Crane Lake Chardonnay
Winery: Crane Lake Vineyards, Napa, California
Style: Dry white
Year: 2003
Price: 1.75 Litre, $7.99
Rating: 8/10

A common refrain in the wine industry is that Americans should drink wine like Europeans - namely, at every meal that doesn't involve Cheerios (although a nice Vouvray would balance the oatiness). If we don't consume like them, perhaps it's because of price. A glass of house white at a European cafe costs no more than a Coke. You're not out the $6 to $18 that a glass of wine sets you back stateside. Fred Franzia wants to change this. Taking advantage of the recent grape glut, Franzia bottles pleasant, drinkable wine - merlot, chardonnay, the usual suspects - at amazing prices. His other value labels include Charles Shaw, Salmon Creek, and Dona Sol.

Crane Lake's vintage 2000 Chardonnay was noted for its big, ripe, clean apple and pear flavors that were left unadorned. It was highly rated and not available in jugs. The 2003 is. While its aromas are nothing exciting and you don’t expect much, the flavor has character — buttery, easy oak, tropical tones. Nice finish. For the money, this is a steal and has joined the ranks of my top 3 dry whites, replacing Gallo Twin Valley Chardonnay. I recommend you try it if you can find it.

~bubba