MacRostie 2020 Sparkling Wine Blanc de Blancs

Vintage: 
2020
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$52.00USD

This is the first Chardonnay-centric sparkler MacRostie has ever made and, as an inaugural effort, they nailed it, creating a lovely wine that is complex and just plain enjoyable to drink. This is a soft, velvety sparkler that drinks incredibly smoothly. The carbonation is fairly mild, a plus in that we get more of the aromas and flavors of the wine than it being obstructed by bubbles. Soft baked bread, light lemon-lime, whispers of resin, grapefruit, white peach and Asian pear fill the palate.

2018 Beta Chardonnay Chuy Vineyard, USA, California, Sonoma, Moon Mountain, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2018
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A

Green/gold in color with a bit more green than most Chardonnays.  The nose is sweaty with slight smoke and plenty of green apples.  very nice slick texture.  Good acidity, yet the mouthfeel is softer.  Of course, young, but showing a fair amount.  The  palate has apples, vanilla, and some char.  Long finish.  Overall, this is very good and seems to be built for the long haul.  This is not "lean and mean", but it is also not a fruit bomb.  Drink over the next seven to ten years.  Great on its own, it would be a classic pairing with a seared peppercorn Tuna Steak.  

2021 Ceritas Chardonnay Zephyr Vineyard, USA, California, Sonoma Coast, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2021
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$80.00USD

One of our favorite Chardonnay producers.  Light golden in color, clear and bright.  The nose has great minerality along with a bit of lemons, spice and char.  Full  bodied.  Crisp acidity.  Slightly creamy texture.  On the palate, this has great lemon notes with underlying minerality and a touch of char.  Long finish.  This is great on its own, but there is a strong backbone of acidity that will make it better with food.  It would be a good wine to have with lobster.  Drink over the next ten years.  

2021 Domaine Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc Les Saussots, France, Burgundy, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2021
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$40.00USD

A really nice value in French Chardonnay.  Gold/green in color, clear and bright.  The nose has red apples, good minerality and a touch of spice.  Medium bodied.  Good acidity.  On the palate, no hard edges.  Very smooth with apples and minerals.  Long finish.  Nice on its own, but better with food.  Pepper crusted Tuna steaks would be nice.  Drink over the next seven to ten years.  

2019 Nikolaihof Chardonnay, Austria, Wachau, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2019
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-

This was purchased at the winery.  Screw capped.  Light golden in color.  The nose is interesting with red apples, some hazelnuts and slight floral tones.  Medium bodied.  Light tannins.  Slightly oily texture.  On the palate, apples with light minerality.  A bit of almond on the finish.  This is drinking well now and should continue for another five to eight years.  Nice on its own, this will work with sea food or even fried chicken.

2019 Mayacamas Vineyards Chardonnay, USA, California, Napa, Mt. Veeder, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2019
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$70.00USD

Light golden in color, clear and bright.  The nose is pretty with peaches and honeydew along with a touch of spice.  Lovely full bodied rich texture.  Good balance.  On the palate, this is a big wine but with pin point precision if that makes sense.  The peaches and honey dew come thru.  Nice finish.  Drinking youthfully but ready to go.  Drink over the next ten years.  This is great on its own and will work well with heavier foods such as Roast Duck.  It might even go nicely with a steak if that's what you like.  

2021 Domaine Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc Les Femelottes, France, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2021
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$35.00USD

Very pale yellow gold in color, clear and bright.  The nose is very nice.  Some lemon drop candy with a bit of an herbal note (Chervil?).  Slightly viscous texture.  A nice backbone of acidity.  On the palate, lemon, and lemon candy notes with a bit of Granny Smith apple notes.  Long finish.  This is nice on its own but better with food.  It went well with an Israeli styled salad, but would be better something a bit richer so that the acidity could really stand out.  Perhaps grilled Salmon with a rich sauce.  It is young but drinking well.  It should have no problem going another seven to t

2021 Alain Gras Saint-Romain Blanc, France, Burgundy, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2021
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$51.00USD

Green/gold in color, clear and bright.  The nose is nice with pineapple, very slight oak and a bit of minerality.  Medium bodied.  Slightly oily texture.  On the palate, an interesting combination of some pineapple and some green apples.  It works.  There is a nice depth despite its youth.  Long, persistent finish.  This is lovely on its own, but seems very food friendly.  Sea food of course, but also a nice wine with say Hummus.  

2020 Domaine Louis Michel Chablis Grand Cru Vaudésir, France, Burgundy, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2020
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$90.00USD

This is quite good if still young.  A more feminine side of Chablis.  Light golden in color, clear and bright.  The nose has apples, slight anise and gun powder (reduction?).  Medium bodied.  Good balance.  On the palate, this drinks very smooth.  Lemon cream notes.  Quite refreshing.  Deep, it does open up in the glass but could really benefit from more cellar time.  Nice finish.  This drinks well on its own but with some oysters or other sea food, it would be even better.  Cellar for another few years and drink for ten to fifteen after that.  

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