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Specs:
2006 Olivier Leflaive St-Aubin 1er Cru "En Remilly"
BurgundyPuligny-Montrachet, France
14% Alcohol
100% Chardonnay
http://www.olivier-leflaive.com/
$30.00
Notes:
The Burgundy region of France is known worldwide for their perfection of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape. However these varietals seem such a far cry from the Pinot and Chards we drink here in the U.S. You won't find any oak bombs here. The flavors are more refined as they focus more on the grape and less about fussing with it. This medium bodied wine is just that.
The color in the glass is a translucent straw color with hints of light gold in the glass. The nose shows honey, butterscotch, melon, pear, golden delicious apples, vanilla and the slightest hint of oak. Upon first taste you can really pick up the butterscotch, pear and vanilla on the forefront as well as a refreshing hint of cantaloupe. This wine is very well balanced with moderate alcohol and medium acidity. The finish is long and smooth and is the perfect example of a beautiful white burgundy.
When pairing with food I would suggest drinking with white fish, chicken or mushroom dishes as well as sharp cheddars and parmesans. Because of the medium intensity of this wine the sky is the limit on pairing options. This wine can be purchased through K & L Wine Merchants with shops throughout the Bay Area.
Specs:
2007 Langtry Estate Genevieve Chardonnay
Guenoc Valley
Middletown, California
14.5 % Alcohol
100% Chardonnay
http://www.guenoc.com/
$35.00
Notes:
Buttery Oaky Chardonnays are the stuff dreams are made of and a good friend was nice enough to give this wine to me as a gift. Langtry Estate was new to me so I was excited to taste this wine. The color is that of a typical buttery Chardonnay; a rich yellow like a ripe golden delicious apple. Oak is on the nose and the flavors mirror that smell.
The taste is heavy at first sip and surprisingly has a very light, crisp and refreshing finish. The light quality of the wine caught me a little off guard; in a good way. Some would say that the fact the flavor drops off for the finish was a bad thing but in this instance it is enjoyable; your palette has a chance to regroup. You immediately taste the acidity and the flavors of lemon. There is a tart characteristic to this wine with a jolt of citrus and some earthy woody undertones. Small underlying flavors of pineapple are present, other than that this wine is pretty straightforward. Oak, Butter and Citrus carry this wine. It is clean, fresh and earthy all at the same time.
This is the prefect wine for a hot summer day. It is also great for those who enjoy Chardonnay but find the "butter" flavor too overpowering. This would pair great with light dishes like salads, cheese, fish and chicken dishes as well as desserts like fruit tarts.
C. Donatiello Winery
Russian River Valley Healdsburg, California
The wine produced at this estate beautifully captures the essence of the Russian River Valley. You will only find Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at this Boutique Winery, however you would be hard pressed to find a better taste of my two favorite varietals anywhere in Healdsburg. The wines produced here are extremely unique. The flavors are powerful, bold and unlike many wines I have tasted. The taste is in no way diluted however pure, fresh and saturated.
As far as their Current Offerings there are 6 Chardonnays and 4 Pinot Noirs. Many of you are thinking 6 Chardonnays? Is that necessary? If you have visited C. Donatiello you know the answer is Yes. Tastings here are offered in Flights with very generous pours. Once you have these Chardonnays lined up one after the other you get the sense of how dramatically location of the vines, soil, climate and age really do effect wine. From the slight oakiness of the 2006 Russian River Valley Chardonnay to the crisp fruit forward 2007 Orsi Vineyard Chardonnay the taste profiles are endless. There is something here for anyone. Chard Lovers and Non Lovers alike.
Now onto the star of this Winery; Pinot Noir. The Pinot produced at this estate is Perfection. Silky, Fruity, Supple and Luxurious. Any Pinot Lover must travel here to taste this beautiful selection. Also available in flights you are able to sample all they have to offer. My personal Favorite is the 2007 Floodgate Pinot Noir Block 15. Bright Rich Red Fruits are on the nose and palette. Sweet and Velvety with a long satisfying finish. This is the essence of Pinot Noir. The other offerings are just as impressive with variations on flavor. Some more earthy and spicy, others bolder and toasty.
This estate is a special place nestled amongst trees and is comfortable and welcoming with skilfully manicured gardens. It is a great place to escape and relax with your selected flight on their outdoor patio. There is no rush here. Relax, listen to the fountain and gaze into the vineyards of Westside Road.
Wines range from $24-62
http://www.cdonatiello.com/
Specs:
2007 Etude Chardonnay
Carneros Valley California
100% Chardonnay
13.4% Alcohol
http://www.etudewines.com/
$38.00
Notes:To me this is one of the best Chardonnay's I've had in quite awhile. A friend brought this wine to a dinner and I was blown away by its flavor and smoothness. Etude is known mainly for their Pinot Noir however this Chard gives the Pinot's a run for their money. This wine is a combination of grapes fermented in New French Oak as well as Stainless Steel giving it an amazing balance. Not too buttery and not to acidic. Just the perfect marriage of flavors. The grapes are also closely taken care of and are harvested solely from their estate in Carneros.
At first glance this wine is a deep bright saturated yellow-gold. Primary scents I sense are citrus and oak. The oak is minimal but definitely present. It is a very fresh yet earthy wine with hints of greens and fruits such as peach, lime and lemon. All of these elements are usually what I look for in a Chardonnay. Numerous friends really do not prefer the buttery oakey chards I adore; yet still this is a wine we can all agree on. It is the perfect "meet in the middle" chard and a good introduction to the valleys offerings.
Since this wine is pretty mild as far as chardonnays go I feel it is perfect for pairing. Appetizers, main courses, desserts and on it's own on a warm day. It is AMAZING with a warm apple crisp or a freshly tossed salad.
This wine is shown on back order through the wineries website however it is quite easy to find at wine shops and other online venues.
