Compass Bridge Sonoma Chardonnay 2023

The Compass Bridge Sonoma Chardonnay 2023 is a Trader Joe's exclusive, selling for $8.99. The back label indicates it was vinted and bottled by Compass Bridge of Manteca & Geyserville, California.







The Story















Manteca is the corporate home of Delicato Family Vineyards (100 years old this year), and Geyserville was the home of Coppola Wines, which Delicato purchased in 2021.







The Compass Bridge brand also includes a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Pinot Noir.







The Compass Bridge Sonoma Chardonnay 2023 is sourced from grapes grown in Sonoma County, which is a large growing region with varied climate conditions.







There is a Fearless Flyer write-up on this wine, which mentions flavors of peach, pineapple, and vanilla.







Peach and pineapple suggest some percentage of malolactic fermentation, and the vanilla is a product of oak conditioning, though they do not detail any production techniques.







The alcohol content is 13.5%.







The Compass Bridge Sonoma Chardonnay 2023 Tasting Notes







The color is a pale lemon yellow. The nose shows citrus spice, lemon, apple, melon, dried pineapple bits, lime, and tropical fruit. The Compass Bridge Sonoma Chardonnay 2023 is soft and creamy with interesting flavors and decent length.







This Chardonnay tastes like vanilla, mixed with tart Green apple, lemon, peach, spice, and stone fruit. There are also flavors of melon, pear, and tropical fruit. There is a nice mix of tart citrus and softer fruit.







The acidity allows the flavors to fully unfold. It has become increasingly rare to find a value wine that does not have control over the acidity.







The Summary









* The Compass Bridge Sonoma Chardonnay 2023 looks like another Trader Joe's value bargain.







* If you enjoy Coppola wines or Delicato's Gnarly Head wines, this wine will appeal to you.









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