2016 Josh Chardonnay Review
Man I've been due for a streak like this because I've had some fantastic wines in 2018 but here is another Darryl miss. I've seen this particular vintner and parent company, Josh Cellars and Joseph Carr, respectively but I have yet to try any of their offerings. This was not a particularly great start but I say that with respect to my palate - SHALL I EXPLAIN?! Si.
I think this particular wine and I should remain friends because it wasn't "bad" but it's just not the one I want to settle down with. I think it's important to note the difference between a BAD wine and a wine you do not prefer (see some previous reviews because there are some BAD wines). I actually think there are a lot of people who would really enjoy this wine because it has loud citrus notes, is quite crisp and has a solid finish. The smell legitimately had notes of margarine that you left on the counter too long - y'all know that smell.
This is where the way I review and a professional will differ - a wine can receive a good rating because it meets a lot of check boxes such as pH, mouthfeel and balance but can not taste all that great. The taste is truly in the mouth of the beholder which is why it's so important to understand what you like and don't like. Granted, I think there are some universal wines out there that if you don't like you're probably suffering some sort of existential breakdown but I think this one falls in another direction.
If you tend to like sweeter white wines and really get a kick out of citrus, rich tastes then I think you'll appreciate this bottle. If you're like me and like bold, dry and earthier notes then you should probably sigh when your significant other asks if you want some. But you should be nice and at least drink one glass because they were polite enough to pour you some. Yes, I know you're still in a fight about forgetting to load the dishwasher and the fact they didn't pick up the dry cleaning. Give them a pass - it's been a long week and you know their mom is being kinda difficult about you-know-what...
Cheers!