In spite of our love of dry Rose, crispy Northern European whites and minerally Sancerre, if we were to take a poll of what most of us are actually drinking in our backyards and dining rooms, I am willing to bet that good ol’ California Chardonnay is pretty near the top of the list. Why not? A rich, flavorful California Chardonnay is not only delicious all on its own, it’s can be really food friendly too. The best balanced and best made appeal to almost everyone! One of the best we’ve noted over the years has been the Frank Family’s. Remarkably true to its style of richness combined with good acidity and just the right amount of wood, it’s a fixture at almost every restaurant for a very good reason- everyone loves it! The 2022 is another Los Carneros classic! Sourced from the winery’s Lewis Vineyard and several of the neighboring Beckstoffer Vineyards in Napa/Carneros along with longtime source Sangiacomo on the Sonoma side of the district, the classic Frank Family Chardonnay is fermented entirely in French oak (about a third new). While it doesn’t lack for wood influence, what’s there provides a nice spicy addendum rather than dominating the wine’s really lovely baked apple, white peach and ripe citrus fruit. We like the fresh hints of lemongrass, rising bread dough and woodsy spice, too. Not at all overdone, it’s well-nigh perfectly balanced to serve as an everyday quaff on its own or with all kinds of richer fare from the sea, farm or garden. Drink now, and be sure to get at least a case at the amazing per-dozen price because we both know you’ll be back looking for more before the winter is even over and this very special price is gone!