Saturday, March 2, 2013

Monthly Picks: March 2013

In honour of the recently completed 35th annual Vancouver International Wine Festival who's featured varietal this year was Chardonnay, this month's wine picks is dedicated to that classic Burgundian grape which has found many new places to thrive around the world. Long live Chardonnay!

La Frenz Winery 2011 Chardonnay - $20
Canada. At first impression the 2011 La Frenz Chardonnay seems to follow on the heels of the lean and tart 2010 edition, however, when given time to open-up in the glass the wine reveals a layer of rich orchard fruit beneath the crisp and tangy veneer which rounds-out the palate and compliments the light oak and MLF notes living up to the "Peaches'n'Cream" moniker.
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J Vineyards and Winery 2009 Chardonnay - $25
USA. This is the right kind of California oaked Chardonnay; big and buttery without the loss of balance. Melon, caramel apple and pear aromas greet you on the intense nose followed by similar flavours on the rich, textured palate with added white chocolate, lime rind and lychee notes.
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Painted Rock Estate Winery 2011 Chardonnay - $30
Canada. This is a tricky wine to get hold of now, but no Chardonnay list would be complete without including our Icon Wine of the Year for 2012. Delicate, complex and supremely well balanced.
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Silverback Vineyards 2011 Chardonnay - $55 (est)
USA. This beautiful Washington State Chardonnay was tasted last Summer as a barrel sample but is now ready to be released. A feminine, single-vineyard Chardonnay with layers of dried roses, orchard fruit, citrus and melon aromas on the clean, elegant nose.
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Antinori 2010 Cervaro Della Sala - $60
Italy. A curious selection from a country that mostly produces short-lived and spicy white wines. This is an age-worthy wine with gorgeous almond, crispy bread, orchard fruit and mineral characters aged in 100% new French oak that challenges where we expect top-notch Chardonnay to originate from.
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Champagne Lanson N/V Extra Age Blanc de Blanc - $114
France. A stunning Champagne made from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced exclusively from Grand and 1er cru vineyards offering sweet brioche, floral and mineral characters. Fresh, clean and crisp, the house style avoids all secondary Malolactic fermentation leaving the natural acidity high yet completely balanced. Ultra delicate on the pleasing fine-bubbled palate.
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