88 2002 Frei Brothers Russian River Valley Reserve Chard. 8/13/04 ($14)
Color: Medium yellow. (2.5) Bouquet: Honeydew melon and white grape juice fruit with attractive toasty oak. (3.0) Body: Middleweight with upfront fruit and smooth toasty oak supporting. Has a touch of alcohol present. (2.5) Flavor: The combination of rich, tangy oak and honeydew fruit is impressive for the price. (3.5) Finish: Parallels flavor, but not as rich. The oak and alcohol are more prevalent here in a less than perfect way, but the fruit still dominates for now. Licorice nuances. (2.5)
Overall: The fruit, balance and richness of this Chard. is impressive for the price. Very enjoyable by itself, but has enough acidity and overall body to stand up to food. A great value! It is a joy to drink now and in the next year or so. (14.0)