All posts tagged chardonnay

Rich Chardonnay @ Workingman’s Price

by Kato on September 7, 2011 in Wine Picks with No comments

SantaRitaChile is the current champion of rich Chardonnay at everyday prices. They make it look effortless. And maybe it is – with their perfect climate, high tech wineries and top notch winemakers.

While Chile is happy that we’re buying their wine, they’re less happy about giving it away for low prices. But such is the nature of the worldwide wine surplus. Enjoy the bargains while they last.

Santa Rita Chardonnay is certainly a big babe. Hollywood-style show of richness and glam – nicely balanced with an earthy tang. Wonderful stuff that’s been in almost every edition of my book. An excellent partner for grilled/roasted white meats. Must admit I end up drinking most of the bottle before food. An LCBO best buy.


SANTA RITA 09 CHARDONNAY RESERVA, Chile 348359 $13.75

France in PEC

by Kato on September 4, 2011 in Travel Notes, Wine Picks with 1 Comment

CLossonChaseFRANCE in PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

Closson Chase has just released two very stylish wines. An elegant, mid-range Chardonnay with the refreshing feeling of Chablis. Smart aperitif/first course wine. A great ambassador for the County.

The Pinot Noir is also very French. Bone dry, lightish and tart with wonderful earthy realness. A Fall day feeling. Age a year.

I really like the clear focus at Closson Chase – high quality Chard and Pinot Noir. There is a strong connection between the sensibility displayed at the winery – the arty/rustic barn and the garden – and what’s in the bottle. Understated but self assured. Makes you feel like you’re in the French Countryside.

CLOSSON CHASE ‘CCV’ 09 CHARDONNAY, VQA County $24.95

CLOSSON CHASE ‘CCV’ 09 PINOT NOIR, VQA COUNTY $39.95

Amazing Chardonnay

by Kato on July 14, 2011 in Wine Picks with 1 Comment

LoronBurgundy is the home of Chardonnay but you usually have to spend big bucks for quality wines. Not any more as the folks at Loron are offering a gem at an everyday price. I raved about the 08 vintage in my Billy’s Best Book and the just arrived 09 is even better. Steely mineral freshness combined with a tease of richness. Quite elegant too Exciting aperitif and first course partner. I could drink a ton of this. Amazing value. And you gotta love the fun/modern label. Thanks Loron.

LORON 09 Chardonnay, Burgundy, France 167155 12.95

LCBO Vintages Saturday May 28

by Kato on May 25, 2011 in Vintages Picks with 1 Comment

THE LOW DOWN: Didn’t plan it but I ended up selecting an excellent Variety 6-Pack of white wines. Gruner, Verdejo, Riesling, Chenin, Chardonnay and Muscadet. And a Sparkling – so I guess it’s a 7-Pack. Should get you through the weekend. But you’ll also need some Rosé – primo local or a Chilean bargain.

Carmenere and Ripasso are the best bets in red but you must have at least one summer supper with Moulin-a-Vent, the queen of Beaujolais.

SPARKLING
naparosewine style: dry sparkling
MUMM NAPA Rosé Sparkling, Napa Valley, California 205641 $29.95
Champagne-style wine and quality at half the price. Elegant and exciting way to start an event. Best sparkling I’ve tasted in a long time.

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Summer Chardonnay

by Kato on April 4, 2011 in Vintages Picks, Wine Picks with No comments

OysterBayI can see it now – a couple of glasses on the patio and a few more with the BBB’d shrimp. A perfect marriage of situation, wine and food. Getting ahead of the seasons for sure but this was the message I got from the Chard in my glass. Tingling citrussy zest and a little spicy sweetness . . . adult lemonade! Not meaning to offend the winemaker – just giving you an idea of what to expect. Should the winemaker/owner be reading I like say that the dreary, corporate-looking label is at odds with the bright/fun character of the wine.
OYSTER BAY 09 Chardonnay, New Zealand 326728 $18.95 (Vintages Essentials)

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