Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Dusted Valley 2010 Boomtown Chardonnay

There’s one problem with boomtowns. They often go bust.
That’s our reaction to the 2010 Dusted Valley Chardonnay. Even its origin in one of our favorite wine regions, Walla Walla, wasn’t enough to get us excited over this nondescript Chard.
Boomtown arrived as part of a mystery half case purchased online. I guess it is no mystery that online retailers like to clear out whites that are starting to bump against their drinking window.
Boomtown produces about 20,000 cases a year and started in 2003. They produce Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Their wines are crafted for those “unafraid to step out of their comfort zone.”
Unfortunately, I had to step out of my “tasting zone” with this one. The wine is smooth and its stainless steel fermentation means there isn’t an unpleasant oakiness. But there really isn’t much going on at all in the taste department.
There is a modicum of peach and citrus flavors, but not enough to be memorable. The cost for this wine is a mere $10 to $12 – but even so, it underperforms compared to many wines at that price.
In this instance, the myth of the Boomtown has been busted.
Rating: 1.5 of 5  Value: 2 of 5

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