It felt in the mouth like Chardonnay to me, and I got something like iodine on the nose. My friend who brought the wine said that he finds that Austrian Riesling can show like Chardonnay when served in big bowl glasses. I love blind tasting. did this last year at about this time , and now again. began to think Chablis.

It is a new release called La Bout du Clos, a wine made entirely from that same vineyard in Ambonnay, from the 2004 vintage. This bottle comes entirely from 2008 and is a blend of equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Well, of the last few months anyway. So I'll compile them in a best-of-the-unposted list from the last part of 2011.

Jaime then served a squash risotto which which we paired with the 2004 Inflorescence Brut Blanc de Noirs La Parcelle. La Haute-Lemblé is Chardonnay from a warm south facing vineyard. Cédric Bouchard is one of the leaders of the new wave in Champagne. There is another aspect to Bouchard's wines that I find particularly interesting.

The lanky, California maker of pinot noir, chardonnay, and syrah told me at his Sonoma winery that he had his conversion in 2005, after returning from a trip to Burgundy and the Rhone. Sadly, a 2004 pinot (I don’t recall which vineyard) was corked but it would have been fun to taste the change in winemaking styles in the glass.

Chardonnay is barrel fermented and the reds undergo extended masceration periods (25 - 35 days) to allow for a more natural balance of fruit and tannins, then pumped over at least twice a day. 1 - 3L 2004. So you know all about the e-auction that opens May 29, 2011 in alignment with the Auction Napa Valley 2011, yes? Dinner for 6.

It's a white wine from somewhere in the Roussillon; 50% Muscat, 30% Chardonnay, and 20% Macabeu, for you Macabeu fans and I know you're out there. With skirt steak we drank the 2004 Els Jelipins Penedès , $72, Jenny & François Selections. Two friends came over for dinner the other night. And I loved it. This wine, however, I loved.

There are wines made from Chardonnay, Melon-Queue-Rouge , and Savagnin, and there are ouille (topped up) and sous-voile (oxidized) styles. Levi tested all of the wines before the dinner and at one point he said to me "The 2004 Les Chalasses.wow, it's drinking pretty well right now." This is Chardonnay from vines of over 100 years old.

As a special treat, we also tried six topaz colored sweet wines called VinSanto with vintages that inclueded 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, and 1989. Sure, your average Chardonnay goes south within a few days of opening, but Vinsanto can last for weeks after being opened, as long as it is refrigerated. Wines from Santorini. What is Vinsanto?

It is almost a Blanc de Noirs - 57% Meunier, 38% Pinot, and 5% Chardonnay. My favorite so far is the exquisite 2004 Quinte Essence Brut, made of 60% Pinot, 25% Meunier, and 15% Chardonnay from vineyards in Belval-sous-Châtillon (if I understood correctly). Isabelle and Franck Pascal, and their name tags. That's right.3 cases.

Actually, the word 'cool' is clever as it describes two clear facts about this Chardonnay: it is cool climate (read Burgundian cool) and the idea of a Canadian Chardonnay is, well, cool. Cave Spring Cellars Blancs de Blancs Brut 2004. Cave Spring Cellars Blancs de Blancs Brut 2004. Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2005.

Also tasted Kongsgaard 2008 Napa Valley Chardonnay * nectar of the gods. 2004 2 stars Anno Italiano Brunello di MontalcinoDark garnet. Pine, cedar, woodsy notes on the nose, with mild brine that comes through on the tongue. Light on the palate, with tart strawberry and orange tang on the finish.

They make one wine and one wine only, a vintage Brut Blanc de Blancs made entirely of Le Mesnil Chardonnay. All of the Salon wine from the 1999, 2002, and 2004 vintages - all that there is for the whole world, is in this cellar (that looked kind of like a garage). And they don't make it very often. Calm, cool, collected.

The Inniskillin winery itself was created in 1975 by Donald Ziraldo and Karl Kaiser, across the street on 32 acres of Riesling, Chardonnay, and Gamay. In 1982, the Montague Vineyard, 50 acres adjacent to the Niagara District Airport, was acquired and produces Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Pinot Grigio.

2000) Tarlant Champagne La Vigne d'Antan Extra Brut Non-Grefée Chardonnay , $65, was imported by Jon-David Headrick Selections, not sure who imports it now. 2004 Henri Prudhon Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chenevottes , $47, Imported by Neal Rosenthal Wine Merchant. December tends to be a good month for wine drinking. Very lovely.

