Standing Stone Vineyards Pinnacle 2007. I'm usually wary when wineries give their wines a funky or even classical type name instead of just labeling it 'meritage.' My fault for always believing the only descent white wines from France were Chardonnay and Champagne. Glen Ellen Proprietor's Reserve Petite Sirah 2007. MORE >>

We begin by tasting the 2010 Chardonnay, which is barrel fermented in 100% French oak, 40% of it new. The entry level Perlita is a new brand, and is labeled Malbec-Syrah (2010) because it is 80 percent Malbec and 20 percent Syrah. Like many of the most prestigious brands in Argentina, the family is based in Bordeaux, France. MORE >>

Other than an occasional Chardonnay, it was red wine only for me. Yes, I don't always read all the labels when buying wine, especially when in the Italian section where this one was. What an exciting year this has been for Why Wine Blog and for me personally in my quest to further my knowledge of wine. was afraid to open them. MORE >>

The Lassaigne estate is located in Montgueux, a large chalky hill whose vineyards produce what many consider to be the finest Chardonnay grapes in the Aube. This place, known as the Montrachet of Champagne, is an island of Chardonnay in a sea of Pinot Noir. Some would call them "hipster" wines, and perhaps they're right. MORE >>

This is the first version of La Parcelle that was made by Cédric Bouchard - he bought the vineyard from an old family friend and and also bought some of the Champagne stock, selling it under the Inflorescence label. La Haute-Lemblé is Chardonnay from a warm south facing vineyard. bars as opposed to 6) to minimize their impact. MORE >>