This bottle comes entirely from 2008 and is a blend of equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. loved this wine too, although it is definitely different from the other Lahaye wines I've had. 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. And more Sherry.

Now owned by Anthony Russell (son of the founder) and producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The wines produced here are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, all very balanced, elegant, and Burgundian as you can imagine. He offers three handcrafted wines – sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, and a syrah based blend called ‘Serenity.’

Now the California wine conversation was interesting, because we were just served two wines, a Merryvale Chardonnay 2008 and a Domaine Roumieu Bonnes Mares 2000. Of course, everyone loved the Roumieu -- the 2008 Merryvale raised eyebrows as some asked "is this new vintage 'fine wine' and what is a good definition of fine wine.'".

The nose was limestone and chalk and minty ripe Chardonnay fruit, and that's simplifying it for the purpose of using words. It was the definition of refinement and grace, so focused, it had such amazing complexity and depth, such resonance, such clear articulation of its aromas and flavors, such a delicate but firm texture. Perfect.

Mark was smiling widely tasting both the Dr. Frank and the Salmon Run Chardonnay while I could just not believe the 2008 Dr. Konstantin Frank Meritage. We all shared a Calabrese Wrap, a roasted Portabella Panini and a white Pizza with a glass of classic Chardonnay for Mark and a semi-dry Riesling for me. at least for now).

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. have yet to love a Priorat, but this one was definitely interesting and very tasty. Is this even made from grapes?

Recently I had the opportunity to attend a tweet up led by Rodolphe Boulanger showcasing Chardonnay from the area. While Chardonnay is definitely a minority in the region, this Beaujolais Blanc is unoaked, ripe, and has a delightfully round texture.he Beaujolais Chardonnay, Terres Dorées, Brun Beaujolais 2009.

don't aspire to drink geeky wine, and I'm not saying that geeky wine is by definition good wine - that would be absurd. 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. Two friends came over for dinner the other night. And I loved it.

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.

So it was that the 1997 Chardonnay that we tasted was made by Williams-Selyem but the 2007 was from Hirsch Vineyards. The 2007 Hirsch, although nobody’s going to confuse it with Chablis, was definitely leaner, with higher acidity and lower alcohol: voluptuousness was replaced by more restraint.

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

The alcohol is under 11%, the wine is dry and full of minerals and it is definitely interesting. Beautiful ripe fruit that showed the dark berries of Pinot and also the apples of Chardonnay, compelling richness and depth, a stout frame and firm structure. I try not to do laundry list posts that sound like "here's what I drank recently."

Very tight aromatically, but there are hints of chalky rock and citrus fruit, and there is a definite oxidative character to the fruit. We had a bunch of people over for dinner this weekend for Chablis night. Okay, that's not exactly what we did. But close. wanted to drink a few of the William Fèvre wines alongside some other good Chablis.

bit backwards upon opening, but with a bit of air it's quite lovely with definite high notes of seashells and iodine on the nose. Lemony, stony chardonnay fruit on the palate, a lot of sappy raw material still, but good intensity without being clunky. There really is no point in me trying to make ramen - it's just not going to happen.

“Baboons give Chardonnay a thumbs up,&# was a recent headline on timeslive.co.za. Check for the definition of winemaking… (via candidwines ). SIPPED: headline writing. How many baboon thumbs up could catch on as a new, powerful wine evaluation method. See our previous baboon coverage.). SIPPED: market disarray.

drank one of these bottles not too long ago and although the wine was very nice, it was nice as a good Chardonnay, not as Le Clos. have less experience with the 2007 Gilbert Picq Chablis 1er Cru Vosgros , $29, Polaner Imports, than I do with the Vieille Vignes, but in 2007 this wine is a definite step up. paid up for the wrong vintage.

My own sense is that five to 10 years ago, Riesling was definitely in on the ascent. What we need to see is people who are saying we have 35 chardonnays on the list and six Rieslings. We’re going to have 27 chardonnays and 13 Rieslings. Is Riesling a hard sell? Just how good is 2009? We discussed these topics–and more.

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. What stood out at that point was soil - a definite earthy, sandy tone that carried throughout the bright and savoury finish.