Not what I remembered from the 2004 I tasted. It did pair fairly well with the sauce, but I kept thinking how well a nice Chardonnay would be and how the flavor of the sauce might be if Chardonnay was used. Also planning to add a recipe page and post recipes from my readers. Well, most times anyway. This one was done in 30 min.

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.

have since tasted a Monthaven Chardonnay (California) and this past week the Silver Birch Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand). The Chardonnay was not impressive. Last March I posted a press release on a new collection of artisan wines in an innovative attractive new package. Definitely a good party wine.

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.

They also produce a barrel fermented Chardonnay and a single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon named after the winery's founder, Don Melchor. It's been a few years since I tasted Carmenere. If I remember right, it was a take it or leave it, nothing special, too many other fine wines, don't shop for wine. The first was disappointing.

was lucky enough to do this a few times last week with Peter Liem , and I want to share a bit: (1999) Tarlant Champagne La Vigne d'Antan Extra Brut Non-Grefée Chardonnay , $65, Imported by Jon-David Headrick Selections. This wine comes mostly from old vines in Cramant, one of the best villages for Chardonnay in the entire Côte des Blancs.

Bruno Giacosa Spumante Brut 2004 DOC Varietal: Pinot Noir Region: Lombardia Bruno Giacosa, known more for his Barolo and Barbaresco in the Piedmont region makes this Spumante Brut in the neighboring Lombardy region. In 2004, Piero purchased a vineyard in Patagonia Argentina which is now Bodega Chacra in order to produce Pinot Noir.

It is 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay. 2004 Deutz Brut Classic (Maison Marques et Domaines USA) $65. An even third of the classic Champagne grapes of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier, this was a terrific value and incredibly delicious. Champagne Lunch at the Wine Media Guild. Curious about some favorite Champagnes?

I'll just say it: I'm not a fan of late harvest zinfandel. So this 2007 Late Harvest Dusi Ranch is the only wine from Ridge I couldn't really get into this year. On the bright side, Ridge has instituted a new membership log-in to streamline purchases online. Thank baby Jesus, too.

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.

For the white wine lovers we opened a Hanzell Vineyards Chardonnay Sonoma County 2006 * Let me admit now that I was surprised at the superamazingness of this wine. Tags: Cellar Selection 2004 2 stars USA 2006 3 stars Oregon Sonoma Willamette Valley 4 stars And I almost enjoyed this more before dinner than during. Yes, that's one word.)

The breakdown was 5 flights of 4 each of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay (unoaked), Chardonnay (oaked), Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This past week the Long Island Wine Council sponsored a seminar and blind tasting of its wines to compare them with others from international regions. So, here we go.

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.

2004 Dynamite Hill Petite Sirah this wine a behemoth pimp in a blue fedora. 2004 Oltranti Mazzoni Alexander Valley Zinfandel **/  (88% zinfandel, 10% carignane, 2% petite sirah) from mostly young vines on this old dog vineyard, there is nice texture to the tannins and this is mid-stride now. Should improve with a year or two in bottle. 

Innocent Anden Vineyard Chardonnay Gold color. 2004 Lail "Georgia" Sauvignon Blanc ** A golden oldie. Still not the perfect 2004 upon release, but quite an interesting wine. 2003 Kistler Chardonnay McCrea Vineyard ooooh, geez, ahh, this is Salma Hayek in a glass. as well. Vacation is one of those things I don't do enough.

2005 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay, Margaret River. 2006 Petaluma Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills. 2004 Wynns Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra. 2004 Mt Langi Ghiran Langi Shiraz, Grampians. 2004 Penfolds RWT Shiraz, Barossa Valley. Chardonnay (4A). Day One.

The current release includes: 2007 Sonoma County Chardonnay 2007 Russian River Valley Pinot Gris 2007 Brousseau Vineyard Chardonnay 2006 Booker Vineyard Paso Robles Grenache (mmmm.Grenache.) Tags: Cellar Selection 2004 3 stars Russian River Valley Sonoma Rumor had it that disagreements with co-owner(?)

Previously reviewed: 2005 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville ** 2004 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay **/ 2005 Nickel & Nickel Manzana Vineyard RRV Pinot Noir * 2005 Nickel & Nickel “Bonfire Vineyard” Zinfandel * 2004 Nickel & Nickel Copper Streak Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. In other words, a loser. was wrong.

