Raphael Estate Chardonnay Review

_{This post has been sponsored by Raphael Wine. All opinions expressed are my own. The following message is intended for those 21+.}

Today we're taking a look at Long Island's North Fork American Viticultural Area courtesy of Raphael Vineyard and Winery. We'll be sampling their Estate Chardonnay, which the winemakers intend as a balanced, fruit-forward Chardonnay that maintains its freshness through subtle oak contact.

Now, let's get tasting.

Wine Overview

Quick Facts

• The Winery: Raphael Vineyard and Winery was founded in the mid-1990s in Peconic, New York by John Petrocelli and his wife Joan. John designed the 70-acre estate himself to mimic an Italian Mediterranean monastery, while also engineering the winery for a gravity-flow system that moves the juice and wine gently through production without the need for aggressive mechanical pumping, which works to protect the wine's flavors. The cellar was taken over by acclaimed winemaker Anthony Nappa in 2013, who helped to cement Raphael's reputation as a top-tier East Coast destination.
• ABV: About 13% alcohol by volume.
• Price: As of this review, the Estate Chardonnay is available for about $18-20 USD.

Region - North Fork of Long Island AVA, New York

The North Fork of Long Island AVA (American Viticultural Area) is a boutique wine region that is heavily maritime-influenced. It is located roughly 90 miles east of Manhattan, and was recognized federally in 1986. Today, it serves as the dominant heart of New York's coastal winemaking, hosting the vast majority of Long Island's 60+ wineries.

Flanked by the Long Island Sound to the north and Peconic Bay to the south, the area enjoys a moderated climate, as the surrounding waters absorb heat, prevent severe winter freezes, and extend the autumn growing season by up to a month compared to inland New York.

Aromatic and Tasting Notes

On the Nose

The chardonnay introduces itself with an inviting aromatic profile that almost pleads to be lingered over. Creamed apple and corn silk waft off the top of the glass, layered over lemon curd and light honeysuckle deeper into the glass. The bouquet ends on a touch of warmed butter. Thoroughly enjoyable.

On the Palate

Full-bodied, with a soft, remarkably rounded and supple texture. This chardonnay features an expressive flavor profile of plush pear and pineapple, with just a hint of butterscotch. Thoroughly integrated natural acidity propels the wine's flavor profile forward, keeping the wine clean, refreshing, and crisp.

Finish

Crisp and clean thanks to the natural cool-climate viticulture of Long Island's North Fork, leaving a bright and refreshing sensation on the palate, as opposed to feeling heavy or cloying. The wine leaves notes of toasted oak, vanilla, and warm baking spices on the palate courtesy of the restrained barrel contact.

Wine Score

The Raphael Estate Chardonnay is a beautifully crafted, crowd-pleasing white wine that truly bridges the gap between crisp coastal freshness and rich, barrel-aged complexity. The wine perfectly balances its oak against being a superb palate cleanser. With those qualities in mind, and due to the wine's excellent value, costing only around 20 dollars a bottle, I'll award the Estate Chardonnay a respectable 91.

Food Pairings

1. White Fish: This wine's creamy body and bright, crisp finish make it a perfect match for baked or pan-seared cod, halibut, or flounder, especially if paired with a butter and lemon sauce with herbs.
2. Poultry in Cream Sauce: Given the wine's round texture, it will effortlessly complement chicken or turkey dishes cooked in butter or light cream-based sauces.
3. Local Seafood: It is true that wines almost always pair deliciously with the cuisine local to where they were made, and this chardonnay is no exception. That means classic Long Island seafood such as steamed clams, garlic-butter shrimp, or lobster with butter sauce.

Who is this Wine For?

In my opinion, this wine is made for those looking for a high-quality, estate-grown boutique wine for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, without the cost of a premium-tier bottle. At just 18-20 dollars, this chardonnay drinks like a much more expensive estate wine, making it an easy, risk-free crowd-pleaser to bring to a party.

And that's our review of Raphael's Estate Chardonnay from the North Fork of Long Island. If you enjoyed this review, or have any questions or suggestions, be sure to let us know in the comments below; we always enjoy hearing from you.

Cheers!