Cheverny wines are a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, with the Sauvignon Blanc the primary grape at about 70%. None was produced in balmy 2003, but my heart is gladdened to see the 2004 Francois Cazin Cour-Cheverny Cuvee Renaissance, $18 in stores. I hesitate to do this, because right now it's still basically a secret. MORE >>

If the drinker feels "this is so very much about Chardonnay," that's probably not what the wine maker was going for. 2004) Larmandier-Bernier Terre de Vertus Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru , $55-73, Louis/Dressner Selections / Polaner Imports. I often find it quite difficult to identify the grape blend when drinking Champagne. MORE >>

In 1973 he and his brother worked the land and sold their first vintage--157 cases of 1973 Chardonnay - to Phil Faight of Groezinger's Wine Shop in Yountville who in turn sold to a small audience of premium wine drinkers who visited Napa on weekends. "So what did the first winery look like?" cakebread cake. MORE >>

For simplicity’s sake, Geoffroy usually says that the Empreinte is a blend of 75 percent pinot noir and 25 percent chardonnay, all fermented in large oak foudres, but in fact this changes considerably from one year to the next. We drank the 2004, and this wine is still in the early part of its life. MORE >>

The Lassaigne estate is located in Montgueux, a large chalky hill whose vineyards produce what many consider to be the finest Chardonnay grapes in the Aube. This place, known as the Montrachet of Champagne, is an island of Chardonnay in a sea of Pinot Noir. Some would call them "hipster" wines, and perhaps they're right. MORE >>