Also tasted: 2004 Kongsgaard Chardonnay Napa Valley Lush, full-bodied, a touch sweet, with underlying salty minerality reminiscent of young German riesling. Tags: 2004 Central California 2006 1988 3 stars Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello Napa Valley 4 stars This wine put the 1989 to shame. You can smell the twenty-one years on this.

My favorite sous-voile wines of the tasting, in no particular order, were the 2005 Domaine Andre and Mirielle Tissot Arbois Savagnin , 2005 Domaine Labet Savagnin Vin de Voile from Côtes du Jura , and the 2004 Domaine de la Pinte Arbois Savagnin. Chardonnay in his hands is really just a vehicle for expressing soil. want to know.

I didn't expect to like this 2004 Chardonnay from Hanzell Vineyards as much as I did. The 2004 is now five years old and tastes like a young Kongsgaard The Judge. In fact, Hanzell's ultra premium chardonnay recently received 96 points from Parker, and was priced at $175/bottle. Tags: 2004 USA 3 stars Sonoma

Far Niente produces only Napa Valley cabernet and chardonnay. The chardonnay is usually big and fruity. The 2004 Copper Streak reminded me initially of Araujo's 2005 Eisele Vineyard, with more vanilla. Without question one of the best wines I have tasted from Napa Valley in 2004. What sets them apart? Julien?).

This weekend at The Boston Wine Expo Gary Grunner, from Grapes On The Go, exhibited the following Italian wines from the Ferragamo family's Tuscan vineyards, Il Borro and Castiglion Del Bosco: Il Borro Lamelle Chardonnay 2006 IGT ??This Castiglion Del Bosco Dainero 2004 IGT?? Flavors of pear and vanilla balanced with nice acidity.??

home : wine recommendations : wine girl for hire : bio : articles : contact « Wine and Indian Cuisine: Curing the pairing panic | Main | Chardonnay Series: Part Two » Chardonnay Series: One Way To Torture Alice? Part One January 15, 2009 Assign her a story on California Chardonnay and tell her its good for her.

home : wine recommendations : wine girl for hire : bio : articles : contact « Alice Does a Jig | Main | Chardonnay Series: One Way To Torture Alice? Languedoc reds: La Croix Belle 2004 is under $15 --garriquey.skunk, what can be bad? Fool proof.Languedoc reds: La Croix Belle 2004 is under $15 --garriquey.skunk, what can be bad?Loire

FYI, my last bottles were drunk in the Rhone at George the Greek in 2004, pick up THE BOOK Which brings me to other night when I was barside at Balthazar comforting a friend. Turns out it was the 1998 Mont Mains and the Napa-based wine industry guy shared the wealth, he called it Chardonnay. JEALOUSY! JEALOUSY! Im doomed, I thought.

The six wines I tasted were: Il Borro Lamelle Chardonnay 2006 IGT This Chardonnay has a pale yellow color, fruity rich aromas of apple and peach with notes of floral & lemon. Notes - The Chardonnay grapes for ‘Lamelle’ are carefully selected from vineyards within the Il Borro Estate in San Giustino Val d’Arno in Arezzo.

Those were a Seavey cabernet and a Hansell chardonnay I purchased at Scotto's Wine Cellar nearby before we left. 2004 Mouton Cadet Bordeaux. 2006 Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay (by Concha y Toro) D.O. 2006 Walter Hansell Russian River Valley Chardonnay ** Another big wine, this one from the RRV, with golden fruits.

This is the April, 2008 disgorgement and it is based mostly on 2004 grapes with 20% from 2002. The blend is 50% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, and 10% Meunier. NV Chartogne-Taillet Cuvée Sainte-Anne Brut , $36, Terry Theise Selections/Michael Skurnik Imports. I've always like this wine and this is the best version I've tasted.

While at the other end of the wine sophistication spectrum, the 2005 Yarden Katzrin Chardonnay is a BIG golden chardonnay with toffee, caramel, nutty aromas and a creamy palate that finishes long with all sorts of complexities. Made a trip back up to the Golan Heights today.  looks a little freaky huh.

Bond "Pluribus" Napa Valley 2004 ** did not display the depth and concentration I hoped for from a 2004 Bond. Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley "Special Selection" 2006 ** Reminded me of the 2004 Shafer Hillside Select in its concentration and subtlety. Hanzell Chardonnay Sonoma Valley 2005 hmmm, always one of my favorites.

