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

Next 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 $45+ tax for reservations call 954-523-9463 or email andy@winewatch.com.

Chardonnay Tasting at Wine Watch Wine Bar
Friday, April 28, 2017
7:30 PM

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.

We start our Journey with the Chardonnay grape in the Macon with one of my favorite producers in Burgundy, Domaine Des Valanges.

Twenty One Wines Presents:

Domaine de Valanges Macon Prisse 2015
Price: $17.50       Sale $15.40          Case $179

This wine is made from 25-year-old vines and spends 7 months in stainless steel on the fine lees.  It has a very precise and focused nose with light perfumed citrus and honeysuckle floral hints, very forward and seductive.  A very fresh wine on the palate almost a little spritz on the tongue, a fine example of modern day Macon, fresh tree fruits a vibrant citric finish accompanied by spice and a hint of floral notes at the end.  Finish 35+  Very Good

2015 Domaine de Valanges Pouilly Fuisse
Price: $30.00       Sale $26.40          Case $3.06

2014 Domaine des Valanges Pouilly-Fuisse MAGNUM
Price: $67.50       Sale $59.40
Quantity in Stock: 17

2014  Domaine de Valanges Saint Veran
Price: $22.50       Sale $19.80          Case $230

2014 Domaine Des Valanges Saint Veran MAGNUM
Price: $46.50       Sale $40.92
Quantity in Stock: 38

This cuvée is a blend of wine made from thirty years old vines on various slopes in the commune of Davaye in the following climats (vineyards sites): Les Valanges, Les Carettes, Les Terres-Noires and Les Creches. The Vineyards plots face south by south-east and north-east. The terroir is clay limestone with a high percentage of fairly lean limestone soil. The vines grow on the middle of the Solutre and Vergisson Slopes.

2015 Domaine de Valanges St. Veran “les Cras”
Price: $26.25       Sale $23.10          Case $268

2014 Domaine des Valanges Saint Veran Les Cras MAGNUM
Price: $57.00       Sale $50.16
Quantity in Stock: 42

This is a single Vineyard Saint Veran that is considered to be one of the Cru sites of this appellation.

2014 Domaine des Valanges Hors Classe Saint Veran MAGNUM
Price: $65.00   Sale $57.20
Quantity in Stock: 34

This cuvee is made from the oldest vineyards planted in 1944.  There is another level of richness with this wine a very concentrated bouquet of aromas. 

The commune of Davayé is located in the southern part of Burgundy, in the heart of the Mâcon wine country near Cluny and west of Mâcon.  This small winegrowing village is nestled at the foot of the Roche de Solutré and the Roche de Vergisson.

The beautiful view of steep slopes from Les Valanges is like a picture post card of the Mâcon region.

Domaine Valanges was created in 1980.  At the time, all the vineyards were in the commune of Davayé, and totalled 2.5 hectares.  For the last 30+ years they have worked tirelessly to expand the estate.  In addition to this they have also built a new facility where the wine is made, stored, and prepared for shipment, which also houses a barrel cellar.

Little by little, they acquired several plots with just the right terroir, and the vineyards now cover 11 hectares in Davayé, of which 8 are entitled to the Saint Véran appellation.

The family has always been passionately attached to this land, faithful to the terroir, and committed to making unique wines from the limestone soil.

Their 11 hectares of vines are located halfway up the slope in climats, or vineyard sites, that are among the best in the Mâcon region.

Sun exposure is south by south-east and the soil in all instances clay-limestone (mostly limestone).  Most of the vines grow at an altitude of 200-300 metres.

This terroir is wonderful for Chardonnay, producing very expressive, mineral, floral wines with a great deal of fruit.

Domaine des Valanges has always tended my vines in a spirit of respect for the environment, and in view of making fine wine.

The focus here is on traditional methods that reflect the terroir in order to produce wines of character.  Furthermore, they feel it is important to let the vines find a natural equilibrium within their ecosystem. Therefore they intervene as little as possible in both viticulture and winemaking to retain each cuvée’s personality, as well as vintage character.

