I like that the Blackstone Winery Web site is unabashedly about quality, enjoyable consumer table wine from California. I hate that the Web site is Flash-based; this means it's impossible for people using adaptive technology to use the site because they can't see to use the site—and it means that much of the site isn't accessible via a link.

I like, very much, the general attitude of Blackstone winery, based on the language they use on their Web site:

Relax, unwind, and uncork a flavor bomb. When it comes to enjoying the big, rich fruit that's Blackstone's signature, no occasion is too small.

There's a lot to be said about that attitude. And in fact, it's a pretty accurate description of the Blackstone Chardonnay. It's an unabashed, happy and secure California, Chardonay, with an ABV of 13.5%. That said, this was smoother, more buttery than other California Chardonnays I've had. There's something about California Chardonnay that I can identify as Californian, but I'm honestly not completely sure why. I note that the bottle states that "After harvesting, a portion of the wine barrel fermented, undergoing malolactic fermentation to enhance the long, silky finish." I'm still curious about the malolactic fermentation that seems to be very common with Washington Chardonnays, and less common with California wineries. I note that Sutter Home apparently uses "Partial malolactic fermentation and wood aging" on their Sutter Home Chardonnay; I admit, I'm curious about what difference, it any, the malolactic fermentation will make to what I think of as "California" Chardonnay; slightly less sweet, less emphasis on fruit, more green apple and more tannin and oak flavors.

Blackstone's winemaker is Gary Sitton, a Sonoma native with genuine passion about good wine and Sonoma. Sitton earned an M.S. in Enology and Viticulture from U.C. Davis. This Blackstone California Chardonnay was a spontaneous purchase from the Washington State Liquor store, for the princely sum of $7.00. It's definitely worth it, but I think I'd probably look at another California Chardonnay, perhaps the Meridian, rather than Blackstone, were I shopping for California Chardonnay. That said, I'm still strongly favoring the Columbia Crest Two Vines Chardonnay from Washington as an everyday table wine sort of Chardonnay. I do plan to watch for other Blackstone wines; I note that they produce a wide array of California varietals, including Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel, all from Monterey, California. That sounds like a lot of interesting and fun wines to try, to me.