65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay. It's all 2004, although it's not a vintage wine. And I've seen it, the same disorgement as in the tasting, based on 2004, with the new label, for as little as $36. What's the right thing to do at an enormous industry wine tasting? Do you try to taste every wine being poured? Delicious.

Both that wine and this one, the Réserve Brut, are a blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay. I'm guessing 2003 because the new version of this wine that I tasted the other day at the Terry Theise portfolio tasting is based on 2004, which I thought was stunning, by the way. There are only 1,700 cases of Lallement wines produced.

The 2007 Carmel Ridge White, a blend of sauvignon blanc (50%), Chardonnay (20%), semillion (15%) & french Colombard (15%) had a hint of effervescence to go along with its crisp acidity & pink grapefruit characteristics.  Among the many things I must do is to better acquaint myself with one of Israel's oldest wineries - Carmel. 

tasted the Artemis cabernet sauvignon and Karia chardonnay only briefly. The 2004 S.L.V. The 2004 Cask 23 was similar to the S.L.V. I visited Sherry Lehmann yesterday to meet Warren Winarski of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. It goes without saying that Warren is a legendary Napa producer and that I was very excited to meet him.

An appealing chardonnay, which showed particularly well today Pale hay color, with pine nuts and mild honey notes.

The 2003 Kistler "Dutton Ranch" Russian River Valley Chardonnay was a pale gold color, with petrol and a little rubbery funk on the nose that dissipated as the wine opened up to reveal lemon meringue pie and custard notes. We also cracked another bottle of 2004 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay

Coeur D'Alene Cellars focuses mostly on the Rhone varietals Syrah and Viognier along with Cabernet Franc and the of course the usual suspects Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. We have the 2004 Coeur d' Alene Washington syrah. Often wines forms The United States seem unapproachable in price. They look enticing and compel us to splurge.

Kistler's RRV chardonnays routinely elude description, and this one does just that: Honey, amber notes, with rich minerality and steely grip. Impetuous color, whatever that means. This was very subdued at first and livened up as it breather.

Of the 4 whites, 1 was a Chardonnay, 2 were blends (both were 80% "Macabeo" [AKA Viora & often used in Spanish sparkling wine or "CAVA"] & 20% Chardonnay) and the 4th was a beautiful bone dry Muscat. The Chardonnay, the 2007 Aragus Campo de Borja was unoaked and had a very lite yellow/straw color. But I found out today.

Grapefruit and white peaches on the nose. Clean, grassy, some loamy like texture and black licorice on the mid-note. This is exquisite. A Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru California white. With an apple cider precision on the minute-long finish

Light honey. Almond, honey and hazelnut are primary, with a mild lemon-caper-sauce backbone and you get the sense of yellow flowers - dandelions? This was probably best last year and has turned the corner evolutionarily, but it's good to see these wines on the other side of paradise. It's still singing

VdT blend of Chardonnay and Melon de Bourgogne, this is one that I discovered while tasting through the recession wines. 2004 Domaine de la Soucherie Anjou , $12 (Rosenthal Imports). I just got back from a weekend in Tallahassee, Florida. I'd never been there before, or anywhere in the real south, for that matter. This wasn't easy!

The Puzelats grow Pinot Noir, Gamay, Côt (called Malbec in Argentina), Bréton (called Cabernet Franc in the film Sideways ), Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris (called Pinot Grigio in Italy), and the rarely seen Pineau D'Aunis and Menu Pineau (called Arbois in the Jura). They buzz with energy, some say "wildness." Everything is good.

Boutari "Kallista" 2004 * I would tell you what this wine was all about if I could read the back label in modern Greek. Rita Hills Chardonnay "Seasmoke" 2005 * Awesome. The flood plains recede in Iowa, Al Gore endorses Obama, and I finally have a chance to note some of the wines we've been swirling around here. and peaches. Where?

The Chardonnays are quite good, but the wines that stopped me in my tracks were the blends. The 2007 Mosaico , for example, is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Muscat, Gewurtztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, and Friulano.but all from one specific vineyard site - the Sylvanus Vineyard on their estate in Bridgehampton. Where is the soil?

The focus of the event was Pinot Noir & Chardonnay from about 12-15 Monterey producers, with representatives from four wineries who presented one of their Pinot Noirs. And a Michaud 2004 Chalone Pinot that had a pretty floral/violet nose with soft and subtle fruit and a very elegant structure. Happy Memorial Day Wine Tasting!