They decided to introduce supervised pest control based on observation, reflection, respect for the terroir and environmental protection.  They also do their utmost to obtain the best from each vine, also thinking about keeping the soil healthy and alive by ploughing and adding organic fertilizer only as necessary.

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.

Twenty One wines

2014 DiamAndes Gran Reserva Chardonnay Valle De Uco Mendoza
Price: $35.00   Your Price: $28.00
Quantity in Stock: 46
Barrel fermented aged for 14 months with a nice rich toasty oak spice vanilla, cinnamon spice and lemon drop candy, a smooth and creamy texture with a good amount of fruit with a nice compliment of lightly toasted oak spice. Finish 40+. Excellent

Foxen Chardonnay Bien Nacido Block UU 2015
Price: $37.50       Sale $33.00          Case $383

Foxen's Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard Block UU is one of the quirkiest California Chardonnays readers will come across. The plant material here is Chardonnay grafted onto own-rooted Riesling rootstock that was originally planted in the early 1970s. Oddly enough, this wine often shows distinctly tropical, Riesling-inflected notes, as it does again in 2014. White peach, ash, slate, pear and crushed rocks show superb energy allied to power in a Chardonnay with searing intensity, fabulous balance and tons of personality.

2014 Bethel Heights Chardonnay Estate Eola Amity        
Price: $31.50       Sale $27.72          Case $322

All of their wines are estate grown and family owned since 1977.  A bit of a flinty mineral like character to the lemon and green apple fruit, a bit like a white burgundy in it's aromatics, maybe a bit of a musty note to the bouquet.  Bright and fresh style with a nice touch of lightly toasted oak spice and a zesty citrus laced finish.  Finish 45+          Very Good +     

Breakthru

2013 Jean-Paul Brun "Terres Dorees" Chardonnay Beaujolais Blanc
Price: $19.50       Sale $17.16          Case $199

(95 points)  The wine's appeal is heightened by the fact that Beaujolais Blanc is new to many wine lovers. Abundant white flower aromas, hints of melon and minerals; the taut, chalky palate has a taste of the soil. Quite serious, and worthy every penny. (3/2015) Decanter

Saintsbury Carneros Chardonnay 2014-
Price: $30.50       Sale $26.84          Case $312

*One Star* Clean and straightforward, apple-like fruit is the centerpiece of this gently oaked offering, and the wine succeeds on the strength of its balance and focus rather than flamboyant richness. It is a mid-sized, slightly pulled-back Chardonnay that will prove to be a versatile visitor at the table, and its lack of big-dollar bombast in no way lessens its fruity appeal. (11/2016) Connoisseurs Guide

Calera Central Coast Chard 2014
Price: $24.00       Sale $20.60          Case $245

(92 Points) "Sweet spices and preserved lemons on the nose; memories of a weekend in Marrakech. A mineral palate with restrained oak, nice grip and lots of character. Long and very complex with a full body and promise of more to come. " Decanter

Ramey Chardonnay Woolsey Vineyard 2013
Price: $69.75       Sale $61.38          Case $712

(94 Points) "The 2013 Chardonnay Woolsey Road Vineyard is one of the most expressive and complete wines in David Ramey's range. Apricot, peach, smoke, crushed rocks and dried herbs all blossom in the glass. The Woolsey captures a gorgeous stylistic middle ground that balances richness with nuance. The 2013 finishes with great texture that points to a brilliant future. Woolsey Road was planted by the Martinelli family for David Ramey from clonal material taken from Platt. " Vinous / Antonio Galloni

2012 Matanzas Creek Chardonnay Journey Sonoma
Price: $75.00    Sale Price: $49.00
Quantity in Stock: 26

2012 Vintage has been one of the most stellar vintages in decades. Vineyards were at their maximum potential. Blooming, fruit settling and growing were perfect. Vineyard tasks were concentrated on leang to increase air circulation, but leaving some shade to avoid sun burn. Every block was particularly selected, fermented in selected barrels and tasted individually. Journey comes from our best Chardonnay blocks from which only the best barrels were selected to cra this Journey Chardonnay.

