2023 Simi Chardonnay

    I keep telling myself that I am done with American Chardonnay. I have tried so many American Chardonnays and to me, they are all the same. Sweet and sappy, showing tons of vanilla or baked apple, sappy white fruit, buttery, oaked and just simply gross. While I keep telling myself I'm done, I keep finding myself coming back for more punishment. Why you ask?  I seem to believe that "this time it will be different", "this is the right one". Almost every time I try the varietal, I am sorry I did. You would think I would learn my lesson but no, I don't. What's the definition of insanity again?  Aside from leaving the country for the varietal, I guess I could step it up in price but why should I have to? Why can't America make a decent priced Chardonnay that has some class to it? Is wanting some minerality in a Chardonnay a crazy request? Can any American winery just give me a decent Chard priced between $10 & $15? I have decided that I am giving up...after today's wine that is.

   So, here we are guys, another American Chardonnay. Today I will be taking a look at the 2023 Simi Chardonnay. I bought this wine at Sam's Club the other day and I spent $13 for it. The alcohol comes in at 13.5% and the bottle is screw cap sealed. The wine sat for 8 months in French and American oak and is 100% Chardonnay.

   On the nose I am getting an overripe smelling peach note that has immediately has me scared that I bought yet another typical, American Chardonnay. I unfortunately am getting the impression that the wine is going to be a a fruity, sappy type mess as well. Oak is here and in an upfront enough presentation where it isn't alleviating my fears in any way. While the oak seems to be well integrated, it is too present on the nose which for me is not a good sign. Baked apple is very much here as well guys and it smells like it also is going to be way overboard when it comes to the palate.

   Okay then, the palate presentation. On the palate my thoughts unfortunately are confirmed. To start off with, I first get a note of that French oak that I picked up on the bouquet nd that the wine sat in and it stands out big time. On top of that there is a big note of baked apple which seems to happily allow the oak to take the lead and, to dominate. Acidity is on the higher side here which is nice but ultimately it is of no use in saving this wine. Adding to this mess of a wine is a note of butterscotch as well and I think I am going to get sick. I'm done guys, simply done. I will see you in the next paragraph.

   From the beginning of this review, from the very  first sip, this wine was done in my book. I won't mince words here guys, this wine is just terrible. I took a look at my review of the 2021 vintage of this wine and I discovered that I ended up hating that wine as well giving it 77 points. Folks, this vintage is no different because on The Desert Wine Guy rating scale, I am giving this wine 77 points. In the end this is the worst Chardonnay that I have ever tasted.       

                                                                                               The Desert Wine Guy

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