WTN: Three Chardonnays (1 with bubbles)
Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 9:17 amWith a lobster dinner
NV Pierre Péters Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Cuvée de Réserve - France, Champagne, Le Mesnil Sur Oger, Champagne
February 2011 disgorgement. Great precision, white fruit, a touch of yeastiness and a long, citrus tinged finish. This was just outstanding.
2011 Arnot-Roberts Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
Apples, limes and a deep minerality. This is refreshing, with minimal oak influence. The acidity is refreshing, and the finish is clean with lemon/lime accents. Very fine.
2009 Rhys Chardonnay Alpine Vineyard - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
Spicy and tropical on the nose. The oak is quite apparent, especially as the wine warms a bit in the glass. The aromas suggest a heavier wine than what it is, and in fact the palate impression is quite bright. The fruit is still tropical, with lots of pineapple, but there's good acidity. Just more aggressive on the oak than I would prefer.
NV Pierre Péters Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Cuvée de Réserve - France, Champagne, Le Mesnil Sur Oger, Champagne
February 2011 disgorgement. Great precision, white fruit, a touch of yeastiness and a long, citrus tinged finish. This was just outstanding.
2011 Arnot-Roberts Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
Apples, limes and a deep minerality. This is refreshing, with minimal oak influence. The acidity is refreshing, and the finish is clean with lemon/lime accents. Very fine.
2009 Rhys Chardonnay Alpine Vineyard - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains
Spicy and tropical on the nose. The oak is quite apparent, especially as the wine warms a bit in the glass. The aromas suggest a heavier wine than what it is, and in fact the palate impression is quite bright. The fruit is still tropical, with lots of pineapple, but there's good acidity. Just more aggressive on the oak than I would prefer.