This is 45% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Meunier. A nice Champagne for the money. Light golden in color. A nice mousse of smaller bubbles. The nose has toast, yeast and a bit of lemons. On the palate, those flavors come thru. This needs some food as there is a bit of acidity here. Refreshing. Drink within the first few years of release.
2018 version. 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay. It is composed of the following vintages: 50% 2015, 25% 2014, 25% 2013, with10% Pinot Noir still
This, while still young, has entered an adolescence that is very enjoyable. Light gold/green in color. The nose has the typical Rhys Lemon Cream and vanilla. On the palate, this is starting to delineate layers and show nice complexity. The lemon cream and vanilla carry thru along with underlying minerality. Good acidity. Nice finish. This took a few hours on opening to really open up so it is probably worth decanting at this point. It should easily go another decade probably until 2034. Great on it own. It will work with richer dishes with fish, veggies and some fowl.
This is quite different than the 2014. Of course, wine is subjective. This is much more similar in style to the Kendall Jackson Chardonnay or the Rombauer Chardonnay; both of which are big sellers. Light golden in color. The nose has some lemon, some butter and some oak/vanilla. On the palate, this is slightly sweet with some lemon notes that balance it. This will be better as a cocktail wine than with food. It should last for five more years but then may start to lose some of its freshness.
Tasted side by side with the 2016, this one was much more to my liking. Pale golden with some green swirls. The nose has slight lemons, nice minerality, slight chalk and little oak. On the palate, this is refreshing and clean. Dry. Mostly about the minerality but some lemon. Good finish. I believe this retails for around $20 which is a nice value. Ready to drink now, it should be good for five years. It will drink well on its own but better with sea food or salads.
A stunning wine if still a bit young. In a day when Grand Cru Burgs are priced crazily, this is about the best one that is almost affordable. It certainly is not your typical Chablis in profile either. Golden in color. Not dark but not light either. No noticeable oxidation. The nose has peaches, slight chalk and a bit of pepper/spice. On the palate, the peaches carry thru over a concentrated minerality. Great round texture. Good acidity but not bracing. Nice finish. In general, this is a big round wine that is just delicious. Went well with St.
This was ordered off the menu at Ceres Table in Chicago's Lakeview East area. While I have had the reds many times, this was my first time trying the white. It is made up of 100% Chardonnay grown at around 3,000 feet on the side of Mt.
This has come together nicely in the last few years. It is drinking quite well now. Slightly lighter golden in color. The nose is nice. There is still some obvious oak, but that is more about house style and it is not over the top. Aromas of lemon cream and slight vanilla with a bit of baking spice. Full bodied. The lemon carries thru to the palate with a hint of vanilla. No heat showing. Good acidity. There is some depth and development. Nice finish. Classic Napa Chardonnay. This should still have five to ten more years left at peak. It will go well with seafood, salads and m
A nice compliment to their Cabernet. This is an inexpensive Chardonnay that strikes a mostly middle ground. It is a good choice for large parties or the casual wine lover. Light to medium golden in color. The nose has vanilla, caramel, and slight baked apples. On the palate, the apples are a bit fresher while the vanilla and caramel remain. Broad with an acidic bite. Just a bit of butter. Easy to drink on its own. Made for immediate consumption.
This is still youthful but opens nicely in the glass and as we drank it. Light golden in color. The nose is very nice with lemon custard and nice minerality. Like most Rivers Marie Chardonnays, there is some oak showing but is used deftly and not at all a problem. On the palate, this is crisp and focused. Lemon cream and minerals. Long finish. This works quite well with food and also will work on its own. It won't get better but should easily cruise thru the next decade.
