Chardonnay - This Wine Poet's Favorite White

Walking and riding bikes in the late afternoon heat,
wearing just enough clothes.
Coming home to cool grass leaving behind the sweltering street,
lightly misting my girls, laughing under the hose.
Writing my thoughts, birds and crickets in song,
out on the patio, I end my day.
Waterford crystal dances beside cobalt, blue spheres and patchwork arcs,
welcoming a crisp, chilled Luna di Luna blend of Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay.

I previously reviewed Luna di Luna, but thoroughly enjoyed a small glass again. Not having a new wine to review, I thought I'd list some interesting facts about my favorite summertime wine.

Chardonnay is a white burgundy. Chardonnay, Gamay and Pinot Noir are the major grapes of Burgundy, France. Chardonnay grapes grow best in Burgundy and Champagne, France; California and Australia.

There are more than (30) wine grape varieties planted in California. In 2004, the following was the top acreage breakdown:

2004 California Totals:
VARIETAL...................................ACREAGE
Chardonnay..................................96,500
Cabernet.......................................74,900
Merlot............................................52,000


"Chardonnay is a red wine masquerading as a white, which, in my opinion, makes it a perfect match for a steak." (Kevin Zraly)

Ah, no wonder why it is my favorite of the whites!

Bottega Vinaia Pinot Grigio and Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz

Bottega Vinaia Pinot Grigio
2005
Italy

Shiny green motion
Sun passing through summer trees
Dancing in the breeze

A little Haiku, for you, prior to my wine review :)

Would drink again.

We taste-tested this at Olive Garden. I liked it - slightly drier than I normally prefer, but very good flavor and balance and I think with the right food pairing it would be excellent. I probably should have had it with my meal (linguini, garlic, basil and tomatoes), but I opted for the Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz (review next) because I love reds so much (plus the antioxidant level in reds is far superior to the practically non-existant levels in whites).

7.5 out of 10 (could definitely be an 8 with food)
Not sure of the alc. by vol.
Approx. $18.99 - 21.99 / bottle
Trentino-Alto Adige Region


Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz
2005
Australia

Definitely will drink again.

I ordered this at Olive Garden and really enjoyed it before my meal, and with my calamari appetizer. It did not accompany my main meal well and I knew that was a risk I was taking. I find Merlot and most Cabarnets (for me) go well with garlic. But Shiraz is a little tricky. This wine is almost the reverse of the Pinot Grigio rated above. I would give it an 8 out of 10 rating before my meal and 7.5 out of 10 with my meal.

8 out of 10
$15.99 / bottle
Australia
http://www.penfolds.com/

Little side note: this evening I am enjoying again, a glass of Columbia Crest 2004 Grand Estates Merlot - much better than that corked 2003!!!! I am thinking I should have given this an 8 out of 10 in lieu of 7.5.

Bin 65 Chardonnay

Lindeman's
2006
Chardonnay

Will drink again.

"Happy summer" - backyard lit up with fireflies, running after them with a jar.
Playing train with Dave in the hall with the kitchen chairs while mom washes the floor,
and swinging on the swings for hours.
The distance and emotional journey between now and then SO far.
Innocence so precious, and lost long ago.
The life I've weaved, regrets, so strange from what I'd dreamed as a little girl.
How I wish I knew then what I now know,
never in the past would I have wasted a day,
having traveled from chocolate milk to Lindeman's Bin 65 Chardonnay.


I'm afraid I drank 3/4 of the bottle and I haven't yet had me dinner. I am talking like a pirate, me hearties, and am very agreeable this evening lads. I must admit, though, for $6.99 this wine is worth it. Very nice flavor and quite the punch. I only wish Johnny Depp was me dinner partner. I'd be hoisting the flags and stripping me clothes dontcha know. I might even be willing to walk the plank.

7.75 out of 10
13.5% alc. by vol.
http://www.lindemans.com/
$6.99 (totally worth the price)

Bogle Old Vine Zin

2005
Bogle Vineyards
Old Vine Zinfandel

Will drink again.

Made to be with water,
remaining stagnant too long.
Pulling from home port,
following a song.

Out onto unchartered waters, losing the way,
no captain, compass broken.
She entrusts the sea,
feeling more at home with each wave's sway.

Gliding along the water's glass surface,
her reflection appeared more beautiful than it was.
The sea presented full of life and a welcome warmth carrying her well.
But now the waters appear to have darkened, her reflection no longer there,
the sea seems colder, brewing a tempest swell.

She feels it's letting her go, almost pushing her back to home port in it's confusion.
Should she forge ahead, or let it be?
With the impending storm feeling unsurmountable, unsteadily, regretfully, the ship begins her retreat from the sea.

Damned if she do, damned if she don't, either way seems a sin.
New destination: Clarkesburg, California.
Sommelier, bring me Bogle Old Vine Zin.


