It’s another wine in a long, long series of late of sturdy, if unspectacular white wines. It may be time to switch to reds for a while. This one isn’t bad, just not particularly special.

It’s a clear, bright, (when haven’t they been of late) light straw-yellow color. Like a lot of wines in this price range, there isn’t much to wrap your nose around. There are some slight fruit notes but not much else. You can get some fruit taste, but pinning down what fruit could be troublesome. There’s some moderate acidity, some sweetness and enough oak to make it a pleasant if uninspiring wine. A wine better suited for dinner than as a selection for your happy hour enjoyment.

Grade: C Price: $9
Castle Rock
2006
Chardonnay
Central Coast
California
Alcohol: 13.5% by volume
Closure: Natural Cork.