Lundeen ‘Bunker Hill’ Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2014
Regular price: 29.99
Sale Price: 23.99
Oregon Chardonnay has had a rough go of it. Historically, it was neither as voluptuous as its California cousin nor as elegant as its French ancestor. This one, from a tiny (5 acre) vineyard planted exclusively to Chardonnay in 1995, braves its own path. It has oak, but not too much. Its has fruit, but its not overbearing. It has crisp acidity, but it makes you salivate, not pucker. It’s a beauty. Only102 cases were made of this wine. When it’s gone, it’s gone…
Paolo Conterno ‘Divers’ Chardonnay, Piemonte 2015
Regular price: 44.99
Sale Price: 35.99
So Giorgio Conterno walked into the shop and asked if I wanted to taste his wines.
Sure, I said.
He poured me a glass of Chardonnay that he called ‘Divers’ because, as he said, it’s different, diverse.
Oh my God, I said, after I tasted it. I’ll take it!
(This is among the classiest, most stylish Chardonnays that I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting. Bravo, Giorgio!)
Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2015
Regular price: 46.99
Sale Price: 29.99
Beringer holds an important place in the history of American wines as California’s oldest continually operating winery. It could be argued that they created modern Napa Valley. Beginning in 1978, they have annually crafted their Private Reserve Chardonnay, using grapes selected from outstanding vineyard sites. Butter, tropical fruit, vanillin and sweet French oak are all pushed forward. In this wine. Ample, creamy and expressive, it’s the very definition of Napa Valley barrel fermented Chardonnay.
Domaine Servin Chablis Vieille Vignes ‘Selection Massale’, Burgundy 2015
Regular price: 29.99
Sale Price: 23.99
This vineyard, in the heart of Chablis, was re-planted over 40 years ago using a technique of propagation whereby cuttings for the vines were selected from the best vines already in the vineyard and not from a clone. This rarely used technique is known as “Selection Massale”. These old uncloned vines produce extremely tiny yields and express a diversity of aromas and flavors from the classic terroir. Hand harvested, the grapes and fermented in both stainless steel and old oak barrels. The resulting wine is a fabulous and thoroughly delicious Chardonnay, both clearly from, yet unlike any other Chablis that I’ve experienced.