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.

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. The Fino was more assertive and more definitively structured, and a bit more pungent. Top notch wine. Really intriguing 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."

The name Petraea refers to the type of oak that the barrels used for this wine are made from, and the final blend contains about 60 percent pinot noir, with the remainder equally divided between chardonnay and meunier. MMIII most definitely showed the hot muscle-car character of 2003, although it retained it's elegant side too.

This is a blend of mostly Chardonnay and some Aligoté made in Savigny-lès-Beaune by a producer that makes only Crémant, highly unusual for a Burgundy producer. wish I had a definitive answer for you, but I do not. The Chardonnay, by far the majority, supplies it with all the traits of its character. Is that tacky?

Anyway, on this afternoon I witnessed the following exchange: Man with two young kids: Excuse me, I bought two bottles of Yellowtail Chardonnay here last week and they were both corked. Is it even physically possible for Yellowtail Chardonnay to be corked? There was a second bottle present, so we tasted that one too.

say "seem" because there is no definite answer on their website. Located in Pinot country in the Grand Cru village of A ÿ, De Meric purchases grapes from producers in many villages, some also known for Pinot Noir, and others in the Côte des Blancs, where Chardonnay is king. NV Champagne De Meric Grand R é serve Sous Bois , $37.

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. It has a definite grip to it but the tannins are not going to take over any dish you might it up to. They look enticing and compel us to splurge. Idaho? Cheer

Although Pinot Noir and Meunier are far more common in the Montagne de Reims, this village is about 95% Chardonnay. Margaine's Brut wines are almost all Chardonnay, his Special Club wines are Blanc de Blancs. This demi-sec is 90% Chardonnay. definitely want to try another, but not as dessert. And like it I did. No like?

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.

white wine blend, 70% Chardonnay & 30% Viognier, from a well regarded French producer. But I figured that the wine had some oak aging (as does a lot of chardonnay & some viognier) and would still be OK. Had it been a crisp style wine, like an Albarino or Sauvignon Blanc, I definitely would have passed. OH well.

Cousin cultivates Gamay, Grolleau, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Chenin Blanc - there is something for everyone in this portfolio. This is a definite re-buy, although the price forces me to consider the occasion instead of just grabbing another and tucking it away, as I would if it were under $20.

Definitely a great food wine. 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. Chardonnay (that sells for about $70!)

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. wine I will definitely keep an eye out for in the future.

definitely have not spent enough time at home with dinner and M. 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. But of course I missed some great stuff. Pinon's wines. Did I just say that? Not with M.

Definitely one I'll be on the lookout for! enjoyed a nice Pinot Gris & Chardonnay of theirs. I've mentioned this event twice and have promised to write a more comprehensive review. I'm happy to say that I've been very busy but have not forgotten my promise. Going simply in order of table number, let's start with Peay Vineyards.

Definitely the best of the three bottles, and so good that I have to take another shot at the current shipment and see what's what. This Champagne is about 80% Pinot Noir, and 20% Chardonnay. It's easy to think that a non-vintage Champagne is going to taste just as you remember it. Not the case with grower Champagne.

liked them enough to bring two of them home to meet my family, and I will definitely explore them further. This is Chardonnay, actually. 2006 Houillon Pupillon Chardonnay , $28 - nice, but didn't move me. The acidity is definitely there, it tingles the sides of the tongue. And it's time for me to grow up.

I've tasted and enjoyed their Brut Tradition wine before, a blend of about 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. Excellent, and a definite re-buy, especially if I can make it back to Prospect Wines and grab a bottle at their price. NV Egly-Ouriet Brut "Les Vignes de Vrigny ," $46, Michael Skurnik Wines. Glad I did, too.

also tasted Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs, Pinot Biancos, Gewurtztraminers, Sylvaners, Muller Thurgaus, and a few whites which were blends of some of the aforementioned varietals. definitely recommend seeking this one out. I was fortunate to be able to attend the Alto Adige Grand Tasting this afternoon. new record high for me. Not me.

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. Before Cot made its way to South America Argentina was definitely making wine.

