Wine of the Month

Chateau Souverain

Chardonnay Sonoma County 2001

Chateau Souverain

400 Souverain Road

Geyserville, CA 95441

888-80-WINES
 

Winemaker: Ed Killian

Comment:

This is California Chardonnay as the world wants it to be: buttery, toasted-oak flavors, with fruit flavor accents.  We have served it in years past, and the current vintage is just as pleasant and flavorful as the past ones we enjoyed.

I was wondering which wine to pick this month when a Wine Spectator article on "Smart Buys" caught my eye.  Among the wineries they favored was Chateau Souverain, whose Chardonnay I have enjoyed through the years.  I looked down under the stairs, and there it was -- all gone.  So I checked at my favorite wine store, and found that they had it.  This is a wine you can't go far wrong with in a California Chardonnay.  Your guests may prefer a different style, but they will always recognize the winemaker's craft in the glass.

Founded in 1944 by J. Leland "Lee" Stewart, Chateau Souverain is now part of the Berringer Blass Wine Estates and one of the most consistent producers of quality wine at reasonable prices in California.  Best known for their Cabernet, they have long produced other excellent wines such as this Chardonnay and the 2001 Winemaker’s Reserve Russian River Valley Chardonnay for just a bit more money.  Best of all, they sell them at a price that enables you to drink them when friends drop in by surprise, or just for yourself.