Last week I recommended a refined – and somewhat pricey – Chardonnay for weekend sipping. This week I have another Chard for you, but this one is a real value play. Read on for the details.

Meridian Vineyards, Chardonnay, California 2011 $12 – It’s a joy to find a wine that is smooth, approachable and not too expensive. The 2011 vintage of Meridian Chardonnay is all those things. The bottle’s back label says the nose displays honeysuckle and vanilla; I didn’t detect those scents but there is a bit of a floral thing going on, particularly when the wine warms up a bit. The wine is medium-bodied with 13.5% alcohol, standard for a California Chardonnay. In the mouth were pineapple and grapefruit tastes and a nice, subtle sharpness from the wine’s acidity. All told, this is a very good wine for the price. It would pair well with a party or with guests before a dinner. It is also a good match for larger gatherings, since this wine is available in 750 ml bottles and in a 1.5 liter jug. I’ve seen the jug for sale at The Wine Rack (Fruitland, Md.), where it was priced at only $13.95. That divides out to less than $7 a bottle. For best flavor, serve this chilled to about 55 degrees.