Years ago I drank Fetzer "Sundial" Chardonnay. It was reliable and inexpensive. The "Sundial" is no longer around having faded into the past. Fetzer rebranded the line several years ago and it is now called "Valley Oaks." You'll find a complete line of wines with this label from Pinot Grigio to Cabernet. All are reasonably priced. The Chardonnay, however, gets the best ratings of the lot.
I haven't tried the Fetzer Chardonnay in quite a few years. A few weeks back I was thumbing through Wine Spectator's October issue where they highlighted the Top 500 under $20. When I got to the Chard section I saw this wine highlighted as a "Best Value." I was shocked! It received an 87 WS rating and cost about $9.
Tonight I had some marinated grilled chicken breast along with steamed asparagus and seasoned red potatoes. The Fetzer VO Chard was a real treat with the meal as well as by itself. If you like an inexpensive wine for after work or need a good wine for a party....this is your wine.
This is a medium-body wine. At 13% alcohol it is just a tad lower than the California 13.5% standard. According to the winery web site, it was mostly fermented in Stainless Steel with only a small amount barrel fermented and even less undergoing malolactic fermentation (a secondary fermentation process especially popular in Chardonnay production....it converts malic acid into lactic acid and creates a smooth, buttery taste). The result is a wine reminiscent of a French white burgundy with just a hint of butter and oak.
I really liked this wine. It was easy (almost too easy) to drink and is one heck of a buy for the price. Give it a try for a workday wine or serve it at your holiday parties. It even comes in a 1.5 liter bottle that is even a better buy for parties.
Rating: Good/Very Good
Price $8-10
I completely agree with you on this one. It is a great VALUE wine!
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