California Chardonnay Tasting at Wine Watch
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 07:00 PM
This Event has been read: 893 times.
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride!"
George Carlin
And we have been hanging on for dear life this year as our tasting line-up has been a very hectic pace already and we are about to add another great venue to our line-up of affiliates, so keep your eye on the calendar of events on our webpage as some events have been selling out without any e-mail promotion.
We have 13 events on the calendar already for the month of April including a vertical of Cheval Blanc back to 1949 and a vertical tasting of Valentini Montepulciano back to 1975. If you want to come to one of our "once in a lifetime" tastings you may want to look a month ahead on the calendar of events.
This is a new tasting that we have added to the line-up this year with so many great new producers of Chardonnay in California and so many old favorites that get forgotten about I figured we needed an annual California Chardonnay tasting to keep up with who's zooming who.
With over 30 Chardonnays on the table covering ground from, Napa, Carneros, Russian River, Sonoma Coast, Santa Barbara, Santa Rita Hills and Monterey and if you want to try them all you may want to use a driver service this evening.
Wine Watch Catering's Toni Lampasone will be making a few tasty treats to accompany the tasting wines. The fee for this tasting is $35 + tax for reservations call 954-523-9463.
California Chardonnay Tasting at Wine Watch
Wednesday, April 4th
7pm
Transatlantic
Bell Chardonnay Napa 2010
Price: $23.25 Sale $20.46 Case $238
Bell's Chardonnay is produced from vineyards in the cool Yountville appellation. Pale in color, this wine is primarily tank fermented, with the balance aged in neutral barrels. Partial malo-lactic fermentation softens the palate while allowing the wine to retain its acidity and delightful fruit flavors.
JCB #81 Chardonnay Sonoma 2010
Price: $18 Sale $15.84 Case $184
Crème caramel and ripe apple and pear fruit, white peach very seductive with hints of vanilla bean spice and light mineral notes to the nose. Nice bright acidity accompanying the Asian pear and ripe green apple fruit those vanilla spice notes coming through nicely at the finish along with nice lemon citrus leaving the tongue refreshed. Finish 35+ Very Good +
Buena Vista Chardonnay Carneros 2008
Price: $18 Sale $9.75
This is one of the best values that I have had this year in the California Chardonnay section Carmel corn and butterscotch candy like aromas to the peach and ripe tropical fruit on the nose. Juicy fruit on the palate with a good amount of that butterscotch candy and caramel corn like notes. A GREAT Value!! Finish 35+ Very Good
Flora Springs Estate Chardonnay Napa 2010
Price: $15 Sale $13.20 Case $153
Flora Springs Napa Valley Chardonnay combines the enticing characteristics of three highly renowned growing regions in the Napa Valley: Oakville, Carneros, and St. Helena. This blend of fruit from the warmer appellations on the valley floor as well as the cool rolling hills of Carneros allows them to craft a Chardonnay with great intensity and restraint. This bottling celebrates the natural tropical fruit flavors in the fruit sourced from our sustainably farmed vineyards and allows the bright acidity to shine!
Grgich Hills Chardonnay Napa 2008
Price: $36 Sale $31.68 Case $368
A very ripe and forward bouquet of ripe delicious red apple fruit with notes of toasty oak spice, notes of fresh buttered toast. Ripe and round style of California chardonnay with peach and apple fruit very lush with a textrue of whole milk and a nice hand of acidity keeping things fresh and clean at the end, nice butterscotch notes and some mineral showing at the end. Finish 45+ Excellent +
Bjornstad Ritchie Chardonnay Vineyard Russian River Valley 2008
Price: $48 Sale $42.24 Case $490
A very rich and complex bouquet of aromas, vanilla and cinnamon spice to the white peach and tropical fruits with crème caramel notes and some gravelly mineral notes. A very rich and unctuous wine on the palate, smooth and creamy with wonderful freshness and just the right amount of toasty oak spice, very rich and layered through the finish, a big chardonnay but very balanced and a long mineral laced finish. Finish 45+ Most Excellent
Mer Soleil Chardonnay Central Coast 2009
Price: $30 Sale $26.40 Case $306
Wineery Notes: Citrus driven nose. Hints of matchstick, pineapple, banana and coconut. Soft and round entry. Oak is apparent but not defining. Mid-palate goes on to reveal other layers of flavors—vanilla, lemon meringue pie, and again coconut. Finish is rich with viscosity that coats the mouth for minutes after your last sip
Macrostie Chardonnay Sonoma 2009
Price: $19.50 Sale $17.16 Case $199
Pale straw gold in color, with ripe pear and bright honeydew melon aromas, and just a touch of vanilla. In the mouth it is full and round, with baked apple, fresh pineapple, and hints of rich lemon pie. The long clean finish begs for another sip.