This led to the 1991 formation of ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates and Producers) formed primarily by Croatian-born California winemaker Mike Grgich who made his bones in the US wine industry by winning the top white wine honor in the 1976 "Judgment of Paris" with his 1973 Chardonnay (it wasn't only red being judged). in most wine). Charles M.

Still wine is made from one of or some combination of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and possibly but very rarely Pinot Blanc and the obscure Arbane and Petit Meslier. It is not all that popular, although there is definitely a niche for it. mean, who wouldn't be - it's such an interesting issue. No sugar? What's the big deal?

Belle Pente bottles a range of whites, including a Pinot Gris, a Riesling, a Gewurztraminer, and of course a Chardonnay. think that there is a definite sense of place in this wine, as that Oregon blue fruit and piney earth is easily recognizable on the palate. Our second wine more than made up for the disappointment of the first night.

This one, like all Cheverny, is actually a blend, with about 10% Chardonnay in the mix. It lacked the focus and definition that I found in the Loire wines, but it was very good, and I think a good value. people liked it enough to put it in second place, and 2 more people put it in third place, so it definitely appeals to some palates.

I think of endlessly beguiling and beautiful Pinot Noir, and also of Chardonnay - crystalline, tense, and rich. Whereas whites from the Côte Chalonnaise or the Mâconnais tend to be similar in style to the Côte d'Or, Chablis is really doing its own thing with Chardonnay. What do you think of when you hear "Burgundy?"

This is a Blanc de Blancs, a Champagne made entirely of Chardonnay grapes. Could be just this particular bottle though, I do not have anywhere near enough experience with Blanc de Blancs to make definitive statements. My fascination with Champagne is growing, sadly for my wallet. This one was, to my tastes, spectacular.

love French wine, but the good doctor ruled out what he called "the big six grapes" from France, namely Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. Aromas of yellow apples and flowers, quinine (like in tonic water), and honey, with definite minerality. That rules out a lot of wine.

Hafner Cabernet and Chardonnay are house wines at pop-in-law's. Part wine bar, part brasserie, part chic bar hangout, this place is definitely on our go-to list from now on. I always enjoy visiting the in-laws in the San Diego area. My pop-in-law, through his work, is the recipient of many a lavish wine gift. Where are the minerals?

Oak is great but it has a purpose and if that purpose is over used then we are forced to start coming up with acronyms like ABC (Anything But Chardonnay). The floral aspect of this viognier was still in check and not too overwhelming but definitely prominent playing with a new flavor of peach or pear. I have been away for a bit.

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.

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.

It was every bit as good this time, but it definitely needed some air time to get there. This is a real find for me because I have basically given up on Chardonnay at this price point. definite re-buy for me - this is as good as any white I know of that is currently on shelves and under $20. Not likely - it's only 2007. Wrong.

2001 Hafner Reserve Chardonnay, Alexander Valley - Great nose of vanilla and tropical fruit, pineapple, citrus too. Over the hill, flat with no discernable acidity, not unpleasant but definitely past its prime. I'm lucky because my father in-law likes wine and keeps some good bottles in the house. 500 bottles of wine in the bins!

These are definitely good things. The glasses are not as good of a value at a minimum of $9 or $10, but they are interesting - you can get a glass of Wolffer Chardonnay here. BrooklynLady and I have never been big on the restaurant scene. But what about during the week when the 'rents come by to see their grand daughter? Vegetarian?

2005 Jean Manciat Macon Vieille Vignes , price unknown (about $30) - old vine Chardonnay from the Maconnais, a Burgundian region known for value whites. Definitely a $15 beauty. 2005 Jean Manciat Macon Charnay Franclieu , $17 - Manicat's Chardonnay for younger drinking, fresh, vibrant, and delicious. Impossible in this venue.

LOVED it, and will definitely investigate Zind Humbrecht further. 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.

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. It had a definite meaty flavor void of all fishiness.

Sure, you can get a California Chardonnay or an Aussie Shiraz, but a Brooklynguy like me can find some real treasures there too, off-the-beaten-track stuff. It is definitely off dry, and probably best for a single glass as an aperitif, or with some sort of smoked fish appetizer, hopefully on the deck. Hello, I'm Brooklynguy.