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WINE OF THE WEEK (5/12)

                                    SIMI CHARDONNAY 2011

                            SONOMA COUNTY CALIFORNIA $12.99

The Chardonnay grape is planted in more grape regions of the world than any other grape. It accounts for a wide variety of wines, including Chablis, Pouilly Fuisse, and Champagne, and it lends itself to a wide variety of styles, from unoaked to buttery and creamy. In training new staff members here at Harney's about what wines to recommend to people, I invariably say Simi Chardonnay, which, vintage after vintage, is a predictably good wine. It is dry (not sweet), balanced (meaning harmonious), and offers aromas and flavors of pear, green apple, and tropical fruit, with a slightly creamy mouth-feel, and just a hint of oak. It is particularly complementary to seared scallops, to Shrimp Scampi, and to chicken dishes.