2008 Old School Lane California Chardonnay

About This Wine

Chardonnay almost did not survive Prohibition... but we’re sure glad it did.

Genetic studies have identified Chardonnay as a cross between Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc. Historical references note California plantings of Chardonnay dating back to the late 1800s, but production remained limited because of the grape's low yields.

Most Chardonnay vineyards were uprooted during Prohibition, replaced with thick-skinned varieties that could be shipped cross-country to be used by home winemakers. Thankfully, small plantings in the Livermore Valley and Santa Cruz Mountains survived Prohibition. But it was not until the 1970s that Chardonnay's popularity boomed.

And what fueled that popularity? Renditions not unlike the 2008 Old School Lane Chardonnay undoubtedly helped, as the public learned that the variety combined exceptional flavor with what we like to call “drinkability.” The best Chardonnays match nicely with food, but also can be savored solo — and the 2008 Old School Lane wears both hats deliciously.

About Chardonnay

Relatively easy to grow in a variety of locations. Consistently produces some of the world's great white wines. Complex, full, rich and fruity with soft edges and moderate acidity. Offers rich and intense fruit flavors of apple, fig, melon, pear, peach, pineapple, along with creamy yeast spice, honey, butter and hazelnut flavors.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:77% Chardonnay & 23% Other White Varieties
• Grape Source:Select Vineyards in Various California Growing Regions
• Aromas & Flavors:Apple, Pear, Lemongrass, Melon and a Hint of Toast
• When to Drink:Now Through 2010
• Food Pairing Suggestiongrilled halibut, or a chicken pot pie.

Member Ratings

Recipes

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  Old World Rosemary Chicken With Chardonnay This recipe comes from our friends at Belvedere Vineyards & Winery in the Sonoma County town of Healdsburg. It matches wonderfully with Chardonnay, and we've enjoyed it with Chenin Blanc as well. Use it as the main entree for a special meal, or any meal. Get The Recipe
  

  Grilled Lemon Basil Shrimp Get your hands on 16 skewers, each measuring 10 inches long, and enjoy this tasty treat with Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. It makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Pan Seared Scallops With Ginger Sauce Try this palate-awakening dish with Gewurztraminer, Riesling or a non-oaked Chardonnay. This recipe makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Fettuccine Alfredo Try this recipe - a flavorful change of pace from the typical Alfredo sauce - with Pietra Santa's "Sasso Bianco," or any other medium-bodied to full-flavored white wine. It serves 6 to 8... Get The Recipe
  

  Sauteed Trout SAUTEED TROUT This recipe from the Hanover Inn in Hanover, New Hampshire, serves two, and matches beautifully with Chardonnay. Ingredients - 2 Rainbow, Brook or Brown trout, 12- to 16-oz. each - 2 cups oatmeal... Get The Recipe
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  Fettuccine With Chanterelles Try this wonderful dish, which serves 4, with Pinot Gris or Chardonnay - and make it with the very same wine (see ingredient list). Get The Recipe
  

  Chicken Piccata One of our favorite wine recipes-- try it yourself with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio or a white blend... Get The Recipe
  

  Shrimp & Peppers Over Fettucine A delicious spring entree. Shrimp and Peppers over Fettuccine. This recipe makes 2 servings, and is best enjoyed with a glass of white wine... Get The Recipe
  

  Lemony Lamb Chops Here's a versatile dish that matches well with red Bordeaux or Merlot, yet also can be enjoyed with white wines because of its lemon-flavored sauce. It makes 4 servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Pasta With Scallop And Wine Sauce A light dish for a lazy summer meal, this recipe makes 4 servings and matches beautifully with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay or white blends... Get The Recipe
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  Turkey Soup With Wild Rice And Mushrooms This wintertime favorite matches beautifully with Chardonnay, Bordeaux Blanc, Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio. It makes about 12 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Herb Crusted Tuna Steaks This recipe is extremely versatile, matching well with most white and lighter red wines. It makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of "anything goes" food-and-wine pairing, we're always on the lookout for recipes that match well with either white or red wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe
  

  The Perfect Potatoes With the holidays on the horizon, several ACWC members have asked us for recipes to accompany main dishes such as turkey or ham. Here's one we love - and it can even be a meal in itself, served with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. It makes 6 to 8 servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
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  Chicken Breasts With Wine Sauce Enjoy this delicious main dish with Sauvignon Blanc (a.k.a. Fume Blanc) or Chardonnay. It makes 4 to 6 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Linguine With Chicken And Pesto Pasta is not strictly a red wine dish. It all depends on the preparation, and this particular pasta creation matches beautifully with Chardonnay. It serves 4. Get The Recipe
  

  Portuguese Style Roasted Pork Rare is the recipe that matches equally well with red wines and white wines. This is such a recipe. We came across it while doing research on the wines that will be included in an upcoming club shipment from The World of Wines -featuring the wines of Portugal. The recipe makes 6 servings. And if you'd like to learn more about The World of Wine, click on the Get The Recipe
  

  Asparagus & Morel Salad Summertime is salad time, and any of your favorite white wines would be great matches for this recipe, courtesy of Masa's restaurant in San Francisco. It serves 4. Get The Recipe
  

  Roasted Garlic Scampi With Minced Prosciutto If you're a white wine drinker, here's another recipe that gets its flavor, in part, from garlic: Roasted Garlic Scampi With Minced Prosciutto. Begin by roasting some garlic in foil with olive oil for about an hour, and set it aside. Dice a quarter-cup of Prosciutto and saute with four tablespoons of olive oil and some minced shallots for about 15... Get The Recipe
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  Grenoble Style Salmon This recipe, which matches beautifully with Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, makes 4 servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Spaghettini Aglio Olio Enjoy this easy-to-prepare dish (the recipe makes 6 servings) with any wine you enjoy with garlic-flavored food. SPAGHETTINI AGLIO OLIO Get The Recipe
  

  Insalata Di Radicchio Y Pere Try this recipe, which serves 4, with any Chardonnay exhibiting apple and/or pear flavors... Get The Recipe
  

  Lemon Dill Chicken Enjoy this flavorful recipe with Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. It serves up to 4 people, depending on your appetites... Get The Recipe
  

  Scallops With Caramelized Onions The sweetness of the onions makes this dish a great match for an oak-aged Chardonnay. It also pairs nicely with Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. This recipe makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
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  Shrimp Scampi Made Easy Looking for an easy-to-prepare, yet amazingly flavorful, main dish? This one takes just 10 minutes to prepare, serves 4 to 6, and matches beautifully with Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Get The Recipe
  

  Chilled Zucchini Soup With White Truffle Oil A rich soup calls for a rich wine, and no white wine is richer than an oak-aged Chardonnay. This recipe, from The Casual Vineyard Table, makes 4 servings. Chilled Zucchini Soup With White Truffle Oil Get The Recipe