The one that really stood out to me was the Michaud 2004 Pinot Noir from the Chalone region.  The 2006 Ashley's vineyard Chardonnay had nice tropical fruit, subtle oak & great structure.  Wine Enthusiast magazine put on their "Toast of the Town" wine & food event yesterday in NYC at Lincoln Center.  But it wasn't all perfect. 

Zinfandel is a very common varietal in Sonoma county and I tried 2 Zins at Sausal; the 2004 Family Zinfandel & the 2005 Private reserve Zin. started with a white blend of 50% Semillon & 50% chardonnay that I really enjoyed. It was actually the 2004 "old vine" Estate Alexander Valley Zin that I liked most. Great stuff!

2006 Jardin de la Fruitiere, $10, VdP Loire Atlantique, JD Headrick Selections (50-50 Chardonnay and Melon de Bourgogne). 2004 Sandro Fay Rosso del Valtellina, $13.50, Omni Wines importer (100% Nebbiolo). Reds: 2004 Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardigna Reserve, $12, Palm Bay Imports (100% Grenache). range. to buy one Euro.

As to the wines I started with the 2006 Chardonnay that only sees 5% new oak & is put through no malolactic fermentation. It was a nice Chardonnay and for the price ($28 suggested) a nice buy relative to some of the other $50+ Napa Chards. had a 2004 " The Sisters " Cab made with 8% Cab Franc. Nice wines. NOT A FRUIT BOMB.

began in a French table area and tried some Sancerres (made from Sauvignon Blanc), some white Burgundys (made from Chardonnay) and some white blends. He wants his wines to show a nice purity of fruit (Chardonnay) and as such uses large 600 liter (mostly neutral) barrels. Made from Chardonnay, this wine had an exploding bouquet.

The Vouvray Brut was tasty as usual, but my goodness, the 2004 Vouvray Brut (only in magnum for some reason) was just fantastic. The 2005 Domaine de Roally Viré Clessé has an intoxicating nose that screams "pure Chardonnay!" I went to the Polaner Spring Portfolio Tasting today at Gotham Hall in Manhattan. Pinon's wines. Not with M.

And their 2004 "Right Bank" Red, a blend of Cab Franc (53%), Merlot (30%), Petit Verdot (9%) & Cab Sauv (8%) was beautiful. enjoyed a nice Pinot Gris & Chardonnay of theirs. The 2004 Cab was a little jammy with full fruit, a nice round body and a very nice finish. Sadly, the prices for Peay wines are quite high.

2004 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay Yellow gold. Excellent, and to my mind the best Chardonnay in Napa after Kongsgaard. 2004 Peter Michael Mon Plaisir Gorgeously pure pale yellow gold. Overt black licorice, anise seed, and gobs of vanilla. Restrained nose of hay and anise and fresh cut grass. Hints at petrol, too.

Alright, maybe the 2004 Puffeney Arbois Pinot Noir , $27, was okay, but I just don't see what all the fuss is about. 2004 Tissot Arbois Poulsard , $18. 2004 Puffeney Arbois Pinot Noir, $27. Whites 2004 Montbourgeau L'Etoile Blanc , $21 - tastes like sherry, but better than any sherry I've had. Not even a little bit.

The only other reds that I really liked at the whole tasting were the 2004 Poliziano Nobile de Montepulciano Asinone and the 2003 Terre degli Svevi Aglianico del Vulture Serpara. I wasn't going to write about this because I don't have much of anything nice to say. But I've been persuaded to just do it anyway, to tell you what I thought.

White 2004 Vergé Viré-Clessé Vieille Vignes - barnyard funk is overpowering on the nose. 2007 Haut la Vigne Côtes de Duras - 50-50 chardonnay and semillon. Red 2004 Peyra Côtes d'Auvergnes - somewhere between the south-eastern edge of the Loire and the north-western Rhône is Côtes d'Auvergnes. Maybe a bit of both.

• 2004 Cayalla RTW (A nice and elegant full bodied blend of Cab Merlot and Syrah) • 2004 Gravity Hills Syrah (Cali wine reminiscent of the famous Chateauneuf De Pape of Provence) • Bookwalter Red Lot 21 (A wine with multiple vintages. March is here and with the way this winter has been going.well.I This one is very refreshing.

also tasted Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs, Pinot Biancos, Gewurtztraminers, Sylvaners, Muller Thurgaus, and a few whites which were blends of some of the aforementioned varietals. The Laimburg Winery "Selyet" Pinot Nero Riserva 2004 was a standout at a table of reserve Pinots. enjoyed the conversations I had with them. BUT, do it SOON!

