Tonight I am trying something new, blogging immediately after ThirstyGirl #TGTaste with Bonterra Organic Vineyards, while the aromas and flavors are immediate to my memory.

2011 Bonterra Chardonnay
I tasted this wine stone cold out of my refrigerator. Very cold, this wine smelled and tasted like lots of citrus. This wine is 70% malolactic fermentation, but very balanced. As it warmed up, I began to taste more complexity, including butter and vanilla coupled with pineapple, tropical fruits, and citrus. It was creamy in texture, yet also had nice acidity and fruit. I could not believe this wine was only $13-$14 retail.

2010 Bonterra Merlot
I was dying to taste this Merlot with my leftover Mellow Mushroom Holy Shiitake Pie and I was not disappointed. The earthiness of the mushrooms worked wonderfully with the Merlot, which was very fruit forward with black cherry, plum, and soft tannins. I only wished I had more pizza. This wine was also another amazing value at around $16/bottle.