There are few wines that make you forget all about descriptors and move you by a pure hedonistic pleasure, and this is one of them.

Tasting Notes:  Pear and Golden delicious apple cobbler, orange blossom, Meyer lemon zest, hazelnut, marzipan, and roasted marshmallow.  Candied ginger, mandarin orange zest, and assertive texture. Persistent and impeccable balance.

Transatlantic

Duckhorn Chardonnay Napa 2014
Price: $38.25       Sale $33.66          Case $391

(90 Points) "Duckhorn has produced a lush, honeyed style of Chardonnay in the 2014 Chardonnay that is reminiscent of a lower-level Meursault or Chassagne Montrachet. Apple butter, citrus, some honeysuckle, medium body and excellent purity, with some subtle background oak make for a delicious, complex Chardonnay to drink over the next 3-4 years." The Wine Advocate

Landmark Overlook Chardonnay 2014
Price: $31.50       Sale $27.72          Case $322

(90 Points) "Alluring aromas of smoky, toasty oak and rich flavors of fig, apricot and melon give this an appealing, drink-me-now character." Wine Spectator

Stags Leap Winery Chardonnay Napa 2015
Price: $31.50       Sale $27.72          Case $322

Aromas of bright lemon citrus, fresh green apple with hints of subtle elderflower fill the glass and pique your interest in this crisp Chardonnay. On the palate, you’ll find a classic refreshing Chardonnay with a vibrancy of citrus that transitions into lemon curd while also maintaining a roundness in texture that is balanced (hinting at the delicate battonage lees stirring during the winemaking process). With a nutty hazelnut undertone and spicy white pepper, exotic floral finish, this wine is focused, yet generous in style and maintains freshness due to its acidity which creates a Chardonnay of lovely complexity and depth.

Flowers Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2014
Price: $54.00       Sale $47.52          Case $551

(90 Points) "Sourced from a number of coastal vineyards, including Flowers’ mature vines at Camp Meeting Ridge, this is as bright and fresh as it is creamy, its almond-like richness lifted by a pretty orange-blossom scent and lemony acidity. It’s a textural pleasure for filet of sole." Wine & Spirits

Republic National

2015 Morgan Chardonnay Double L    
Price: $45.00       Sale $39.60          Case $459

Creme brulee, asian pear, hazelnut, and Nilla wafer aromas are backed by sweet spice of lightly toasted oak. Pineapple, vanilla and lemon curd flavors are complemented by a touch of creaminess and elegant, bright acidity. One of the finest food wines, the Double L Chardonnay will pair wonderfully with seafood and poultry dishes, as well as a buttery steak

2015 Jax Chardonnay Dutton Ranch
Price: $42.75       Sale $37.62          Case $436

This wine begins with a vibrant, golden hue that rolls out notes of butterscotch, light caramel and delicate barrel canillin. Crisp lemon drop and meringue flavors run rampant around the palate. Medium bodied and dry by nature, there is a slight perceived sweetness of fruit on the finish.

2015 Jax Chardonnay Y3
Price: $23.75       Sale $20.90          Case $243

Y3. Or as you may ask, why not? After all, the beauty of this wine runs far deeper than the label. Celebrating three generations of land-tilling, wine-loving Jackson’s, siblings Kimberly and Trent are proud to present Y3, a wine as special as the memories of their grandparents at Yarrayne Ranch.  In our humble wine-obsessed opinion, many Napa Valley Chardonnays tend to be over-styled with excessive butter and oak. But as the Jackson siblings know (through lots of “tasting”), an outstanding Chardonnay owes its success to outstanding fruit, not a heavy style. We think you’ll agree.

