Paul Mas Chardonnay 2011 (France)
13.5%, Screwcap, $7.99 (Dan Murphys exclusive)

Forget Chile or Brazil, the real cheap wine onslaught is going to come from a more traditional sources – such as the south of France.

This cleverly packaged Chardonnay is a perfect example of what is to come – a mealy, roughly hewn white with a nice hessian and woodwool oak chips, backed up by a palate that surprises in its careful richness and weight. Acidity is clumsy with no finesse, but very well made.

Not terrible. Not great and I wouldn’t personally drink it. But really not terrible…

Source: Sample
Tasted: December 2013
www.paulmas.com
Drink: 2013-2014
Score: 14.5/20, 80/100
Would I buy it? No, but plenty would (and enjoy it).