Chardonnay 2011. Some ripe peach … the flavors are not overoaked or over-vanilla’d like some California wines. “What are those curious birds!” I can’t help but ask, as we tour the vineyard of Bodega Bouza in Uruguay. My guides are Eduardo Boido, winemaker and Cristina Santoro, who manages PR and communications. Albarino 2011.

2009 Peter Michael Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille ( about $80 ) USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley. 2007 Iron Horse Vineyards Russian Cuvée ( about $30 ) USA, California, Sonoma County, Green Valley. Sure enough, Eric posted the wines served, complete with tasting notes. For the full menu (pdf) , click here. Find it.

Fabulous evening with Bob Pepi, wine consultant and founder of the Eponymous brand of California Reds. Some preferred the very elegant Syrah with steak, others the Petite Syrah or Full-bodied Chardonnay with pasta. Bob's father bought land in Napa in 1966, grew grapes, and acquired some of the best vineyards in the Napa Valley.

In the Cedars-Sinai study, 36 women were randomized to drink either Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay daily for almost a month, then switched to the other type of wine. LOS ANGELES (Jan. women, new research from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center shows. White wine lacked the same effect. Switching may shift your risk.” Co-author Glenn D.

In May of 2009 I reviewed a Chardonnay from California that I named as the best Chardonnay I have ever tasted, a Clos Du Bois Calcaire. California ZinfandelSince then I have treated myself to some very nice red wines from that same winery. Most notably the blended Marlstone and Briarstone Cabernet Sauvignon.

Since we had tasted a Coenobium Rusticum previously, I decided to go with a wine from the Jura–the Montbourgeau 2008 L’Etoile Chardonnay ($20). This isn’t your mother’s chardonnay–this is an oxidative chardonnay that spends two years in barrel. “Will you wear a wool hat?,” wine picks

They even have a Kosher range (sparkling brut, Chardonnay, Pinotage, Merlot). Arco Laamar & Harry Haddon (checked shirt). Two wineries being neighborly!”. Glen Carlou and Backsberg are neighboring wineries in Paarl who kindly hosted me for a tasting of both wines, then lunch at Backsberg’s lovely al fresco restaurant. Glen Carlou Website.

The collection included sparklers, chardonnay, pinot noir, and a cabernet sauvignon, all named with numbers that had key significance for Jean-Charles. 22 from Mendocino Ridge, and often asks him to bring over a case of the "22" when he is flying from California to France. For example, the JCB No.

Naturally we all had a lot of questions for Mr. Basset, and two of the most interesting discussions revolved around California wine and how sommeliers should handle a "corked wine" situation. The majority of the sommeliers, however, felt that for the price of the California chard they could have bought a killer white Burgundy.

New for the 2009 vintage: Sea Smoke of Santa Barbara is putting “California Grand Cru” on the label. Needless to say, there is no codified “cru” system of California. The labels previously read “Santa Barbara County California.” The term is pure marketing. ” American wine

Pablo Morande first planted vines in Casablanca Chile in 1982 where he introduced Chardonnay, Riesling and in 1986 the first Sauvignon Blanc. But Pablo saw the similarities to Carneros California, and took the calculated risk. He did this in a time and place where no one would have believed he would succeed. The rest is history.

Do you recall the California gold rush from your fourth grade history class? At the time, people from all over the world headed to Northern California to make it big. Today, Argentina is the "new California" and the new "gold" are vineyards planted in regions with the right soil, exposure, and access to water to assure quality wine.

As you may know, coastal regions in California are considered 'cool climate,' and 'cool climate' wines are premium quality. The 2009 Russian River Valley Chardonnay was very Meursault-like with its aroma of melted butter, a touch of sweet oak, and very textured mouthfeel. Jim Collins. Salute!

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. Saul had his conversion on the road to Damascus. Wells Guthrie had his conversion on the road home from Burgundy. Thus he decided to change his style.

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. This is the oldest vintage of Stony Hill that I've had, and this was a brilliant bottle. Is this even made from grapes?

premium winery in the Napa Valley that makes limited quantities of premium varietals that blend classic French wine making characterstics with California fruit. So you know all about the e-auction that opens May 29, 2011 in alignment with the Auction Napa Valley 2011, yes? Today the focus is on Signorello Estates. The critics love the wines.

