Chardonnay is a white wine grape variety which originated in eastern France, but now the popular variety is grown wherever the wine is made. Chardonnay is considered one of France’s best white wines. For regions just developing, growing the variety means easy access into the wine market, and is considered a “rite of passage.” Chardonnay grapes are a mild flavored grape that, depending on the way it is created, can produce flavors of oak, tropical fruits, and nutty flavors. Chardonnay is popular when blended into wines such as Champagne, and is one of the most planted grape varieties in the world. The wine grew in popularity, especially in the 1980s, and has been closely related with Pinot blanc. In the 1990s, Chardonnay was the typical drink for young women. As popularity grew, vineyards started planting more of the variety, however, when times and trends altered, more people started drinking red wine instead. DNA research shows that Chardonnay is a mix between Pinot and Gouais Blanc grape from France, which is said to have been brought by the Romans from Croatia. Chardonnay is one of three major varieties founded in Champagne, and is the most common variety in Aube and Marne.
The 2016 is the inaugural Chardonnay release from Freelander. This California wine shows good acidity and provides a nice balance to the ripe pineapple, pear, and passion fruit flavors. Just a hint of vanilla spice oak ends in a finish that’s clean and pure.
Freelander Chardonnay is 100% Chardonnay aged in French and American Oak barrels.
Freelander wines have been made in Napa Valley, CA since the founding. The fruit comes from select vineyards that produce elegant and impressive wines. Freelander Chardonnay shows good acidity and provides a nice balance with ripe pineapple, pear, and passion fruit flavors. Just a hint of vanilla spice oak ends in a finish that’s clean and pure.
Fullerton Five Faces Chardonnay is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
Five FACES is an acronym for the Fullerton family – Filip, Alex, Caroline, Eric, and Susanne. The wines blend fruit from multiple vineyards in Willamette Valley, mainly in the north of the valley with one to the west in the Van Duzer Corridor. A full representation of the Willamee Valley’s soil types is on display with one volcanic vineyard, two loess (windblown) vineyards, and two sedimentary vineyards. The vineyards range in elevation from 550-700 feet.
Honeydew melon, japanese pear, apricot, honeysuckle, apple-blossom, nutmeg, brioche, and lemon curd. Melon is echoed on the palate with notes of lemon, tangerine, toasted almonds, and fennel. Lovely and integrated acidity balances the palate weight from 17 months on the lees.
17 months in 10% new French Oak
Paris with creamy dishes and cheeses. Chicken and Turkey.
2021 Rossj-Bass displays the main features of the vintage well, with intense fruit concentration and floral notes. The nose shows ripe citrus notes of lemon peel and orange evolving into tropical fruits. The richness of the nose and the same notes are reflected on the palate, where remarkable acidity balances the fruit concentration. The wine is rich, full-bodied and creamy, with a long finish.
Review:
The 2021 Gaja Rossj-Bass starts off with very, crisp, green fruit and much more Sauvignon Blanc dominant aromas of grassy, bright, fragrant green apple and green pepper - all very bright and cheerful. Then Chardonnay seems to take over in the medium-full bodied and pleasing creamy texture of the wine. This is balanced again by the tangy, juicy acidity of Sauvignon. This is very elegant blend of Sauvignon Blanc aromas and zestiness and the textural comfort of Chardonnay. The name Rossj is a nickname of Angelo Gaja’s second daughter, Rossanna.
-Wine Independent 94 Points
Made from 50% chenin blanc and 50% chardonnay
It is an interesting experience as a sparkling wine for people who want to have a fine and elegant wine comparable to Champagne for a very good price.
This methode traditionnelle sparkling wine is aged for minimum 18-24 months in cave before disgorging. The dosage is 12 g/l residual sugar and the wine is aged for minimum 3 months after disgorging .
Review:
"The two sparkling wines should not be missed. They're both terrific examples of how good sparkling Vouvray can be. Both are 100% Chenin Blanc cuvees. Even better is the slightly richer, more honey and lemon-scented and flavored non-vintage Cremant de Loire. A blend of equal parts Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay aged for a minimum of 18 to 24 months in their cellars before disgorgement, this is a real beauty and a superb wine. Unfortunately, just under 100 cases are imported to the United States." -Wine Advocate 92 pts
Gentilhommes Vire-Clesse is made from 100% Chardonnay.
A gentilhomme is a gentleman characterized by his delicacy, thoughtfulness, and courtesy. "Les Gentilhommes" was created by brothers Richard and Stephane Martin as brand embodying the gentleman's character combined with Burgundian know-how.
From the work in the vineyard to the vinification in barrel, they are inspired to share these noble values. Quality, authenticity and long family tradition are the foundation of these wines.
This single-vineyard Chardonnay is produced in the village of Clessé, in the heart of the Mâconnais region in Burgundy, from 45 year-old vines planted on the limestone based soils of the Mount Epin.
Brillant robe with golden reflections. A nose with pear and white peach notes. Fresh, ample and full-bodied, a great balance in the mouth, with tension and subtle wooden notes. The elegance of this pure wine lingers on the palate.
Harvest is made by machine on non-irrigated vineyard. The wine has been aged on fine lees for 10 months with the major part in a stainless steel vat and the remaining in new oak barrels made out of French oak of a high quality.
No use of sulfites during harvest and vinification.
Fresh, ample and full-bodied on the palate, the wine is perfect by itself as an aperitif and delicious during the meal with grilled fish tacos or a Pad Thaï.
Inglenook Rubicon is made from 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
Since its inaugural vintage in 1978, Rubicon has been the Estate's premier red wine, reflecting the soul of the property and expressing Francis Coppola's wish to create a Bordeaux-styled grand wine, that is, "a wine that can please contemporary taste, but with a historical aspect [that defines] our vineyards at their zenith."
Rubicon was named after the small river crossed by Julius Caesar in 49 B.C., declaring his intention to gain control of Rome, thereby launching a civil war among opposing factions. Over time the phrase "crossing the Rubicon" has come to signify any irreversible action with revolutionary intent or the outcome of which holds great risk. True to its uncommon depth, Inglenook's Rubicon continues to be a testament to the finely tuned rendering of a risk well-taken.
Strikingly rich in color and extract, the 2018 Rubicon is unquestionably a precocious, hedonistic wine. The exotic, well-knit aromas and flavors include ripe cassis, allspice, star anise, vanilla and black licorice. Upon entry, this full-bodied wine envelops the palate with its luxurious concentration and supple, silky tannins, supported by vibrant freshness from the balanced acidity, and perfectly-integrated French oak. Very long and expansive in the finish, the 2018 Rubicon will be memorable for decades to come.
Review:
Subtle and complex red with blackberry, black truffle, sweet tobacco and mahogany. Highlights of lavender and violets. Full-bodied and very tight with finesse and tension. Very polished, fine tannins. Long finish. Delicious already, but best after 2022.
-James Suckling 97 Points
Lima Granite Vinho Verde is made from 100 percent Loureiro.
This special project from the Adega Ponte de Lima highlights the diverse soils of the Vinho Verde region. Made from 100% Loureiro grapes, both the Granite and Schist varieties boast a crisp acidity and expressive minerality.
Lima Vinho Verde Granite displays intense floral aromas with great freshness and more accentuated minerality.
Sushi, fish, seafood, cheeses and salads.