2021 Primary Wine Co. Chardonnay

100% Chardonnay. Full malolactic fermentation. Sees an unspecified amount of new French oak. 13.5% alcohol.

This is a nice, balanced, classic California Chardonnay with aromas and flavors of fresh honeycrisp apple, lemon zest, tropical fruit and poached pear. There are oak notes of vanilla and honeycomb, and the palate is smooth, round and creamy from the malolactic fermentation, but it’s not a butter bomb by any means. Feels full bodied and rich at 13.5% alcohol. Nothing fancy, but a great value.

There’s not that much information out there about this value brand based in Napa.  Here’s what they have to say: “Primary Wine Co. stands for purity. With honest, genuine, straightforward flavors and a back-to-basics approach to wine. These are wines that are enjoyable from the first to the last sip. Savor our classic California wines in the spirit of all things simple and good.”