| 1997 Rochioli Estate Chardonnay Russian River Valley |
| This wine represents all of Rochioli's different Chardonnay vineyards and is a fine example of the distinct character of the Russian River Valley fruit. The age of the vines range from 10-27 years. This wine was barrel fermented in French oak with Montrachet and indigenous yeasts, it then underwent a complete malolactic fermentation for 45 days. The wine displays fresh apples, a spicy floral nose and intense fruitiness with hints of vanilla. Rich flavours of fruit and vanilla turn into a full finish that is long and well balanced. |
| |
| 1996 Ferrari Carano Reserve Chardonnay Napa & Sonoma |
| The 1996 Reserve Chardonnay is made from the very finest grapes harvested in the renowned Carneros region of Napa County and the Alexander Valley of Sonoma. The wine under went 100% barrel fermentation and 100% malolactic fermentation. It was then aged for 11 months in barrel and 17 months in bottle prior to release. The opulent aromas have layers of honey and spice with a hint of oak. This Chardonnay displays flavours of honeysuckle and apricot woven with an appealing toasty oak character. |
| |
| 1993 Kalin Cellars Cuvee CH Chardonnay Sonoma |
| The grapes for this wine were sourced from the Charles Heintz vineyard located on the crest of a steep hillside in western Sonoma County. The vineyard is surrounded by Gravenstine apple orchards and is planted with an old low-yeilding Burgundian clone of Chardonnay. The grapes were hand picked and sorted. The juice was fermented for eleven months in new French oak barrels. The wine was racked, clarified and bottled sur lie. The Cuvee CH is a lovely, rich, terrior driven, Mersault style Chardonnay with flavours and aromas reminiscent of freshly baked apple tart, ground cinnamon and roasted almonds.( this wine was actuaclly mistaken for the 1997 Mersault la Goutte d'Or ) |
| |
| 1997 Chablis Monts de Milieu - Michel Barat |
| Domaine Barat has holdings in three Premier Cru vineyards in Chablis - Les Vaillons, Cote de Lechet and Monts de Milieu. Each of these wines show differences from each other. Many feel the Monts de Milieu belongs with the Grand Cru's of Chablis. Look for the true Chardonnay flavours to be featured in this wine. Richness and excellent acidity will be the characteristics that come through on the palate. |
| |
| 1997 Mersault la Goutte d'Or - Fancois Gaunoux |
| Meursaults are some of the easiest drinking white Burgundies, featuring a rich, full character that is punctuated with ripe fruit flavours harmonized with buttery, nut laden accents. This sub-region of Burgundy is situated about 5 miles South of the village of Beaune, and abuts the sub-region of Puligny-Montrachet on its South border. There are no Grand Cru vineyards here, but the Premier Cru's offer exceptional quality. Domaine Francois Gaunoux's estate comprises of 9.5 Hectares of vineyards, including the Monopole vineyard of " Clos de Tavaux ". Wonderful nose, with deep flavours and a distinctive hazelnut flavour. Long finish that is remarkable similar to the Kalin cellars CH. |
| |
| 1997 Puligny Montrachet Les Demoiselles - Guy Amiot |
| Guy Amiot's " Les Desmoiselles " is bottled as a Premier Cru of Puligny-Montrachet, yet this vineyard adjoins the Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru vineyard, and there are bottlings from some producers identified as Chevalier Montrachet Les Desmoiselles. Actually there are only three producers of Les Desmoiselles. Pulignys are usually regarded as the aristocrats of white Burgundies, and with good reason. They exude power and concentration, a kind of steely character that is at the same time rich with excellent acidity and pronounced aromas of citrus, honey, green apples and herbs. WOW!
Incredibly concentrated with an intoxicating aroma, very rich and long finish |
