Clos du Val Chardonnay

We truly enjoyed this 2005 Chardonnay from the Carneros region of Napa Valley. Clos du Val produced a nice Chardonnay here. This is 100% Chardonnay from Carneros fruit with hints of melon, peach and citrus. This wine has nice balance with a long, crisp finish. I have had this for a couple years now, but see that you can buy it online between $20 and $25. Very nice Chardonnay, pick one up and enjoy it on its own, or with a nice light meal.

Mirassou, 2005 Chardonnary (Monterey Cty, CA)

This wine was just what I was looking for on a warm summer evening set for some relaxation. This is a very light, fruity wine. I think this wine would be great for the amateur wine drinkers like myself. It's described as "offering crisp flavors of peach, apricot, and green apple with hints of tropical fruit and vanilla". For me, it tasted perfect on the first sip. I'm not sure where we picked this bottle up, but their website priced it at a low $11/bottle. When I found that out, it made the bottle all the more enjoyable!

Frank Family Vineyards

My wife and I are big fans of Frank Family Vineyards (http://www.frankfamilyvineyards.com/). This winery is the last of the old style Napa wineries, where you can enjoy free wine tasting of their entire lineup, and enjoy great conversation with the family. Rich Frank is an ex-Disney Executive who connected with the Rombauer family to start Frank Family Vineyards. Frank Family has been on their own now for several years and creating wonderful wines.

Our favorites include the 2006 Chardonnay and the 2004 Zinfandel (if you can find it, otherwise the 2006 is available and a nice Zin).

The 2006 Frank Family Chardonnay is a light, buttery Chardonnay with a smooth finish. Frank Family suggests serving this Chardonnay at room temperature as it stands on its own. They suggest chilling a white wine is a way to hide its flaws...and I highly recommend listening to them on this one. I have served this wine to many people at room temperature, and they have all loved it. A bit pricey, but worth the money at $32 a bottle. Check their website to find out where you buy this as they have limited distribution.

The 2004 Zinfandel, and their Zin in general, is a full bodied Zin, rich and dark in color. Frank Family describes it as leading with a sweet blackberry jam and finishing with hints of white and black pepper and clove spice. This is a great wine to serve with your upcoming Thanksgiving Turkey. Price is roughly $37 a bottle, and worth it.