Bargain Wine of the Week: Powers 2007 Chardonnay

We tried this Washington State Chardonnay once in the midst of a bunch of Chardonnays — a "Chardonnay vertical" our wine store clerk calls it when we buy a handful of Chardonnays — and didn't particularly remember it.

But when we had the chance to try the Powers 2007 Chardonnay again last night, we found this little known gem to be fully worth the 88 points that Wine Spectator magazine gave it.

"Bright and spicy, with a black pepper edge to the green apple and lime flavors," a WS editor wrote.

We could definitely taste the apple and citrusy lime, but were stumped about the smoky, spicy taste until we read the black pepper comment. It doesn't sound like the kind of flavor you'd want to taste in a white wine, but trust us, it adds a wonderful complexity to the multitude of flavors in this remarkable wine.

Even more remarkable, we bought it for $10. But it drinks like a wine costing twice that much.