The Robert Mondavi Winery will be hosting a live happy hour toast on Facebook and Twitter today at 5pm (PST, CST, and EST). Some of the very first wines I fell in love with many years ago were created by Robert Mondavi, so it’s only fitting that I join in the virtual celebration of his 99th birthday today.

The world’s eyes were suddenly opened to the potential of the Napa Valley for good wines with the release of Robert Mondavi Winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon in the late 60s. The Mondavi legend was entrenched by the historic Paris tasting in 1976, where two former winemakers of the Robert Mondavi Winery won first prize.

I’ll be raising a glass of Robert Mondavi Private Selection Pinot Noir 2011 (80% Pinot Noir, 12% Syrah, 7% Petite Sirah, 1% Thompson Seedless). The soft, rose petals, strawberry, and cherry aroma mingles with smoky oak for a nice richness in the mouth and lingering finish–perfect to drink with my dinner of roasted chicken and vegetables.

So here’s to Robert Mondavi, thank you–and best wishes to the entire Mondavi family for many more great wines to come.

Cheers.

Starting off big and bold, I selected the Heavyweight Chardonnay 2009 (85% Chardonnay, 10% Dry Chenin Blanc, 5% Marsanne), featuring “Champ” Frankie the Flash on the label. A sip or two of this rich, full-bodied Chardonnay “separates the pretenders from the contenders” proclaims its tasting notes. Filled with light lemony flavors and subtle floral aromas, there’s a delicate touch of oak for palate-pleasing pleasure. Heavyweight is vinted and bottled by White Stone Vineyards, Lodi, California; available at CataVinos Wine Shoppe & Tasting Room in Tucson for under $15/bottle.

Rich and elegant, the Woodbridge 2010 Chardonnay by Robert Mondavi (76% Chardonnay, 18% French Colombard, 3% Viognier, and 3% Proprietary blend of aromatic varieties) displays notes of delicious tart green apples and a gentle floral undertone. Nuances of apple pie with autumn spices weave through the fruity aromas and flavors, ending in a light creamy oak finish. Smoother than most Chardonnays I’ve enjoyed, its mouth-filling richness is balanced with natural acidity—the oak aging enriches this wine’s texture and adds just a hint of sweet vanilla and spice. Woodbridge Chardonnay is the perfect choice for sitting and sipping with friends or to pair. Be creative—if you like the food, go for it, there are no rules. Available retail for about $8/bottle.

For a totally different Chardonnay, try the Big House Unchained Naked Chardonnay 2010. No oak here! It’s described as “naked as a jaybird” without the confines of oak barrels. Big House veered off the California standard by using stainless steel tank fermentation, allowing the true fruit character of the Chardonnay grape to explode. Green apple and hints of pear on the nose is followed up with vibrant, “criminally” crisp and bright tropical fruit.  Perfect with goat cheese or poultry, this unoaked Chardonnay would pair well with scallops, pork tenderloin, roasted chicken, or fresh pasta primavera.  Available in both 750ml bottle ($10) and an eco-friendly premium wine cask (equivalent of four bottles) for $22.

Check out an earlier Pour Me Some Grapes blog on flipflop Chardonnay—a medium-bodied winner with creamy, toasted oak notes.

As you can see, Chardonnays can be all over the board with aromas, tastes, and finishes—what better time than these sizzling summer evenings to explore chilled Chards.

Cheers (and keep cool)!

If you’re looking for a top-choice French champagne that won’t break the bank, Gerard Bertrand Crémant de Limoux 2007 is your ticket. This beautiful bubbly is golden with green lights; the taste is crisp, lively, and elegant. Its nose is rich with aromas of a delicate blend of white flowers and pear. As you taste, the wine develops hints of hazelnut, slowly revealing subtle toasted flavors, making a lively attack on the palate; you’ll linger with long lasting bubbles. Crémant de Limoux is a rich, balanced wine, ideal as an aperitif. I’d serve this with salads, fish, and poultry. You can buy this wine at CataVinos Wine Shoppe in Tucson for less than $15 per bottle.

Jaume Serra Cristalino CAVA is a fine Spanish sparkling wine made using the traditional method in which secondary fermentation producing a sparkling wine’s bubbles occurs in the bottle. Its fresh, toasty nose, beautiful citrus, green apple and mineral flavors, supple, lively mouth-feel, and clean, crisp finish make this the ultimate celebratory wine. Enjoy it on its own and with sushi, seafood, fried foods, and Asian dishes. Cristalino is a blend of 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada, and 15% Xarel-lo – grapes from the Vineyard Can Suriyol (Alt Penedés), El Padruel, Spain. Suggested retail price is $10.00 per bottle.

Mumm Napa Brut Prestige is a complex collection of primarily Pinot Noir (51%) and Chardonnay (46%), with the balance from Pinot Meunier and Pinot Gris grapes. This California Brut opens with gorgeous layered white blossom aromas, followed by creamy vanilla, citrus, stone fruit, and melon notes. With elegant acidity and crisp structure, this medium-bodied sparkling wine displays a rich, lingering finish. Crispness and ample fruit character make this one a superb food wine. The $20 per bottle price makes this a top-shelf choice – maybe a gift for that very special friend?

The Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Brut is 100% Chardonnay. It’s crisp and refreshing, a good choice for mimosas. This Brut California sparkling wine displays green apple, ripe pear, and bright citrus notes with a toasty finish. Robert Mondavi believed that great wine was not just for special occasions, but to celebrate the joy of every day. Priced at less than $10 per bottle, that is indeed possible.

Speaking of mimosas, consider using cranberry or some other juice in place of the traditional orange juice for a refreshing new toast. Salud!