2008 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Chardonnay. Style Note: Very well balanced California Chardonnay with very balanced fruit, acid, tannin, and just enough oak to make it delicious and substantial enough to pair with fish prepared in many different ways. Bodegas Roda Reserva 2006. Drink now to 2025. light gold color. Wine reviews

The morning began with an introduction by vivacious Master Sommelier Evan Goldsmith -- and then a tasting of both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from his collection of site-specific bottlings from Sonoma and Mendocino counties ($30-$60 SRP). News california chardonnay evan goldsmith greg la follette pinot noirscallops.

The Conservancy collection includes Pitite Sirah, Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. California red wine Petite SirahLast year I reviewed a 2007 Petite Sirah from Concannon Vineyard , so I was delighted to recently receive the 2008 vintage. could not wait to open the 2008 Petite Sirah. The color was a very dark purple.

2009 Franciscan Estate Chardonnay. Style: This is a delicious and restained style of California Chardonnay, with oak giving it an elegant and subtle finish. Wine reviews 2009 Franciscan Oakville Estate Chardonnay 2009 Franciscan Oakville Estate Sauvignon Blanc2009 Franciscan Oakville Estate Sauvignon Blanc.

2007 Dierberg Chardonnay (USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley). Style note: Racy acidity cuts nicely through the delicous sweet golden butter of this California chard. Many characteristics of Burgundy (Meursault) in terms of the warmth, richness, yet also California style in terms of its expression.

This is because the wine is from a place that actually favors and specializes in Pinot Noir, not Chardonnay. Everyone enjoyed the wine, and everyone was surprised when it was revealed to be a California Pinot Noir from 1976, a time when a lot of great wine was being made in California in the gently extracted and low alcohol old-world style.

was thinking Chardonnay when I was making it. Louis (Bob) Trinchero, “California Zinfandels, a Success Story,&# an oral history conducted in 1991 by Carole Hicke, Regional Oral History Office, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, 1992. W$Jay was slumming it with zinfandel recently. Mistake.

Lohr is a California producer of many different varietals, and increasingly, many different vineyards. If I had to choose my two favorites, they would be the Chardonnay and the 2007 Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon. Lohr 2008 chardonnay Arroyo Vista. These are incredibly well crafted wines. Below are notes on all the wines.

recieved a Chardonnay and a Petite Sirah. Tags: California Petite Sirah A few weeks ago I received two bottles of Glen Ellen wine and my first thoughts were 'why?' I haven't seen Glen Ellen in sometime and maybe that was because I very seldom check out the shelf with the $3 wines on it. Liters, another cheap wine association.

… So I just had a fabulous lunch at Avra in NYC with Nicolas Miller, whose family owns the Bien Nacido brand (Pinot Noir and Syrah) and Solomon Hills brand (Chardonnay) in Santa Maria, California. am here to taste the Bien Nacido brand of Pinot Noir and Syrah, as well as their new 2008 Solomon Hills Chardonnay. Salute!

The appellation was officially created in 1983, as its cool climate is excellent for creating Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with a Burgundian tone of delicacy and finesse. Quick! When you think 'Carneros' what varietal comes to mind? On the palate, the wine is dry, acid is med, tannin is med with a finish of black pepper, spice, berries. Davis.

buttery Chardonnay? California produces some good wines from this grape, yet as a whole the region lacks the characteristic soil and microclimate of its foreign competitors. “I want a wine that tastes like summer,” the chic woman tells the clerk at an upscale wine store. What do you recommend?” briny Muscadet? solid wine for the price.

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.

Central Coast California Riesling was, lets say different, but a Washington State Riesling from Chateau Ste. Chardonnay was disappointing, but a review on the Sauvignon Blanc is coming up next post. Tomorrow I must return to work after a pleasant but hard two week vacation. This one was a bit different. Started out OK.

The theme, apparently, was California wines with ties to Mexico. Given that, here’s the range of California wines they could choose from: almost all of them. The California wine industry would produce few bottles of wine if it weren’t for the work of Mexican viticultural laborers. alcohol Chardonnay!

We pulled out all the stops - had the living room re-done with shag carpeting, disco balls, velour shirts, and big jugs of California white wine. We had a bunch of people over for dinner this weekend for Chablis night. Okay, that's not exactly what we did. But close. As I knew they would, our guests brought along some excellent wine.