The evening started with a 2004 Sauvignon Blanc from the Binyamina winery.  The guests were then treated to The "C" by Castel 2006 Chardonnay.  The Kosher Wine Society hosted a tasting tonight with Israeli winemakers from the Castel & Binyamina wineries. Sauv Blanc, when not oaked, is generally a wine that should be consumed young. 

Among the whites there are a Pinot Gris, a Pinot Blanc, and a Chardonnay every year. Alright, so how about the 2004 St Innocent Pinot Noir Shea , ($32 from the winery)? We return to Shea Vineyard on this, the fifth and final night of our Oregon Pinot festival. festival that took place right here in the confines of our own apartment.

Belle Pente bottles a range of whites, including a Pinot Gris, a Riesling, a Gewurztraminer, and of course a Chardonnay. Here are my notes on the wine: 2004 Belle Pente Pinot Noir Estate Reserve ($38 at Great Wine Buys in Portland). Our second wine more than made up for the disappointment of the first night.

Well ladies and gentlemen, the results are in. will be copying a list of wines & their scores from Israeli Wine Critic Daniel Rogov's "Wine & Food Forum".  I am waiting for my physical copy of the issue to arrive before I comment specifically.  More comments later.  Without further ado, the scores.

Jean-Claude is the third generation vigneron and his impressive stable of Chardonnay wines includes St Veran, a Mâcon-Pierreclos, and several other village wines, some under the name Domaine de la Bongran. Thévenet makes a sparkling wine too, a Blanc de Blancs (a sparkling wine made entirely of white grapes, usually Chardonnay).

comment before getting started: I continue to notice that I seem to prefer the style of the 2004 vintage over the 2005 for whites in Burgundy. 2005 D omaine Simon Bize & Fils Bourgogne Chardonnay (8, I) The value white of the tasting without question. Lucky for me, since you have to pay far more for the same wines in '05.

2004 Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs (8) I was excited to try Schramsberg wines, as I understand them to be the creme de la creme of American sparkling wine. 2004 Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Noirs (7+) A little funk on the nose, sweet berry and brown sugar flavors. 2004 Schramsberg Vineyards Brut Rose (7+) 66% Chardonnay here.

Like crushed rocks and a drop of honey, this well structured Chardonnay had lots of personality. 2004 Domaine du Closel Savennieres Clos du Papillon , $24 (Chambers Street). Rhone Valley 2004 Eric Texier Cotes Du Rhone Brezeme , $16 (Chambers Street). The name of this wine is a little pun in French." ef.er.vey.cent." Holy cow!

good bottle of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, or Chardonnay from Long Island usually costs the same as a better bottle of wine from elsewhere. started out by following Lenn around, took his guided tour of Long Island whites, tasting many a Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. My "5"s: 2006 Channing Daughters Scuttlehole Chardonnay , $15.

My 5's 2004 Eric Texier Cote-Rotie , $62 - This Northern Rhone Syrah was lighter than his other reds, incredibly intense nose of roasted meat and herbs, olives and soil. 2004 Bernard Baudry Chinon La Croix Boissee , $29 - Baudry's top cuvee, from old vines in clay and gravel, aged in wood barrels. hauled my butt into Manhattan (!)

2004 Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Wintzenheim, $28. This is a late harvest blend of mostly Chardonnay (65-70% I think), Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. That phrase alone is enough to send shivers down the spine of many of us. For the last dinner of this visit I decided to whip up something special, a little bit festive. want some now.

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.

Stag's Leap Cellars was rolling out their new chardonnay at BLT Fish; someone just canceled would I like to attend. They have a line of cabernet and chardonnay that truly reflect what the state has to offer. The wine was the Stag's Leap 2004 Arcadia chardonnay. I'm just a wine geek. Food, company, atmosphere. Give it oak.

We emerged from our tasting there with a few bottles of their 2002 Cabernet Franc Reserve and a 375 ml of a 2004 zippy desert wine made from late harvest chardonnay called Allegra. The 2004 Gewurtztraminer had wonderful aromas of litchi and other tropical fruits, but didn't have the palate to go with the scents. 2005 Hermann J.