It all started in 1996, when Alfred-Alexandre and MIchele Bonnie (owners of Bodega DiamAndes) purchased Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere, Grand Cru Classe de Graves. It is planted with a majority of Malbec and some Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot as well as Chardonnay and Viognier that will be used for futurewines. The 130?hectare MORE >>

But I do want to share a little bit: 1994 Stony Hill Napa Valley Chardonnay , price unknown. Stony Hill has for decades been making Napa Chardonnay that pleases the old world palate, and the wines are affordable. 1996 Didier Dagueneau Pouilly Fumé Pur Sang , price unknown. 1996 Cims de Porrera Priorat Classic , price unknown. MORE >>

This is because the wine is from a place that actually favors and specializes in Pinot Noir, not Chardonnay. This past weekend I participated in one of the greatest wine events of my life. Neal Rosenthal and his wife Kerry Madigan made lunch for a group of people and opened a slew of wines to share. This was not a business lunch. MORE >>

vaguely recall we popped 1996 Pol Roger, 2000 Raveneau Montee de Tonnerre, 1996 Roulot Tessons and 1993 Mugnier C-M Les Fuees. Id sure rather drink Faux Chablis than 95% of the soft spineless sugary oak chipped too-alcoholic muck that sells as California Chardonnay, often for ridiculous prices. Main | Hearty Burgundy at Sanford? MORE >>

Turns out it was the 1998 Mont Mains and the Napa-based wine industry guy shared the wealth, he called it Chardonnay. The wine was still fresh yet overripe and though I cringe at calling Chablis chardonnay, he was right. The next up was Pinot" in the form of 1996 Clos de Tart. JEALOUSY! JEALOUSY! Im doomed, I thought. No finish. MORE >>