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"1995 Versus 1997 Chardonnays"

by Fred McMillin You've narrowed your choice down to two $16 California Chardonnays, a 1995 and a 1997. Which should you buy? To get an answer, we paired ten '95s with ten '97s of the same price. Here are the results, but first a word on the scoring. The Scoring Assume the 1995 received 110 votes and the 1997 100 votes. Thus, the 1995 won by 10 votes, or 10% over the 1997. Now, on to the winners. The wine that won by the largest margin is at the bottom of the list. Place Winning Margin Winning Year Price The Wine 10th 1.0% 1997 $19 Robert Mondavi, Napa Valley 9th 1.5% 1997 $30 Rosenblum Reserve, Edna Valley 8th 2.4% 1997 $18 Roudon-Smith, Santa Cruz Mtns. 7th 8.0% 1997 $19 La Crema, Sonoma Coast 6th 13.2% 1997 $26 ZD Winery, California 5th 13.5% 1995 $21 Trefethen, Napa Valley 4th 17.0% 1997 $7 Joliesse (Boisset),California 3rd 29.4% 1997 $19 Sattui, Carsi Vyd., Napa Valley 2nd 70.0% 1997 $18 Steele Cuvee, California Winner 74.0% 1997 $15 Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve (pictured) Conclusion Whether you want a $7 or a $27 Chardonnay, buy the 1997, since the '97s won nine of the 10 matches.

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