This was an affordable Chardonnay (around $20) and I always like to give California Chardonnay a little spin when priced well. The 2004 Domaine Chandon is a name I see a lot of but have never tried their Chardonnay wine. The 2004 was my first go.
Shiny lime and gold color. It really had a crystal sharp gold look. Aroma of Sweet lemon, marmalade, citron a little burnt wood - but very faint. Tastes of lemonoil, cream and some toasted almond. Pretty restrained. No hotness and not overly oaky - which I like. Still, the wine wasn't very layered and the finish was pretty simple.
Nice wine that is fairly priced. I'd say it's neither a pass nor a buy. Neutral for me.
86 Points
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
New Years Eve Wines and More...
Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you enjoyed some nice wines, champagne and so on. We had a nice small gathering at our house. I had several wines at the ready and enjoyed several. I think we had a good run of it. Freezing snowy weather helped also!
Roederer Sparkling White Wine - Anderson Valley, California. This has become one of my favorite QPR (Quality Price Ratio) Champagne Sparklers. It is just a fabulous wine for the money and when compared to most Champagnes of very good quality, it is even a better drink. $20 or so and it always delivers. Has that combination I love in a sparkling white - crisp, not too sweet with perfect acidity and dryness. Nice stuff. Great Mimosa Champagne too! - what isn't?
2005 Outpost Zinfandel Howell Mountain - California. Outpost is one of my favorite Zinfandel producers, along with Carlisle for me. Not over the top but fruit packed with alcohol there, but not crazy. Outpost wines always have that fresh ground pepper undertaste with the fruit that just gives it great concentration.
2004 Rutherford Hill Merlot - California. Rutherford Hill is more modestly priced and while not an overly complex wine, it usually pleases anyone you pour it for. Casual wine lovers will really like it. I have had mixed results with some vintages of this. Some wines really do differ in quality from year to year. It's never bad, but the 2004 is very special.
Also drank a 2006 Gainey Pinot Noir, a Williamette Vineyards Pinot that I didn't love. Pretty short. I'll have to find which one exactly.
Drink a good wine tonight!
Create your own bottle of wine!
Click here to get a free health insurance quote.
Roederer Sparkling White Wine - Anderson Valley, California. This has become one of my favorite QPR (Quality Price Ratio) Champagne Sparklers. It is just a fabulous wine for the money and when compared to most Champagnes of very good quality, it is even a better drink. $20 or so and it always delivers. Has that combination I love in a sparkling white - crisp, not too sweet with perfect acidity and dryness. Nice stuff. Great Mimosa Champagne too! - what isn't?
2005 Outpost Zinfandel Howell Mountain - California. Outpost is one of my favorite Zinfandel producers, along with Carlisle for me. Not over the top but fruit packed with alcohol there, but not crazy. Outpost wines always have that fresh ground pepper undertaste with the fruit that just gives it great concentration.
2004 Rutherford Hill Merlot - California. Rutherford Hill is more modestly priced and while not an overly complex wine, it usually pleases anyone you pour it for. Casual wine lovers will really like it. I have had mixed results with some vintages of this. Some wines really do differ in quality from year to year. It's never bad, but the 2004 is very special.
Also drank a 2006 Gainey Pinot Noir, a Williamette Vineyards Pinot that I didn't love. Pretty short. I'll have to find which one exactly.
Drink a good wine tonight!
Create your own bottle of wine!
Click here to get a free health insurance quote.
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