Chardonnay Tasting at Wine Watch

Friday, April 3, 2015 - 07:00 PM

This Event has been read: 2305 times.

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Getting to know wine is getting to know the world. More than just a complex and delicious drink, wine is history, geography, the very soil from which the grapes are grown. It opens us to life on a deeper level and it enriches and enhances our days.

THOM ELKJER, Adventures in Wine

 


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This Friday night at Wine Watch we will pay tribute to one of the most famous white wine varietals on the face of the earth- Chardonnay.   We will give you our “Wine Drinking People” 30 different Chardonnay based wines on the table this evening.   Wine Watch Caterings' Toni Lampasone will be making a few tasty treats to accompany the wines and the fee for this tasting is $35+ tax for reservations call 954-523-9463.

 

A bit about Chardonnay:

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For much of the Chardonnay varietal's history, a connection was assumed between Chardonnay and Pinot noir or Pinot blanc. In addition to being found in the same region of France for centuries, ampelographers noted that the leaves of each plant have near-identical shape and structure. Pierre Galet disagreed with this assessment, believing that Chardonnay was not related to any other major grape variety. Viticulturalists Maynard Amerine & Harold Olmo proposed a descendency from a wild Vitis vinifera vine that was a step removed from white Muscat.

Chardonnay's true origins were further obscured by vineyard owners in Lebanon and Syria, who claimed that the grape's ancestry could be traced to the Middle East, from where it was introduced to Europe by returning Crusaders, though there is little external evidence to support that theory.

Another theory about the evolution of Chardonnay is that it originated from an ancient indigenous vine found in Cyprus. Modern DNA fingerprinting research done at University of California, Davis, now suggests that Chardonnay is the result of a cross between the Pinot and Gouais Blanc (Heunisch) grape varieties. It is thought that the Romans brought Gouais Blanc from Croatia, and it was widely cultivated by peasants in Eastern France. The Pinot of the French aristocracy grew in close proximity to the Gouais Blanc, giving both grapes ample opportunity to interbreed. Since the two parents were genetically distant, many of the crosses showed hybrid vigour and were selected for further propagation. These "successful" crosses included Chardonnay and siblings such as Aligoté, Aubin Vert, Auxerrois, Bachet noir, Beaunoir, Franc Noir de la-Haute-Saône, Gamay Blanc Gloriod, Gamay noir, Melon, Knipperlé, Peurion, Roublot, Sacy[6] and Dameron.

There are around 40 clonal varieties of Chardonnay that can be found around the world today, most of which were developed at the University of Burgundy in Dijon. The so-called "Dijon clones" are bred for their adaptive attributes, with vineyard owners planting the clonal variety best suited to their terroir and which will produce the type of characteristics that they are seeking in the wine. Examples include the lower-yielding clones Dijon-76, 95 & 96 that produce more flavor-concentrated clusters. Dijon-77 & 809 produce more aromatic wines with a "grapey" perfume, while Dijon-75, 78, 121, 124, 125 & 277 are more vigorous and higher yielding clones.

New World varieties include the Mendoza clone, which produced some of the early Californian Chardonnays. The Mendoza clone is prone to developed millerandage, also known as "hens and chicks", where the berries develop unevenly.

Chardonnays on the Table this Evening:

 

Premier Beverage

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Bouchard Aine & Fils Macon Villages 2011
Price: $17.00       Sale $14.96          Case $174

Brilliant pale green-gold in color. Lemon, mint and honeysuckle on the nose. The palate is very well balanced, with a dominant floral taste. Dry, lively wine, fresh, fruity and floral.

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Bouchard Aine & Fils St. Veran
Price: $21.50       Sale $18.92          Case $220

While young it has aromas of white fruits (peaches, pears), white and yellow flowers (acacia and honeysuckle, scotch broom). As it ages it becomes reminiscent of hazelnuts, grilled almonds, honey and gun-flint.   A dry wine which is also round, soft and fruity.

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Bouchard Aine & Fils Pouilly Fuisse
Price: $28.25       Sale $24.86          Case $289

Elegant, fairly reticent, very mineral with flowery, vegetal undertones enlivened with a honey note.   A fine, pure wine, very fat. The nature of the "terroir" favours the harmonious development of the aromas of he grapes, with nuances of hazelnuts and grilled almonds. A rich, luscious wine.

