The last several weeks I’ve started off the flavor post with the description that the brand provided for the drink.  All the descriptions have taken a different approach.  However, I think the Hob Nob Chardonnay wins the award for the shortest, most succinct overview of the taste of their chardonnay……

Thoughts from the Brand

On the bottle, short and sweet, it says:

Intense flavors of grilled almonds, hazelnuts, and honey.

I thought I would quickly head to the website and see if I could find a bit more there.  Instead of longer description, I found a personality profile:

I liked the idea of this choice being refreshed, kicked back and relaxed.  I was also hoping someone would show up at my house and cook me up some calamari and blackened salmon.  Instead, I had a glass on its own just before dinner.

My Thoughts

From the first sip, I could picture myself drinking this Chardonnay on the deck in the springtime here in Michigan.  A light afternoon drink that won’t weigh you down before dinner.  The flavor was refreshing.  While I still can’t smell/taste different flavors on my own, I’m trying.  With this blend, I thought I smelled something “nutty” and the taste was kind of buttery.

After reading the descriptions from the brand and finding the “thoughts from the web” below,  I was able to have another glass and  ”retaste” with the insight from the experts.  With those insights, I was able to place the nut smell I noticed with almonds and realized that the taste of honey added to the smoothness of the overall flavor that I described as “buttery”.

Thoughts from the Web

Searching the web, I found an eclectic mix of descriptions.  All seemed to have very positive comments to make about the Hob Nob Chardonnay.

Creamy and elegant, delivering loads of butterscotch and ripe tropical fruit notes. This is exotic and seductive, with glazed apricot and pineapple on the finish. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. – Wine Spectator

Very light banana and floral aroma, with a hint of roasted nuts on the finish. Medium acidity, crisper on the start than on the finish. Definitely my favorite out of the bunch (of all Hob Nob wines). – Benito’s Wine Reviews

After chilling this for awhile I poured a glass and noted a light-to-medium golden color in the glass. A few swirls later and my nose was treated to lemon, citrus, hazelnut and an overwhelming smell of “freshness” for lack of a better term. On the tongue I noted apple, just the right amount of oak and just a hint of honey. A smooth, velvety finish made for a nice glass of white. I gave this one 4 Corkscrews based on its great taste and just as important, its great price of $8.99 bottle. – 365 Corks

Picked up a couple of bottles to try, going back to get a case! My first thought was ‘now I know what they mean by a buttery chardonnay’. Smooth and creamy. Most of the chards I’ve had lately are crisper. Personally I think I prefer this style. Hard to beat at this price! – Teal13637479

Summary

I enjoyed the wine and all the reviews I found online had positive thoughts.  For less than $10/bottle, this is a Chardonnay that is definitely worth a try!  Have you had Hob Nob?  What did you think?