When you hear people talk about “oaky” wine, what comes to mind? Are you thinking to yourself, “obviously Chardonnay,” or is that just me? More specifically, I think of a California Chardonnay. Do you love an “oaky” wine or do you hate it? Do you judge people who ask for an oaky Chardonnay? I’ve noticed an oak backlash as of late. Those who still wholeheartedly admit they love an oaky, buttery Chardonnay may find they’re the recipient of snooty stares and full-on judgment, possibly along the lines of “that’s so 1999.”