Wine of the Month

Stone Cellars by Beringer

Stone Cellars Chardonnay California 2001

Beringer Vineyards

2000 Main Street

St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-8989

Winemaker: Mary Sullivan

Comment:

Stone Cellars is the value line of Beringer Vineyards and with this wine they succeeded magnificently in their goal.  This is a very approachable wine at an attractive price.  It shows off many of the facets of more expensive California Chardonnays: citrus and pear flavors, just enough toasty oak for my taste and a light acid finish.

I was wandering into my local wine store when I noticed they were having a special that featured many of the wines from the Wine Spectator's Global Wine Values: United States" list (October 6, 2003).  There they were, laid out in long rows of wooden boxes.  A tough choice, but this chardonnay beckoned and the experience did not disappoint the promise.

Beringer Vineyard in St. Helena, CA was founded in 1875 by Jacob and Frederick Beringer, immigrants from Germany's Rhine Valley.  This 127 year old winery is currently the oldest continually operating winery in the Napa Valley.  They are now part of Beringer Blass Wine Estates, which was purchased in 2000 by Foster Brewing Group of Australia.