Garden Creek
Chardonnay
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
I was lucky enough to lunch with Karin Wärnelius-Miller, who, along with her husband Justin Miller, tends the fields and makes the wines. “I’m doing what I love, and I’m doing it alongside the man I love,” she stated—the two grew up in wine country and returned to Alexander Valley in their twenties—and the rest is history, AND they make EXCEPTIONAL, elegant wines. This Chard was (if forced to pick one) my favorite. Honeyed (but not sweet) with hints of beeswax, something herbal, almost a lemongrass vibe, is in the mix. Light on the palate for a wine with a smidge of age and vitality! Almost effervescent in spirit.
I was lucky enough to lunch with Karin Wärnelius-Miller, who, along with her husband Justin Miller, tends the fields and makes the wines. “I’m doing what I love, and I’m doing it alongside the man I love,” she stated—the two grew up in wine country and returned to Alexander Valley in their twenties—and the rest is history, AND they make EXCEPTIONAL, elegant wines. This Chard was (if forced to pick one) my favorite. Honeyed (but not sweet) with hints of beeswax, something herbal, almost a lemongrass vibe, is in the mix. Light on the palate for a wine with a smidge of age and vitality! Almost effervescent in spirit.
Feb 8th, 2024Enjoyed this Chard with pan roasted Halibut, nice balance, no holes, & opened up beautifully. Subtle fruit, nice minerality ... Acid was adequate.
Enjoyed this Chard with pan roasted Halibut, nice balance, no holes, & opened up beautifully. Subtle fruit, nice minerality ... Acid was adequate.
Apr 16th, 2015No one really knows who left this one on the table, but it had some really stiff competition. This one wins the award for the most intriguing and the "betcha would have never guessed this to be a chard" chard. Very light lemongrass nose. Definitely sweeter nose, but didn't scream chard to me. The entry is light, no butter, little minerality, mostly lemon and lime. Very enjoyable. This Alexander Valley chard would have gone the best alongside a swimming pool and 105 degree Texas heat. Finished with crisp notes. Very pleased with this wine, but again I am 1000% certain that it would have taken someone from Garden Creek to have recognized this wine in the lineup of chards that we had tonight.
No one really knows who left this one on the table, but it had some really stiff competition. This one wins the award for the most intriguing and the "betcha would have never guessed this to be a chard" chard. Very light lemongrass nose. Definitely sweeter nose, but didn't scream chard to me. The entry is light, no butter, little minerality, mostly lemon and lime. Very enjoyable. This Alexander Valley chard would have gone the best alongside a swimming pool and 105 degree Texas heat. Finished with crisp notes. Very pleased with this wine, but again I am 1000% certain that it would have taken someone from Garden Creek to have recognized this wine in the lineup of chards that we had tonight.
Mar 24th, 2018