Bouchard Aine & Fils Savigny Les Beaune Blanc
Price: $49.50       Sale $43.56          Case $505

 

Pouilly-Fuissé bottle

Mommessin Pouilly Fuisse
Price: $29.25       Sale $25.74          Case $299

The appellation " Pouilly-Fuissé " was created by a decree of September, 1936. The vineyard recovers the slopes of the famous rocks of Solutré ( prehistoric site) and Vergisson, dominating Mâcon and the plain of Bresse. Burgundy grew famous for its wines under the rule of the Dukes of Burgundy who appreciated the wines made on the vineyards of the monasteries attached to the Abbey of Cluny, not far from Macon  Clay-limestone soils which bring out the fullest expression of the Chardonnay grape. Different vineyards allow for a complexity in this wine with dominant clay hillsides giving richness and stonier vineyards on the plateaux giving a fresher style.

 

RNDC

 

wine bottle label

Cabreo Chardonnay La Pietra Tuscany 2012
Price: $39.00       Sale $34.32          Case $39.78

The wine has rich, intense aromas and flavors that are velvety, complex and balanced, with notes of spices, vanilla and butter.

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Adaptation Chardonnay Napa from Odette 2012
Price: $24.75       Sale $21.78          Case $253

This approachable Napa Valley Chardonnay features aromas of citrus, tropical fruit and acacia flower. On the palate flavors of green apple, guava, and quince, backed by refreshing acidity and a pleasing finish. We are proud to produce a Chardonnay that we feel is a great representation of the broader Napa AVA

2012 Clos Pegase Chardonnay, Mitsuko's Vineyard, Carneros, 750ml

Clos Pegaase Carneros Chardonnay 2012
Price: $24.00       Sale $21.12          Case $245

The 2012 Mitsuko’s Vineyard Chardonnay possesses complex aromas of Meyer lemon, ripe pineapple, and white honeysuckle, framed by subtly toasty oak. An intense and vibrant mid-palate has vivid fruit flavors, and the finish is balanced with rich fruit and minerality.

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Cuvaison Chardonnay Carneros 2012
Price: $24.00       Sale $21.12          Case $245
From a truly classic vintage, our 2012 Estate Chardonnay displays lovely aromatics of honeysuckle, lily, acacia blossom and clove spice. Upon tasting this wine, it demonstrates a charming mix of white peach, apricot, nectarine and lime zest all tied to a bright, long, refreshing finish

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Hahn SLH Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands 2013

Price: $18.75       Sale $16.50          Case $191.25

A good amount of ripe tropical fruit, hints of crème brulee and vanilla bean spice and wet rock like mineral notes on the nose, nice complexity here, a single vineyard wine.  Nice texture on the tongue, smooth and creamy with just the right touch of lightly toasted oak spice, lots of juicy fruit and tongue tingly minerality through the finish.  Finish 35+    Excellent


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ZD Chardonnay California 2013
Price: $28.50       Sale $25.08          Case $291

Yet another near-ideal growing season provided Napa Valley with an excellent 2013 harvest to mark ZD's 45th vintage. An ample number of warm days and cool nights allowed for very slow ripening and optimal flavor development. Bright forward aromas of guava and tropical fruit are complemented by subtle hints of orange blossom and sweet vanilla. The palate is full bodied and lush with notes of pineapple, mandarin and lemon rind that integrate wonderfully with natural acidity and subtle oak.

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Two Sisters Chardonnay Courtney's Vineyard Santa Rita Hills 2010
Price: $28.00       Sale $18.00         

This 2010 Chardonnay is a persuasive combination of finesse and concentration. The aromatics offer layers of citrus, baking spice and grilled almonds. The palate is powerful and crisp, a reflection of low yields and firm acidity. Displaying great intensity, length and balance, this is a fine example of cool-climate Chardonnay from superior terroir.

 

Florida Wine Company

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2013 Copain  Tous Ensemble Chardonnay Anderson Valley
Price: $23.25       Sale $20.46          Case $238

Fermented in stainless-steel tanks and neutral French oak barrels, our Tous Ensemble Chardonnay is vibrant and elegant, balancing citrus fruit with stony minerality. Delicate aromas of honeysuckle, mandarin blossom and fresh lemon lead to a rich mouthfeel with vibrant acidity and gentle flavors of stone fruits and ripe pear.

2013 Matthiasson 'Linda Vista Vineyard' Napa Valley Chardonnay

2013  Matthiasson Linda  Vista Chardonnay  Napa Valley 
Price: $45.00       Sale $39.60          Case $459

Showing green and yellow apples, peaches, melon, and honey on the nose and through to the palate, the high acidity is balanced by pleasant fleshiness, finishing very clean with a hint of minerality. Refreshing and with moderate alcohol, this wine is all about pleasure, begging to be drunk up, with some oysters or a roast chicken.

