The Federalist Chardonnay 2017 Mendocino County, California, USA 75cl

The Federalist is a Californian brand in the Terlato portfolio, built around a founding-fathers theme and a taste for bold, approachable wines. For its Chardonnay it looks to Mendocino County on the state’s cooler North Coast, an area that can give the grape both ripeness and a thread of freshness.

This is a pure Chardonnay made in the fuller, oak-influenced Californian style the brand is known for. Time in barrel builds a creamy texture and toasty depth, while the Mendocino fruit keeps enough acidity to stop the wine feeling heavy.

The 2017 reflects a warm, settled growing year and a generous hand with oak, giving a rich and rounded white. It is a wine to enjoy now, while the fruit is ripe and the barrel notes are fresh and expressive.

Expect aromas of toasted oak, vanilla and ripe tropical fruit, with pineapple, baked apple and a hint of butterscotch. The palate is broad and creamy, the finish warm and lightly spiced. It is a natural match for roast chicken, a creamy pasta, grilled sweetcorn, or a mild, buttery fish dish.

If you like a proper barrel-aged Californian Chardonnay rather than a lean, unoaked style, this hits the mark. Comforting and full-flavoured, it is an easy choice for a relaxed dinner or a cool-evening glass by the fire. Serve it lightly chilled rather than ice cold, so the oak and ripe fruit both have room to show, and give the glass a few minutes to open before the first sip. It is a natural crowd-pleaser for a Sunday roast or a get-together with friends.