Now that I am on the East coast and more Old World focused as a result of my (more Old World) wine studies, it is great to re-discover California wine. Winemakers, John and Helen Falcone, joined Rusack Vineyards in 2001(one of the few husband and wife winemaking teams in California).

He’ll shop around the world’s best wine regions, including France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, and California to find some very good juice in bulk that a vineyard might sell for $55 per bottle and sell it for $15. Lot 159 Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2008: new release $14 Musky aromas, citrus, creamy oak.

The wines are sourced from preeminent and emerging wine growing regions including Monterey County; California Central Coast; Marlborough, New Zealand; Spain and Hungary. The first wine to be released in the new Octavin Home Wine Bar is Monthaven Winery Monterey County Central Coast Chardonnay.

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.

Other than an occasional Chardonnay, it was red wine only for me. Italian wines only in my rack until I discovered Rioja and Bordeaux and California Cab/Sauvs. What an exciting year this has been for Why Wine Blog and for me personally in my quest to further my knowledge of wine. decided, since I'm here, why not give a few reds a try.

11.99 **Terres Dorees (Jean-Paul Brun) 2008 Beaujolais Chardonnay Your guests will fall in love with you, even the california drinkers. The one everyone has been waiting for, party wines from Chambers Street Wines, my home away from home. Expect a touch of that old natural VA. Real burgundy. Lovely.

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. I enjoy reading about what everybody had to drink on Thanksgiving more than what they are planning on serving (or selling), so here are my two cents. Yes, that's one word.)

My tasting notes from the Snooth California Cabernet Sauvignon Blind Tasting earlier this month yielded this natural winner for me. Sourced from some of the best vineyards in Mount Veeder, Oakville, Rutherford, and Spring Mountain, this wine receives continual 91, 92, and 93 point scores.

2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Modus Operandi, Napa Valley, California. ? 2007 Granache, Beckmen Vineyards, Santa Ynez, California. ? Sparkling Chardonnay, Thibaut Janisson Brut, Monticello, Virginia. ? Right now, at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Dr. Manmohan Singh, prime minister of India, is being feted at a state dinner! Pumpkin Pie Tart.

When it's gone we enjoy the previous night's leftovers - 2002 Stony Hill Chardonnay. Tags: Beer Suduiraut Claux Delorme California Bordeaux Stony Hill Fugedaboudit Loire Valley Germany Champagne Delamotte François Pinon Maybe I am going insane, but I like to think of it as healthy superstition. We decant it, it's delicious. Estèphe.

In August I headed to California to work on a story about Hank Beckmeyer I also visited some of my friend, Paige Poulos's clients. Could I find out something about the thing that so confuses me about the soul of California's wine? She was right. One never knows and so I went. talked. kept an open mind. had a mission. had to find out.

I know "Big Claw" sounds like a monster movie from the 60s, but this white from California's north coast is anything but a B movie blend. On the nose, lychee fruit and pineapple will get you salivating, while taste buds are piqued with the flavors of just peeled lychee and the crispness of sour apple. likey

The NYT summarizes the effect of the recession on the California wine industry: “Brutal.&# Meanwhile, John Brecher and Dorothy Gaiter estimate that the value of juice in Fred Franzia’s new Down Under Chardonnay (retail: about $3) costs “about 35 U.S. Random House will defend the lawsuit. Image: The Daily Mail).

After all, no one has the money for $300 cabernet sauvignon from California, and even alluding to Cult Wines, let alone drinking them, is so out of fashion that one hesitates to mention the plethora of emails arriving daily intra-continentally. February Peter Michael 2006 Les Pavots $185; chardonnays avg. Flights are delayed.

Two weeks ago, prior to heading out to the Bay area (of California) for the family gathering celebrating the birth (and bris) of my nephew Jonah, I received, on consecutive days, those pesky notes from a delivery company that they was attempting to deliver a package when I was not home to accept it.  I [.].

Here are some that moved me, along with a few impressions: 1995 Mount Eden Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains - if California wine tasted like this, I would drink lots of California wine. Tags: California Trimbach Beaujolais Sherry Alsace Burgundy Spain Equipo Navazos Michel Lafarge Foillard Top notch wine. Great Beaujolais.