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2012 Lioco Russian River Chardonnay 
Price: $39.75       Sale $34.98          Case $406

Sourced from a selection of cooler Russian River Valley sites situated 8-10 miles from the coast. Chardonnay clones 4,17, 95, and 96 planted at elevations ranging from 40-100 feet in soft, sandy loam soil known as “goldridge”. Strident farming methods produce even ripening. Proximity to the cold Pacific Ocean necessitates an extended growing season, which heightens flavor intensity.

The barrel-fermented 2012 Russian River Valley Chardonnay, labeled “Estero” (Spanish for estuary), is a blended wine resulting from a strident selection process both in the vineyard and cellar. They identify choice blocks in each of their four RRV sites (those with the oldest vines, preferred clones, and/or unique soil) and designate them to this special blend. Additionally, LIOCO assigns the most expressive barrels, all neutral oak and primarily 500 litre, to this blend.

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2012 Chanin Los Alamos Chardonnay  Santa Barbara 
Price: $40.00       Sale $35.20          Case $408

This wine is the started this label in 2007 with this vineyard sandy coastal site 6 barrels, Gavin Chanin is the owner/winemaker and painter, this is one of the coolest grape growing regions of the world, colder than Burgundy. One of the oldest vineyards in Santa Barbera, has a good amount of pretty floral notes to the succulent peach and lemon drop candy like fruit, a nice touch of creme brulee. A very fresh and bright style with a smooth and creamy texture on the tongue, tongue tingly minerality and good length on the finish. Finish 45+ Excellent +

 

Vine Craft

2013 Domaine Des Valanges Macon - Prisse

Domaine des valanges mâcon-prisse 2013
Price: $16.50       Sale $14.52          Case $169

The quintessence of Chardonnay, the Domaine Valanges wines reflect differences in soil, sun exposure, microclimate, etc. in the various vineyard plots from which they are produced.  It is still fun for Mathieu and Camille Paquet, the sons of Michel Paquetto to study the unique personality of each plot and each terroir. After spending many years acquiring an intimate knowledge of the domaine, blending wines with different characteristics, and experimenting with several winemaking methods, they have learned a fundamental lesson: there is no such thing as luck when it comes to making great wine, or a successful blend. Straightforward, well-focused, mineral, and expressive wines can only result from a harmonious marriage between wine from different plots.

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Pierre Quenard Chablis 2013
Price: $19.50       Sale $17.16          Case $199

This is one of a handful of estates in Chablis who only produce wine from their own estate and never sell to negoçiants - an impeccable guarantee of consistency and quality. The grapes come from old vines grown on a soil mix which gives the wine the typical steely and flinty edge which Chablis is so famous for. The grapes are harvested with great care and vinified using traditional lees maturation which gives the wine a fresh vivacious style. It has intense floral aromas and a full, generous, yet elegant fruit-rich palate.

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La monacesca chardonnay 2012 "ecclesia"  Marche Italy
Price: $30.00       Sale $26.40          Case $306

La Monacesca’s idea for this wine is for a crisp white, fresh and vibrant and the perfect accompaniment to the Marche’s seafood bounty, especially shellfish. The grapes are harvested in the early part of September and then aged for a year in stainless before the wine is bottled. The wine has a super focus, bright and clean with an underlying mineral presence and a long finish. Decant this wine an hour or so, to allow it to open up a bit

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Meyer Family Cellar  Chardonnay "donnelly creek vineyard" Anderson valley
Price: $24.00       Sale $21.12          Case $245
This chardonnay was fermented in small 30% new French oak barrels from four different coopers, also allowing 40% malolactic fermentation to occur to soften the wines edges. Eight additional months of aging in the French oak helped further the integration of the racy acidity and create a polished finished product. This is a lively, refreshing, and crisp version of Chardonnay with a mineral backbone. Aromas of nectarine, honeysuckle, and passion fruit give way to hints of lemon and cinnamon. Once in the mouth, the ripe fruit in nicely balanced by our typical, natural acidity.

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Zorzal Chardonnay "terroir unico" 2012 Mendoza, Argentina
Price: $13.75       Sale $12.10          Case $141.00

This hand harvested, single vineyard from Gualtallary is 100% Chardonnay and is lightly oaked (3%) which lets the true characteristics of the varietal and terroir shine. This nicely balanced and complex wine shows melon, fresh whipped cream, beeswax, mace, and golden apples on the nose that lead to almond paste, hazelnut, and tropical fruits on the minerally driven palate. A persistent finish with a round mouth feel balanced by an enticing acidity

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Mouton noir "oregogne" Chardonnay 2012
Price: $48.75       Sale $42.90          Case $498

Engaging flinty mineral flavors usher into a crisp palate of lemon cucumber, green pear, grilled hazelnuts and yellow apple. Balanced acidity with a fine stony finish.