Southern Wine & Spirits
Far Niente Chardonnay Napa 2010
Price: $39 Sale $34.32 Case $398
The 2010 Far Niente Chardonnay offers aromas of Meyer lemon, toasted nuts and fig are supported by the underlying sweetness of honeysuckle. The entry is honeyed with ripe citrus, light melon and well-integrated nuttiness and a touch of mineral. A rich, full midpalate with balanced acidity draws out into a long finish.
Vine Cliff Chardonnay Carneros 2009
Price: $33 Sale $29.04 Case $337
A complex array of sweet tropical fruit, lychee, pineapple and musk melon, with a hint of caramel and toast. Cinnamon, vanilla and ginger add layers or complexity and richness. Sweet lemon and peach at entry, with a core of passionfruit, grilled pineapple and red apple. The flavor builds with layers of vanilla, whipped cream and brown sugar. Rich and concentrated flavors finish smooth with a hint of lingering nutmeg spice.
Palmaz Amailia Chardonnay Napa 2010
Price: $57.75 Sale $50.82 Case $590
The wet toast the barrels so that they loose some of the aggressive note from the new oak. They have been making chardonnay since 2004 but this is the first release in FL. A very bright and fruity bouquet with just the right touch of lightly toasted oak spice notes of vanilla bean creme brulee, meyer lemon and white peach like fruit. A 50% estate and 50% from the Stagecoach vineyard. Lovely balance here onthe tongue with ripe tropical fruit and wonderful freshness lemon zest and just the right touch of lightly toasted oak spice. Finish 45+ Excellent +
Republic National
ZD Chardonnay California 2010
Price: $25.50 Sale $22.44 Case $260
This 2010 ZD Wines California Chardonnay is yet another testament to our unique style and pursuit of richness and balance through our careful selection of cool, coastal vineyards from as far south as Santa Barbara and Monterey counties to our own Napa and Sonoma Carneros appellations. All of the grapes were harvested at optimal maturities and 100% barrel fermented in our cellar which is kept at a chilly 48°F during fermentation. This long, cool fermentation preserves the vibrant tropical and clean citrus aromas while also helping to inhibit any malo-lactic fermentation, thus maintaining a balance of forward fruit and bright natural acidity. Aromas of pineapple, guava and pear mingle with hints of vanilla and orange blossoms. The palate is full bodied and rich with the perfect balance between fruit, oak and acidity. Like many ZD Chardonnays, this wine is a joy to drink when young but will also age and develop beautifully for many years to come.
Steele Chardonnay California Cuvee 2010
Price: $20.25 Sale $17.82 Case $207
The Cuvee consistently exhibits excellent depth of flavor, wonderful acidity and complex aromas. The Santa Maria vineyards add a tropical fruit character to the wine, flavors and aroma of mango, pineapple, and papaya. The Sonoma vineyards attribute citrus character and acid to the cuvee. The Mendocino vineyards flavor profile leans toward citrus fruit and minerality from DuPratt and Lolonis contributes the warmest-climate grapes to the cuvee with flavors and aromas of baked apples and cinnamon.
