve chardonnay at Total Wine for $10.97.
Safeway has it for $13.99. Bev Mo lists it at $14.99.
QFC’s price is $15.99. The price at Fred Meyer is $16.99.
You can order it online from Associated Vintners for $15.99
from Yankee Spirits for $16.99
or from the the Waterbrook winery for $18.00