2015 Frog's Leap Chardonnay Napa            
Price: $22.50       Sale $19.80          Case $230

The diminutive crop of 2015 Chardonnay from the Truchard vineyard begged us to reach out to a nearby vineyard on Stanly Lane for a few extra pounds of fruit to fill the vats. Delightfully, the result seems to applaud their decision as the two vineyards appear to be getting along famously. Fans of the recent vintages of Frog’s Leap Chardonnay will not be disappointed with this effort: precise, crisp flavors, a mouthfeel without weight all with intriguing aromas of toasted hazelnuts, cream and white peaches. This wine is simply delicious and so unlike typical “fruity, sweet, oaky” California Chardonnays. A wine perfectly suited for any dish for which you would otherwise consider a lovely Chablis or a delightful white from Macon.

2014 Chalone Estate Chardonnay
Price: $27.00       Sale $23.76          Case $276

Gorgeous aromas of peach, pear, golden apple and citrus laced with hints of spice. Deliciously fruit-expressive flavors reveal the complex minerality, bright acidity and opulent texture.

2015 Foley Johnson Chardonnay         
Price: $22.50       Sale $19.80          Case $230

Stacole

2015 Pulenta Estate Chardonnay VIII
Price: $15.00    Your Price: $13.20               Case $153

Lemon and green apple fruit with a flinty mineral note to the nose hints of lightly toasted oak spice, vanilla bean spice, nutmeg. A very rich and creamy wine on the tongue with a very plush wine with a nice touch of spice, vanilla and cinnamon, a firm hand of acidity, very well built, this wine should last for 3-5 years at least very well balanced. Finish 40+ Excellent +

Vasse Felix 2015 Filius Chardonnay Margaret River 2015
Price: $22.75       Sale $20.02          Case $233

(87 Points) “This wine starts with alluring scents of warm pastry dough and peaches. And it shows ample weight in the mouth without going overboard. Yet on the palate, the oak is slightly coarse and obvious. It's still a very good wine, just needs more finesse.”  Wine Enthusiast

2012 Stony Hill Chardonnay Napa
Price: $57.00    Your Price: $50.16               Case $582

Small family owned winery they bought the property in 1943, all Spring Mountain fruit, they have 40 planted acres of vineyards and the first vintage was 1952. They have not changed their production style Mike Chelini has been there since the 1970's making him the longest tenured winemaker in Napa Valley- I had thought this was Tom Mackey at Freemark Abbey. A very lean, non-malo neutral oak the barrels are 10-40 years old. Crisp lemon citrus with a good hand of that stony mineral nuance that defines this wine, a very long lived style that grows up slowly only 4000 cases produced here and over 1/2 of it is Chardonnay. A very crisp and racy style with green apple and lemon citrus fruit on the tongue with a firm hand of acidity, tongue tingly mineral notes, maybe more reminiscent of a SB than a Chardonnay. Finish 45+ Excellent +

2013 Evening Land Chardonnay Seven Springs
Price: $37.50       Sale $33.00          Case $383
Summum Chardonnay, like La Source, comes from the old Chardonnay Dijon 76 vines planted in 1984 in the middle of the vineyard.  This special two acre cuvee lies slightly higher on the hill than the vines for La Source Chardonnay, the Summum vines are planted in the rockiest and shallowest siteon the estate.  We were relieved in 2013 to pick all the Chardonnay grapes before the rains in the middle of harvest. The Seven Springs Chardonnays are made in the traditional Burgundian style, with long, gentle pressing of whole clusters and a light settling of the golden juice just before transfer to barrel for spontaneous indigenous fermentation. For Summum (as for La Source), we gave some gentle stirring to the lees during the barrel aging in French oak. Aged in barrels for 11 months with 25% new oak, then further aged in tank for another five months, on lees, before bottling.