I am just going to begin by saying the Clos Du Bois Calcaire 2006 is probably the best Chardonnay I have ever had. Now I'll qualify that statement by saying I do not do white wine that often and that over the years have had probably less or near 100 different Chardonnays and that is really not that many. Drink now through 2011."

And in comparison to Bordeaux prices and today's prices for California Cult wines, the 2000 Napa wines were (and in many cases still are) a bargain. I remember the 2000 vintage as a whirlwind of excitement. This was before the Tech Bubble Burst, Enron imploded, 9/11, and eight years of Bush Part Deux. 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. Oppulently opaque, but this is most likely mature.

I didn't expect to like this 2004 Chardonnay from Hanzell Vineyards as much as I did. I've been wondering recently what it would mean if Hanzell, which planted the first pinot noir vines in California in 1953, received 95+ points from the major trade press regularly. Hanzell previously reviewed: 2005 Chardonnay 1995 Pinot Noir.

I was happy to read Aric Asimov's article about what he calls a "rebellion" in California Pinot Noir. I've had graceful and complex Oregon Pinot Noir, energetic and resonant Long Island Cabernet Sauvignon, and balanced and delicious California Chardonnay. What's up with that? don't know. Can't they?

And you’re probably remembering just how nice it is to live in California. Their Chardonnay ** and second red wine, called Salus ** were also very good. Welcome Napa Valley Vintners! Yes, it’s cold and dreary in New York. It’s the kind of wet chill that gets under the skin. didn’t even try. think she was a little taken aback by that.

It loosely depicts the events of the Paris tasting of 1976 when a Chateau Montelena Chardonnay and a Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon surprised the wine world by beating their French peers in a blind tasting. So Ross Schwartz told the assembled group at the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers in Napa last week.

home : wine recommendations : wine girl for hire : bio : articles : contact « Chardonnay in California: Part Five | Main | Paris To St. Aubin » Shes Taking Off! January 21, 2009 Will post from France. think I can promise that. Alice all packed. Shes Taking Off! Will post from France. think I can promise that.

home : wine recommendations : wine girl for hire : bio : articles : contact « Chardonnay Series: Part Four. » Chardonnay in California: Part Five January 19, 2009 When I got this assignment a friend in Portland said, "Al, its going to kill you." Is Chardonnays salvation in its skins? found it compelling.

Even though she didn't taste them all, but a good spectrum of about 50 wines from all over California, she's of the opinion that there are more styles of the wine available than a decade ago. Yet this character, (that would be me)--to HER palate--(that would be mine), did taste one chardonnay she would buy. found it compelling.

home : wine recommendations : wine girl for hire : bio : articles : contact « Chardonnay Series: Part 3A. Shes a treacherous mistress." | Main | Chardonnay in California: Part Five » Chardonnay Series: Part Four. Reading those words I kept on thinking of Ibsens great anti-heroine as California Chardonnay.

Reading those words I kept on thinking of Ibsen's great anti-heroine as California Chardonnay. Last night, as a preamble to other plans, I stuck my nose in the Contra Dance for three spins around the dance floor. then trekked back on the F-train, so engrossed in Charles Isherwood's take "To what is the mystery of her attraction?

home : wine recommendations : wine girl for hire : bio : articles : contact « Another Domaine Up For Sale | Main | Chardonnay Series: Part Four. Hedda Gabler » Chardonnay Series: Part 3A. But the most demanding one is Chardonnay. The number of places that produce great chardonnay in the world are extremely limited.

I caught up with Ted Lemon of Littorai We talked beyond my deadline, which is unfortunate because I found this California wine veteran extremely thought provoking. But the most demanding one is Chardonnay. The number of places that produce great chardonnay in the world are extremely limited. She is a treacherous mistress.

And, one of my next stories is California Chardonnay? And, one of my next stories is California Chardonnay? And mostly because Ive been complaining about the lack of excitement in my glass. and told me the trip to Burlingame Was it ever. 1954 Tondonia? 1971 Giacomo Conterno? Gerald! Then, it happened. kept my promise.

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.

was amused and wanted to have a giggle in order to avert my eyes from the growing stockpile of chardonnays on my bench. am more and more convinced that all chardonnay vines should be ripped out of California and replaced with trebbiano. 1991 Cote de Rhone La Tache? The Aeroporte person threatened to confiscate my camera. Craft.

