Clos des Locs – Pouilly Loche – Les Barres – 2015 (Kensington Wine Market)
Ok, they talked me into this one at the Kensington Wine Market but I am so glad they did. This Macconais is unique to their store and although it is...
Feature: Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of those anomalous things. You love it or you hate it. The funny thing is that is it is the most malleable grape you will find. Winemakers love that it can be dressed up any way you please. It can be crisp and refreshing and un-oaked in the style of a Chablis or malolactic fermented and oaked in the style of a Montrachet…or anything in between. It just sits on the palate and the winemaker controls the paintbrush.
In terms of food pairings it goes very well with light meats like chicken or shellfish. My two favourite pairings to date have been with a creamy seafood chowder and also with Chicken Kiev.
Jean Louis Chavy – Chardonnay – 2015 (J. Webb)
This is a beautiful wine that I would not expect in this price range given that it comes from the village of Puligny-Montrachet in Burgundy. This wine is my...
Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River – Chardonnay – 2015 (Bin 905)
I had to include a Chardonnay from California given their success at the Judgement of Paris in 1976. This Russian River example takes advantage of the fog which ensures...
Espino – Chardonnay – 2014 (Zyn)
I am always game to try a wine that offers a twist. A Chilean Chardonnay but made by a top French producer from Chablis in William Fevre. This wine...
Thistledown – Chardonnay – 2013 (Metrovino)
A cool climate Chardonnay from elevated vineyards in the Eden Valley of Australia. I have tasted amazing Riesling from this region with that unmistakable petrol quality but never really tried...
Saint Veran – Chateau Fuisse – Chardonnay – 2014 (Willow Park)
I love the wines of Saint Veran. They strike a wonderful balance between the crisp minerality of a Chablis and the creamy opulence of a cru Montrachet. We have...
Black Swift Vineyards – Pinecrest Chardonnay – 2015
This is the Chardonnay I want in my glass!!! On the nose, I get toast and vanilla so I know the oak is there. I also get nice citrus notes...