 

Transatlantic
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Flowers Chardonnay Camp Meeting Ridge  2012   
Price: $90.00   Sale $79.20      Case $918

Hyde and Wente clone, lots of Chicks and Hens, 35% new oak for 15 months, but this wine has a good amount of minerality on the nose, sea shell notes and a good amount of lemon zest like fruit, pretty floral notes even more intense on the second day, pretty vanilla bean spice, creme brulee. They make a third wine called the Moon Select. A very focused wine on the tongue, bright lemon zest and a nice touch of toasty oak spice, ceme flan and a long layered finish that sea shell like salty mineral nuance through the finish, very long and layered. Finish 50+ Most Excellent

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Educated Guess Chardonnay Napa 2012     
Price: $21.00   Sale $18.48      Case $215

This is not your typical Napa Chardonnay. By combining the characteristics that both traditional barrel fermentation and stainless steel ferment provide, we were able to retain the delicious tropical fruit favors, while also giving the customer what they have come to love in Chardonnay—creamy notes, toast, spice and vanilla without being overdone in any way. No "stick of butter and a 2 x 4" Chardonnay here! Very food friendly and crowd pleasing.

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Trefethen Chardonnay Napa             2013   
Price: $38.25   Sale $33.66      Case $391

Fruit aromas of white peach and Fuji apple fill your nose along with brioche toast and a touch of spice. The palate zings with bright acidity, unveiling ripe apple and pear fruit, with lovely tropical and pineapple flavors. A classic Trefethen Chardonnay, a round and creamy mouthfeel finishes with a crisp and clean finish.

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Bell Chardonnay Yountville 2013     
Price: $29.25   Sale $25.74      Case $299

More European in style than Californian, restrained use of oak and the absence of lees during barrel aging allow the tropical and citrus fruit flavors to flourish. This wine is an excellent bridge between the crisp, unwooded Southern Hemisphere style and the rich, oaky, buttery style of California. Aromas of green apple, pear and a hint of oak, with a rich, creamy round texture from the malo-lactic fermentation, give the wine a delicious mouthfeel and lengthy finish while the tank-fermented portion keeps the wine bright, crisp and lively.

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Joseph Phelps Chardonnay Freestone           Sonoma Coast 2012   
Price: $45.00   Sale $39.60      Case $459

The 2012 Chardonnay opens with stone fruit, fragrant white flower, crushed rock and lemon zest aromas. Nicely balanced with a creamy texture and lush mouthfeel, the Meyer lemon crème brûlée, apricot and nutty toasted brioche flavors culminate in a long, opulent finish marked by sweet fruit and citrus.

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Macrostie Chardonnay Sonoma 2013          
Price: $25.50   Sale $22.44      Case $261

The wine is pale straw gold in color. Delicate floral aromas introduce this wine followed by lemon citrus and peach stone fruit notes. This wine has a soft entry with an essence of spice from a pie crust and candied orange peel flavors. There is pronounced weight in the mid-palate and finishes with a crisp yet lasting lemon citrus zest on the tongue.

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Daou Chardonnay Paso Robles 2013           
Price: $24.75   Sale $21.78      Case $253

The nose is treated to aromas of rich tropical fruits including guava, pineapple, and mango with hints of orange blossoms and bright citrus rind. The mouth is rich and luscious with flavors of honey, lemon and vanilla and oak from time spent on oak. The rich mouth is balanced by the moderate acidity which creates a seamless texture and a lasting finish.

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Faiveley Macon Villages 2013          
Price: $19.50   Sale $17.16      Case $199

Pale yellow-gold color, clear and bright. Opens up with notes of exotic fruits (pineapple and passion fruit), citrus fruits (limes) and white peaches. Fresh and balanced on the palate. The acidity reinforces the minerality of this wine. The finish is long-lasting, clean and refreshing.

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Menu:

Salmon Furikake and red bell pepper tartar on cucumber chip

Mini Chicken Salad Sandwiches with Lemon Herb mayo and micro greens

Parmesan and scallion gougeres

Shrimp Ceveche with Brie Cheese Toast

Blue cheese stuffed figs with balsamic drizzle

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