If you're into California Cult wines, then you might want to know when they come out, and how much they will cost, but there is no comprehensive release schedule for these wines -- anywhere -- and the cults themselves are the last people to ask. You aren't alone. This list is by no means complete, and it may very well be inaccurate.

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. California Chadonnay. Then I get an email from a friend about that 1947 Louis Martini. JEALOUSY! JEALOUSY!

Those were a Seavey cabernet and a Hansell chardonnay I purchased at Scotto's Wine Cellar nearby before we left. 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. drink beer.  Pirque, Chile. 2006 M.

An eagle eyed publicist at Kendall-Jackson spotted a mention of their Chardonnay in an interview the Obamas did with People magazine. Celebrate a historic victory such as his with a $12 chardonnay? SIPPED: too much. This raised the hackles of bloggers at CNN (perhaps because they could only find it for $500?). Thanks, Arthur ! ).

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.

Audrey, reading Wine Spectator in Lake Tahoe, Spring 2008) So it was with glee and trepidation that I ordered one ticket for the California Wine Experience at the Marriot in NYC - but mostly glee. DuMOL "Clare" Chardonnay 2006 ** DuMOL is one of my favorites every year, and meeting Kerry Murphy and his wife for the first time was a blast.

It's a little too cold for Sancerre so I opted for this bottle of 2003 Peter Michael chardonnay from the "Ma Belle Fille" section of the Knight's Valley estate vineyard. Pamela Anderson chardonnay. It's a true California fruit bomb, and it's delicious Number 1. The Best. All time favorite. Hands down. It's in New Jersey.

when Hanzell Vineyards imported new French oak barrels, wineries mimicked the way wine was made in Chardonnay's old home of Burgundy. The nasty over oaked buttery Chardonnay that people are shunning these days is the style we must begin with. European vines traveled to California in the mid 19th century. People went a bit nuts.

I tasted France, Italy, Chile, New Zealand, Australia and some California wines.  When i speak of an old world style, I am referring to wines that are not as fruit forward or extracted as those from new world regions such as Australia or California.  I tasted a good deal of both red (Pinot Noir) and white (Chardonnay) burgundy.

This chardonnay is an aged gold color, with huge tropical fruits, nuts, and full citrus notes throughout. In my opinion Kongsgaard sets the bar for chardonnay in California, followed closely by Peter Michael and Kistler Almost perfect today, and still a four star wine anyway.

Of course, Im in California (dry.) California. White Rocket Wine Company Unearths a Treasure in Geode for Millennial Generation Chardonnay Drinkers NAPA, Calif.--(BUSINESS Geode is crafted from vineyards in Santa Barbara County, a classic growing region whose stellar Chardonnays are universally recognized for superior quality.

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

Whereas a good Bordeaux can age for 30, 40, 50 years and more, Pushing your California Cab past 20 years or Australian Shiraz past 10 might be a bit of a gamble. California Pinot on the other hand is generally made in a fruit forward style that I gather is made to be drunk young. What is better, an old wine or a young wine?

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. This reaffirmed my recent change of heart regarding California Pinot - at least in the case of Monterey. The event was well attended & represented. 

The point of view seems wrong to me as most California and New World wines are made for the market -- the most obvious taste--than the product of a carefully matched grapevine to land and climate and a passionate winemaker who is part artist/philosopher and part scientist. Are there exceptions to the awfulness of California wine for you?

and "California promotes wines that dont suck" Um.since when did fresh herbs become weird?! And millions of people think that California wines dont suck.but that certainly isnt an indication of greatness. Doesnt the fellow realize there would be no California wine without Europe? Now, what could make the fellow happier? Sheesh.

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.

tasted California wines, Oregon wines, French wines, Italian wines, young wines, sweet wines, old wines (I had an AMAZING 1967 Barolo that was very much alive & a 1993 Chardonnay that sadly tasted oxidized). The first wine tasting event I attended today was a portfolio tasting for Skurnik wines. What an amazing tasting.

This month the kit is a hundred bucks for six great expressions of the big three: Washington, Oregon and California. Good starter at a get together) • 2005 Belle Isle Chardonnay (truly un-oaked chardonnay from Cali's central Coast. March is here and with the way this winter has been going.well.I This one is very refreshing.

