Tag Archives: chardonnay

Wine of the Day: Crowley Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2014 5-4-16

Crowley Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($26.95) Buy Now: $21.90 special

“The 2014 offering from Crowley shows their classic notes of dried ginger and golden apples with a brisk acidity. The wine was raised in neutral French oak barrels for 16 months and offers a creamy texture from the extended lees aging along with a bright mineral finish that lasts for several minutes. It is all declassified Four Winds Vineyard fruit comprised of 1/3 Dijon clone and 2/3 Wente clone. (The 2013 release saw no Wente as this later-ripening variety was negatively affected by the rain.) A remarkable offering, as always, that would pair well with a range of foods or be enjoyable on its own to sip and ponder.” -Suzanne

Winery note “Comprised of Wente and Dijon clones from Four Winds Vineyard this wine demonstrates the undeniable pedigree and personality of this fantastic high elevation and old vine site. … Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Goodfellow Family Cellars Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay 2013 4-27-16

Goodfellow Family Cellars Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay 2013 750ML ($37.95) Buy Now: $33 special

Tasted blind in a flight with four white Burgundies, the Goodfellow Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay held its own. It showed a moderately restrained nose with notes of fresh cream, toasted barley and autumn leaves with a little something else that is hard to define. The savory character showed on the palate as well, with notes of toasted nuts and dried ginger. There was ample acidity that was balanced – suggesting it would make a good wine to drink with food. It offers excellent value and, though distinctive, it certainly gave the Burgundies a run for their money.

Once bottled under the Matello label, the Richard’s Cuvee is all dry-farmed grapes from the Whistling Ridge Vineyard. … Read the rest

Louis Roederer Cristal Brut, Champagne 2006 – April 2016

Louis Roederer Cristal Brut, Champagne 2006 750ML ($299.95) Buy Now: $219 special

James Suckling 97 points “Deep pinot-driven presence is the first and lasting impression. Power with control. Superfine bead, bread and spiced biscuits, candied ripe red fruits and a sense of tight-knit complexity. Some grapefruit, lemon pith & gently flinty notes too – impressive nose. In the mouth it is rich, powerful, mouth-filling and flavoursome with a core of the same biscuity red fruit flavour, savoury nutty notes and a wrap of assertive, persistent acidity that holds rich powerful flavour deep and focused whilst maintaining a polished, gently creamy texture. Long chalky bread and biscuit finish. A superb Pinot-driven vintage.”

Antonio Galloni 96 points “Broad, ample and resonant on the palate, the 2006 Cristal dazzles with its pure richness and volume.… Read the rest

Pol Roger ‘Sir Winston Churchill,’ Champagne 2002 – April 2016

Pol Roger Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill, Champagne 2002 750ML ($279.95) Buy Now: $219 special

Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2002 Brut Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is wonderfully open, expressive and resonant. The richness of the vintage comes through nicely, yet the more overt elements are very nicely balanced by a good deal of freshness. Baked apple, pastry, candied lemon, dried flowers and warm, toasty notes shape the generous, resonant finish. With time in the glass, the 2002 takes a on a striking, vinous character. Readers might want to consider opening the 2002 a few hours in advance, as it really blossoms with air.”

Wine Spectator 95 points “There’s a sense of quiet elegance and grace to this harmonious Champagne. Refined and lacy in texture, with finely wrought acidity lending focus and length to the spice- and graphite-laced flavors of ripe apricot and blackberry, lemon meringue pie, chopped almond and briny mineral.… Read the rest

Piper Heidsieck Rare Millesime Brut, Champagne 2002 – April 2016

Piper Heidsieck Rare Millesime Brut, Champagne 2002 750ML ($219.95) Buy Now: $189 special

Wine Spectator 97 points “Impeccably balanced and silky, with finely honed acidity shaping the expansive flavors of toasted brioche, crushed blackberry, lemon preserves and honey, revealing hints of Frangelico liqueur and smoked nut. Rich and vivid, with a lasting finish. Drink now through 2027. 2,500 cases made.” AN

Wine Enthusiast 94 points – Cellar Selection “This is top Champagne from Piper-Heidsieck, offering the delicious airy quality that’s the hallmark of this house, with crisp apple flavor, tangy acidity and the first signs of yeasty, toasty bottle age. Its fruit intensity has transformed into a splendid selection. It’s worth aging for a few more years, though also delicious now.”… Read the rest