WHITE OF THE WEEK

2015 Coppola Director’s Cut Chardonnay Russian River Valley

Overall score: 18.4 (8.9 for quality, 9.5 for value) Our tasters: Gave it a unanimous recommendation with three scores of 9. “Peachy and ripe.” My score: 9. “Well balanced and fruit-forward with nice minerality and acidity.” Varietal/blend: 100 percent chardonnay Alcohol: 13.5 percent Winery/vineyards/winemaking: Director Francis Ford Coppola’s winery is in the heart of Alexander Valley. The fruit for this top-of-theline chardonnay, which comes in a Bordeaux-style bottle, is all Russian River Valley grown. Winemaker Corey Beck fermented the young wine in French oak barrels, 60 percent of them new. Coppola Winery’s tasting notes: “Presents lively aromas of citrus and tropical fruits along with pretty floral notes and an edge of minerals that evolves on the palate. Luscious flavors of Meyer lemon, quince and passion fruit up front, but as the wine opens up you get the impression of pear crisp, which delivers fragrant spice notes of cardamom, nutmeg and vanilla bean. Richly textured.”

Pairings: Bay scallops chowder. Curried or tarragon-flavored chicken dishes. Crab cakes. Price: $18.19 at Spec’s