Wine of the Week - a Personal Favorite Barnard Griffin 2013 Chardonnay @BarnardGriffin

Crowd pleasing style, but not gimmicky. My go to white wine.

The Washington Chardonnay I continue to return to is one I have enjoyed over many years. That is, the Chardonnay made by winemaker Rob Griffin of Barnard Griffin Winery in Richland, Washington.

I've been a fan since, well, at least before they opened their tasting room in 1997. Rob Griffin was the original winemaker for Preston Cellars, 1979 - 1983, and I started drinking those wines in 1986. Then he was the winemaker and GM for Hogue Cellars 1984 - 1991, which I also started drinking in 1986. Rob and his wife Deborah Barnard created their Barnard Griffin label in 1983, which I started drinking in the early 1990's. For me, Barnard Griffin is synonymous with Washington Wine. I even worked for Barnard Griffin Winery 2005 - 2007. We have a history.

Rob Griffin with daughter Elise.

Today Rob is still the winemaker, his older daughter Elise is now the tasting room manager for the winery. His youngest daughter Megan, is the winemaker for Preston Cellars. And Deborah Barnard has a glass studio attached to the expanded winery and bistro. It pleases me to see a family owned Washington winery continue the family business. Growing stronger and becoming better known. I encourage you to visit the winery and bistro in Richland, Washington. If you see a bottle of Barnard Griffin wine on the shelf, grab it.

Tasting Notes Barnard Griffin 2013 Chardonnay

Color: Gold.
Nose: Toasty pear, melon, hazelnut shell, hint of river rock.
Palate: Brioche, pear, melon, ginger, nutty, fresh, nice tingle on tongue, medium bodied with light spice on the finish. Like.

After 15 minutes: Pear and Chamomile, stony with hints of Mandarin and hazelnut shell on the nose. Delicate creaminess, nutty, pear skin, fresh, flavor concentrated mid-palate, modest tingle on the gums, nutty with lime and pear on finish. Like.

After 2 hours: Nice mineral quality. Nutty pear, fresh, vanilla cream spice, nice lift and splash mid-palate, medium-light body, cinnamon on the crisp, medium finish. Like.

Thoughts: Wonderful after work wine. Not overly complex, lightly oaked, fresh and enjoyable alone or with food. My speed. Pair with your mood and shellfish. Grilled bratwurst with sauerkraut and this Chardonnay, one of my favorite pairings, my comfort food. Recommended + Great Value.

Closure: Nomacorc
ABV: 13.2%
SRP: $14
Purchased locally: $9
Vineyard Locations and AVAs : Caroway Vineyard (Columbia Valley), Arete Vineyard (Columbia Valley), Crawford Vine-yard (Yakima Valley), Lonesome Spring Ranch (Yakima Valley), Conner Lee Vineyard (Columbia Valley), Gunkel Vineyard (Columbia Valley, Eastern Columbia River Gorge)

Barnard Griffin Winery & Tasting Room
878 Tulip Lane
Richland, Washington 99352
Phone: (509) 627.0266
Rob Griffin, Owner, Winemaker
www.barnardgriffin.com

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Cheers!

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