Chalk Hill - 2006 Chardonnay

The Chalk Hill Winery is located between the Russian River Valley and the Alexander Valley in beautiful Sonoma, California. Vineyards were planted there in the late 1860's, and because of the range of soils and minerals in this area, Chalk Hill Winery was able to grow many different varietals in one place. Chalk Hill got its name from the layer of chalk-colored volcanic ask that lies just beneath the topsoil, providing rich minerals to the vines.

This week's favorite: 2006 Chalk Hill Chardonnay
$15-20, local grocery or fine wine store

Chalk Hill Chardonnay is one of my father's go-to Chardonnays. While he usually likes them heavy on the oak, this one is a perfect balance of fruit, oak, and rich butter flavors. It starts off clean with bright flavors of lemon and pear, and then transitions to the warm, buttery flavors. It finishes clean with a strong, but not overpowering, woody oak flavor.

This wine would be perfect with a twist on a classic dish- Shrimp Alfredo. In a large pot, bring 6 bottles of regular beer to a boil. Add 4-6 Tbsp of Old Bay seasoning for a kick, and boil 2 pounds of large shrimp for 3 minutes. Remove shrimp from beer and add to linguine and Alfredo sauce. Top with fresh Parmesan cheese and serve. The spiciness of the shrimp will enhance the butter flavor of both the wine and the Alfredo sauce. Enjoy!