To those running scared I bring this story: Gideon Bienenstock, an Israeli vintner in California told me two years ago that the most remarkable fruits he ever tasted were from non-irrigated, abandoned fruit trees in the Sinai, Shriveled but amazing. Pity that vermentino is supposed to be the next chardonnay. This simply has no logic.

This was the 2003 Genoels-Elderen, a chardonnay. That style would be an overoaked California chadonnay. home : wine recommendations : wine girl for hire : bio : articles : contact « The Winners in Global Warming | Main | Climate Change Conference: what stood out? » Global Warming & Wine Conference: M. Ten wines.

What is definite though is that in the late 1800's and early 1900's Argentina saw a huge influx of European immigrants settle on their land bringing with them all kinds of vitis vinifera rootstocks, from Barbera to Chardonnay and from Syrah to Cot or Malbec. The word Malbec is being heard more and more these days. The answer is yes we do.

Where does it come from and why is it so popular and plentiful in California and not so much everywhere else. And if Primitivo from Apulia is closely related to Zinfandel how did Zinfandel become so popular in California? Okay, so now we know where the grape came from but how did it get all the way to California? in most wine).

Organic" WAS conventional, in that it was just-the-way-things-were-done, up until about a half century ago when chemical companies began calling on farmers (I interviewed one of the patriarchs of California agriculture recently, and he was the one who turned on that lightbulb for me. Main | Hearty Burgundy at Sanford? Do check it out.

This one, like all Cheverny, is actually a blend, with about 10% Chardonnay in the mix. The two wines pulling up the rear, so to speak, were both from California. Good friends NorthCarolinaGuy and Gal were in town for a few days and what better reason to have a wine tasting? Why Sauvignon Blanc this time around? Another time.

We got a thick and creamy white that I think might be intended as an aperitif, or to compete with a California Chardonnay. This month's installment of Wine Blogging Wednesday is hosted by Gabriella and Ryan at Catavino , and the theme is Portuguese table wines. But that is in the future, and this is now. Nope - same same same.

Sauvignon Blanc tends to dominate the blends, the balance typically Chardonnay. won't lie to you folks, I've had no success in New Zealand, and mixed results in California. Remember a few weeks ago when I made a grandiose pronouncement about finding the finest value red of the season ? Whites, like reds in Cheverny, must be blended.

Yes, I didn't taste one Spanish wine, nothing from Australia, very few California wines, and I completely missed the lineup of dessert wine. 2004 Schramsberg Vineyards Brut Rose (7+) 66% Chardonnay here. This one is mostly Chardonnay, and had a piercing nose of flowers and minerals, some citrus too. cannot enjoy myself that way.

Hafner Cabernet and Chardonnay are house wines at pop-in-law's. I always enjoy visiting the in-laws in the San Diego area. In addition to the lovely weather, the beautiful flowers and cacti that seem to line every road, and the quality family time, there are plenty of wine and food pleasures. Fruity and rich, but not at all overwhelming.

When shopping for wine in a place like Sam's Club one should focus on bottles not from California (unless the wine buyer caught the wine geek bug one day and ordered some boutique stuff that is quite good and in that case stock up before it is gone) but -in my experience- South American and certain Spanish and Italian wines of good quality.

So this month's theme is Naked Chardonnay , or un-oaked Chardonnay. From the late '80s through the late '90s ( all dates are approximate , and cannot be confirmed ) Chardonnay was generic swill that the masses got when ordering white wine. Just give me a Chardonnay. So why naked or un-oaked Chardonnay? Many more.

recently discovered a Napa Valley Chardonnay that I really like. So on a recent very hot Friday night I go down to his basement and open the fridge, imagining sipping a yummy and cool Chardonnay. But what is this - a California Chardonnay? Stony Hill Napa Valley Chardonnay. know, sounds odd, right? Why, yes it is.

They are Long Island wines, the producers are not using grapes grown in Long Island to make California style wine. good bottle of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, or Chardonnay from Long Island usually costs the same as a better bottle of wine from elsewhere. My "5"s: 2006 Channing Daughters Scuttlehole Chardonnay , $15. alcohol. Yummy.

2001 Hafner Reserve Chardonnay, Alexander Valley - Great nose of vanilla and tropical fruit, pineapple, citrus too. I'm lucky because my father in-law likes wine and keeps some good bottles in the house. was impressed with the two wine stores I went into. 500 bottles of wine in the bins! The city just seemed safe like that, more civilized.