Supermarket Senarios: Chardonnay Decisions

This week on Supermarket Senarios, I take a look at what's on the shelves of Giant at Vivocity. What should I drink for a Friday night especially when I have to make a decision on the spot without having taste the wines before? The chardonnays are all relatively young, from 2008 to 2010. The age difference is small between the wines so there is no point taking it into consideration.

1) HobNob Chardonnay from Vin d'Oc at $27. The Languedoc is at the south of France. It is a warm climate. I can guess that it has more fruit flavours due to the climate. The price is quite decent.
2) Route d'Or is also from the same region at $25.90.
3) Louis Jadot Chablis is a fresh and mineral style that usually doesn't see oak at the entry level. $43.95 is a normal price for a entry level Chablis  but it definitely doesn't taste $43.95 especially if it is likely not to have seen oak aging. This is just for the brand name that Chablis brings to the table. I am expecting a wine with more green apple and citrus fruit.
4) Louis Latour Ardèche Chardonnay at $27.50. Ardèche is near the Rhone Alps in the south of France, before Languedoc. The land can go up to 300m in elevation with chalk-clay soils. It is still relatively unknown outside of France. This is a style which has been aged in barrels and has undergone a transformation to palate roundness.

My selections: If you are thinking of having oysters and scallops tonight, go for the Laroche Chablis at $36.99. It is more reasonably priced than Loius Jadot and Loius Latour. But if are looking for a quaffer with more fruit flavours to go with your marinated herb-infused pork loin, go for the Route d'Or. It is cheaper than the HobNob. How much difference can $1.10 get you in perceptible quality? Feeling adventurous and don't mind spending $1.60 more? Then try the Ardèche. Limestone and Chardonnay are lovers. There is a tendency for limestone soils to produce elegant, and mineral Chardonnays. This may be more balanced between acid and flavours than the Route d'Or and Chablis. Remember to chill your Chardonnays in the fridge before serving them! Warm Chardonnays under the Singapore heat are no fun to drink!