Cakebread Chardonnay Napa 2010
Price: $45 Sale $39.60 Case $459
Cakebread's 2010 Napa Valley Chardonnay boasts an attractive light golden-straw color and fresh, lightly buttery, ripe golden apple, pear and citrus aromas, complemented by seductive vanilla and cinnamon/nutmeg scents from oak aging and subtle yeast tones from lees contact. Lush, concentrated and creamy on the palate, its ripe apple, melon, bright citrus and baking spice flavors culminate in a long, beautifully structured finish boasting crisp acidity and zesty mineral and spice tones. Sumptuous, yet refreshing, our 2010 Chardonnay is delicious now, but will handsomely reward another 3-5 years’ bottle aging.
Darioush Chardonnay Napa 2010
Price: $49.50 Sale $43.56 Case $505
Influenced by a cooler than average growing season, the 2010 Signature Chardonnay is powerful, sleek and vibrant, and was bottled unfiltered to maintain a strong sense of place and high concentration of flavor. Bright aromatics of white peach and quince entice, with layers of green apple, creamy lemon meringue, yeast and toasted wheat in the mid-palate, finishing with a pure, delicate minerality. A promising vintage that will evolve well for several years.
Chalk Hill Chardonnay Sonoma 2009
Price: $42.75 Sale $37.62 Case $436
Ripe lush tropical fruit on the nose here with a hint of banana to the ripe delicious peach and candied lemon citrus fruit on the nose with a touch of oak spice and crème caramel on the nose. A nice amount of ripe tropical fruit showing on the palate with good concentration and nice balance of light oak spice and fresh acidity with a dose of minerality also showing up at the end. Finish 40+ Excellent
Lincourt Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills 2009
Price: $17 Sale $14.96 Case $174
Named after daughters Lindsey and Courtney, this is a cooler climate chardonnay this Steel cuvee is unoaked, a very clean and focused bouquet on the nose with a steely mineral quality to the pineapple and lemon citrus fruit. Fresh and clean style with bright acidity and a zesty mineral nuance to the finish, nicely balanced a bit on the savory side leaves the tongue salivating for food and could be mistaken for a Sauvignon Blanc. Finish 40+ Excellent
Augustan Wine Imports
Calera Chardonnay Central Coast 2010
Price: $20 Sale $17.60 Case $204
A blend of purchased fruit from some of the top growers in the central coast along with some of the declassified fruit from Calera's estate vineyards in Mount Harlan. White fruit and hibiscus floral notes to the nose along with hints of creme caramel, vanilla and distinct minerality showing. Lovely concentration on the palate with a texture of whole milk rich ripe tropical fruit and good length and minerality on the finish with a nice touch of toasty oak spice. Finish 40+ Excellent
Diatom Chardonnay Kodo 2010
Price: $46.50 Sale $40.92 Case $474
Kodo means the soulful heartbeat or drum like pulse within us. There is a rhythmic and sonorous nature to the term which is appropriate for this parcel nestled within the hills somewhat protected from the ravages of the wind forces as mentioned above. Papaya, yellow grapefruit and flint set the tone aromatically ushering in flavors of white nectarine, white peach and ripe lemon. Texturally this bottling is much rounder and weightier than its counterpart marked by a long and rich finish.
Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills 2009
Price: $33 Sale $29.04 Case $337
(92 points) "The 2009 Chardonnay is an absolutely gorgeous wine. Understated and classy from start to finish, it shows off layers of ripe fruit, subtle oak and spices. There is plenty of acidity to balance an expression of fruit that is generous, but just short of hitting tropical notes. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2018. No one has done more to carry the banner for the Santa Rita Hills than Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton. Both together at Brewer-Clifton and separately in their other projects, Brewer and Clifton consistently deliver delicious wines that are also deeply thought provoking with regards to the potential these vineyard sites hold. The Pinots in particular are compelling." Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Melville Chardonnay Estate Santa Rita Hills 2009
Price: $22.50 Sale $19.80 Case $230
(92 points) 'This rich, creamy Chardonnay has fine acidity, while a touch of neutral oak adds a background of buttered toast. But the fruit stars, brimming with papayas, mangos, Meyer lemons, limes and pineapples. The finish is filled with honey, and yet is brisk and dry." Wine Enthusiast
Talley Chardonnay Estate Arroyo Grande Valley 2009
Price: $22.50 Sale $19.80 Case $230
The 2009 Estate Chardonnay has aromas of lemon verbena, mandarin, jasmine, and roasted almond. On the palate, this wine features layers of citrus, green apple, and minerals that lead into a refreshing and elegant finish. This well balanced chardonnay pairs nicely with sea scallops as well as grilled chicken.
Dierberg Chardonnay Estate 2008
Price: $27 Sale $23.76 Case $276
The 2008 Dierberg Chardonnay leads with vivid aromas of deep mango, rich lemon, a hint of fresh lemon peel, and creamy hazelnut. On the palate the wine is lush citrus: lemon curd, lemon blossoms, and lemon rind with a slight toasted sesame seed accent. The wine finishes with the focused acidity and a tightly wound structure that the Dierberg Chardonnays have come to be known for.
Noble Wine
Byron Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley
Price: $27 Sale $23.76 Case $276
Our 2008 Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay displays fruit-forward citrus aromas, accented by hints of mineral and brown spice. On the palate, it is richly textured with honey, fig, stone fruit, spice and minerals.
Hartford Court Chardonnay Four Hearts Russian River Valley
Price: $40 Sale $35.20 Case $408
(91 - 93 Points) "The 2009 Chardonnay Four Hearts Vineyard sees less new oak than its two siblings. It reveals elegant tropical fruit, citrus oil, pear and white peach notes in a medium to full-bodied, crisp, zesty style. It can be enjoyed over the next 4-5 years." - Robert Parker, Jr., Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, February 2011
Matanzas Creek Chardonnay Sonoma 2008
Price: $22.50 Sale $19.80 Case $230
A Matanzas Creek classic, our Chardonnay is sourced from estate-owned vineyards throughout the Sonoma county. Our focus on this wine continues to be Bennett Valley and Carneros with small amounts of Russian River fruit added for extra character. With notes of pears, apples and white currant lead to a creamy mid-palate with a wonderful mineral finish. Try it with butternut squash risotto, it's delicious!
Cambria Chardonnay Santa Barbarbera Katherine's Vineyard 2009
Price: $22 Sale $19.36 Case $225
This Chardonnay has aromas of fresh mango, white peach, citrus, vanilla bean and spice. The same fruit characters are on the palate and are accentuated by a bright, balanced acidity and subtle oak spice. The finish is lingering, clean and crisp.
Unfined Unfiltered
2010 Figge Chardonnay Pelio Vineyard Monterey
Price: $35.25 Sale $31.02 Case $360
This is a young vineyard dominated by the “Coastal Influence”, with temperatures mainly in the upper 40’s at night and mid 70’s during the day throughout the growing season. This leads to a long hang time without the stress of sugar accumulation and a persistently high amount of acid in the wines.
2010 Figge Chardonnay La Reina Santa Lucia Highlands
Price: $35.25 Sale $31.02 Case $360
Pale white gold color with a bright and complex bouquet emphasizing minerality and citrus. Lovely hints of lemon peel on the nose, and on the palate. A very subtle citrus impression underscored by crisp acidity in perfect balance with abundant fruit. Hints of graphite and white peach enter on the exceptionally long finish. An elegant Chardonnay that is rich without a trace of heaviness.
Menu
Chardonnay Shrimp Ceviche with cilantro and lime
Carmelized Onion Brie Phylo tartlette
Chicken with Panko Crust and Honey mustard Dipping Sauce
Crostini with herbed goat cheese and oven dried tomato