For Oregonians, 2013 provided a beautifully warm and sunny spring and summer. The vines experienced an early bud-break  and  an  early  bloom  and  we  were  coasting  towards  another  gloriously  rich  and  balanced  harvest.  Picking commenced in the middle of September until an anomalous monsoon blew in off the Pacific, blotted out the autumnal sun, and immediately suspended the harvest. After four days of constant rain, we timidly resumed harvest, fearing the worst. Fortunately, Seven Springs Vineyard is farmed biodynamically –for the past six years –which gave the fruit a thick exterior and made it resilient to the harmful weather, allowing our fruit to emerge healthy after the sun returned.

2014 Joseph Drouhin Puligny Montrachet
Price: $56.75      Sale $49.94         Case $579

A wine of great finesse, distinguished and elegant. The color is pure and bright, with light glints of white gold. The aromas evoke trees in bloom and white flesh fruit, like white peaches. With age, the aromas evolve towards almond and lightly grilled dried fruit. On the palate, there is a sensation of fresh silkiness. Long and persistent in the aftertaste, ending on an exceptional wealth of flavors, both floral and fruity.

2014 Chappellet Chardonnay Napa
Price: $39.00       Sale $34.32          Case $398

Our Napa Valley Chardonnay is made using fruit grown on elite vine-yards  in  some  of  the  coolest  regions  of  Napa  Valley.  The  majority  of  the grapes come from Kelly Ranch, which overlooks the San Pablo Bay, where marine influences and shallow soils composed of clay and gravel create  optimal  growing  conditions  for  Chardonnay.  To  add  depth  and  complexity,  the  2014  vintage  also  includes  fruit  from  Poe  Vineyard  in  Napa-Carneros  and  Red  Hen  Vineyard  in  Oak  Knoll.  This  wine  was  aged on its lees for eight months in one-third new French oak barrels.   For added texture and viscosity, a significant portion of the wine under-went malolactic fermentation.

For the third year in a row, Mother Nature provided exceptional growing conditions. In fact, our Vineyard Manager Dave Pirio believes that 2012,  2013  and  2014  may  be  the  finest  run  of  growing  seasons  he  has  seen in his more than 30 years of farming Pritchard Hill. While 2014 offered lovely temperate, mid-season weather that was ideal for our early ripening varieties, it also brought ample warmth in September and October, ensuring  perfect  ripeness  in  our  late-ripening  grapes.  With no  threat  of  rain  or  significant  heat  events,  the  fruit  was  harvested  at  an  unhurried  pace  in  pristine  condition.  Overall, our  yields  were  down  slightly from 2013, resulting in beautiful depth and concentration.
This lovely Chardonnay offers a delicious blend of fresh fruit, floral aromas and delicate spice. On the nose, notes of clove and nutmeg lead to layers of apple, pear, quince, orange peel and Meyer lemon. The palate is lively and fresh, with crisp acidity and mineral tones adding brightness and length to flavors of citrus, apple, fresh cream and French oak. Hints of hazelnut and toasted bread linger on the long, satisfying finish.

2013 Lewis Cellars Barcaglia Lane Chardonnay Russian River Valley
Price: $79.00    Your Price: $69.52               Case $806
Quantity in Stock: 27

Think of our 2013 Barcaglia Lane Chardonnay as sailing off into the sunset. This vessel holds a vast cargo of golden, tropical fruits and spices with mango, cinnamon bark, toasty orange, and flecks of mineral like grain on a sandy beach. She carries plenty of canvas too, with wonderfully ripe and rich-textured fruit filling the sails. A fresh breeze of native acidity washes o'er the deck and keeps her on course till twilight and beyond. 550 cases produced.

Menu

Goat Cheese Mousse Tartelettes with fig jam and roasted pecans

Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Vanilla scented Pork Belly glazed with Strawberry jam served on Brioche toast

Salmon tartar with pink grapefruit segments and honey lavender aioli served on savory black sesame rice crisps

Chicken tacquitos with Jalapeno Peach Chutney

The fee for this tasting is $45+ tax for reservations call 954-523-9463 or email andy@winewatch.com.