St. Julian Wine Co.

St. Julian Winery that uses “St. J” as a brand tier, purchases grapes from 100 growers in southwest Michigan, within a 45-mile radius of the town of Paw Paw, and within the Lake Michigan Shore AVA.

A blending potential from a vast array of growers allows the winery to craft a fresh, bright and crisp rendition of Chardonnay that's a superb value among the scores of Chardonnay on the planet. Aromas are marked by green apple, tropical fruit and lemony notes with oak accents. Interesting ripe peach and apricot flavors add complex notes to a well-structured wine with a generous medium body.

So many Chardonnays have been criticized as food unfriendly. Not this one because of its nicely tart character in a dry version. It's particularly suited to first courses, such as risotto with asparagus, pasta salads, or a fleshy white fish such as Orange Roughy. Its "won't blow the budget" price makes it an everyday wine you can be proud to serve to dinner guests -- or as a well-chilled sipper on its own.

Reviewed July 17, 2007 by Eleanor & Ray Heald.