Comments on a Chardonnay Tasting September 8,2001

I have the distinct feeling that when I look at a review of a chardonnay tasting that inevitably the scores are bunched together with very little preference or outstanding scores. Our tasting last evening was no different. True this was composed of a mixed audience and might account for the scores, but again, I’m not sure.

I purposely introduced four French chardonnays since they represented the youngest and most recent vintage on the market at reasonable price. Now this would probably be responsible for the lower scores in this group in comparison to the older more mature California et al wines. Certainly, the over riding fruit in the local wines and even in Catena from Argentina, a season ahead of us, was amply evident. On the other hand the dry, firmer, more acidic notes and lemony, grapefruit tanginess clearly came in second to the former.

As much as I admire the French style of chardonnay, I have to take my hat off to Catena and it’s lovely product. I have been a fan of Dr. Catena’s wines and this 1999 proved to be quite lovely especially when you consider the price under $15 usually. As for the Clos Pegase, again I could have swore that this fruity, flowery, wine with ample nuttiness brought me back to a good Mersault. Unfortunately, due to our ever vigilant wholesale industry and their close association with their political allies now prevent me from getting my two bottles every two months.

So we come down to what goes better with food? I’m still in the corner of the French wines. However, given a sunny, summer afternoon on the patio, I won’t reject a glass of the former. Take notice of the Sakonnet offering, stayed right up there with the name boys…worth the trip down Little Compton way.

Wines were tasted blind and numbered 1-8 in random order. Except for the Pegase ($25-30)and the Dehlinger ($25), all the others ranged from $12 to $17……

Scoring_

Wine # 1- Catena ,Agrelo Vineyard- Argentina, 1999 93

Wine # 2- Sakonnet Vineyard- Rhode Island, 1998 86

Wine # 3- Dehlinger , Russian River,1998 90

Wine # 4- Rully, Dom.M. Morey-1999 85

Wine # 5- Bourgogne ,Matrot- 1999 86

Wine # 6- Montagny,Ier Cru ,Boilot-1999 86

Wine # 7- Bourgogne Blanc,Fichet –1999 90

Wine # 8- Clos Pegase,Mitzuko’s Vineyard-1997 93