I personally have (so far) found, you can't go wrong with an old vine Zin.
Berry, vanilla and spice are all in nice balance in the Bogle 2005. The finish lasts a bit. It was enjoyed with nothing other than sunshine and a warm early evening breeze on the patio, and mixed with lots of reflection.

7.75 out of 10
14.5% alc. by vol.
$11.99
http://www.boglewinery.com/ (I enjoyed the website, nice wine tasting room)

Luna Di Luna Chardonnay Pinot Grigio

2005
Italy

La luna
del sole della luna
del dio del sol
Dei dii
Discende
L'arresto la confusione

Moon of the moon
Sun of the suns
God of gods
Descend
Stop the confusion

A friend recommended Luna Pinot Grigio. I stopped on my way home and had a little discussion with the wine guy. I don't believe I bought the right wine, but I enjoyed what I bought. Luna di Luna Chardonnay Pinot Grigio and Luna di Luna Pinot Grigio Pinot Grigio were available in the large bottle size. As I wasn't sure I was buying the right one, I opted for the smaller bottle and only the Chardonnay Pinot was available in that size. The wine guy tried to stop me from purchasing either one. He even asked me if I trust my friend's recommendation. I said "just give me the damn wine." (No, I didn't say it out loud - just in my head.) This is a fat, bald guy with a heavy NY accent who is supposedly "100% Italian" and he thinks Luna is "over-rated." I told him to shut the hell up and let me be the judge (no, I actually said that in my head also - but it still felt good).

Anyway, I opted for the Chardonnay blend (as I am more partial to Chardonnay) and really enjoyed my first glass on its own after chilling on ice. I had a few sips and then took my children to the library. Upon my return The Guy had helped himself to a glass and commented that he thought it was good. I made grilled shrimp, tri-colore bow tie pasta, asparagus, olive oil, lemon and garlic, with fresh arugula from the garden thrown in, and freshly grated parmesean. It was a great accompaniment to the meal, especially the shrimp. The flavor of the wine died down a bit following my consumption of the arugula. I think the arugula flavor was just too strong and it overtook the fruit of the wine. But following each bite of shrimp, the Luna was dead on a good match.

I will buy and try the full Pinot soon and I would love to try the Luna "Freakout" white wine - (just a little out of budget for the next couple of weeks).

8 out of 10
$8.99 / bottle
12% alc. by vol.
http://www.lunadiluna.com/

Four Vines Biker Zinfandel

"The Biker"
2004
Paso Robles, California

"Wine comes in at the mouth and love comes in at the eye;
That's all we know for truth
Before we grow old and die.
I lift my glass to my mouth, I look at you and sigh."

William Butler Yeats


Will definitely drink again.

I purchased this "once-a-month" wine (cost wise) for Father's Day dinner (the same dinner that is mentioned below with The Liberty School Chardonnay). It was good on its own and went well with aged cheddar cheese and Carr wheat crackers before dinner. The wine became more peppery following the crackers and cheese, and the cheese became more cheddar-y. I enjoyed it with the grilled pork loin as well. Again, it was spicey but it brought out the taste of the marinade (which had a bit of mint as well as many other flavors, but the Zin brought out the mint). The finish was long and satisfying. Overall, a good buy, even though higher than I normally try to spend.

8 out of 10
A whopping 15% alc. by vol. (the Guy liked that part and asked for more - I thought he should go do shots of vodka if that's what he was looking for - he also thought he witnessed a red flying ant come across the yard and land on our patio table, reach over its right "shoulder", tear off its right wing, then reach over it's left "shoulder" and tear off its left wing then walk away. I must admit that I teased him mercilessly about perhaps being the first witness to an ant superhero, but then some of the guys at work today told me they've seen bugs do that - I'm not exactly convinced.)
$23.99
http://www.fourvines.com/

Liberty School Chardonnay

Central Coast
2003

Will definitely drink again.

This wine was very good at the end of a hot, humid day on the patio with Carr whole wheat crackers and Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar cheese. It was equally as good served as an accompaniment to the dinner I made: Grilled pork tenderloin with garlic and ginger (recipe posted on Chez Nathalie site), baby red potatoes with Greek Yogurt, and a baby greens salad. For those who are not fond of intense oakiness, this is a low-oak wine. I tasted mostly pear, a hint of vanilla and slight butter. Very refreshing for a summer evening.

7.75 out of 10
Liberty School
2003 Chardonnay
Paso Robles, California
$13.99 / bottle

Mirone

Red Wine
Product of Spain
Vino de Mesa

Would drink again. Good everyday wine for the price.

"Mirone" was the signature of "Mir Geribert" who was the Prince of Olerdola (in Spain) during the 11th century. He came into confrontation with the Count of Barcelona, Berenguer Ramon I (1040 - 1059). I believe, though I could not confirm, the confrontation had something to do with Christianity.

This wine had me fooled all night tonight. It's bouquet was earthy and peppery and it tasted peppery and somewhat strong upon initial mouthful. But it had little to no finish whatsoever. It totally weakened out. This was prior to dinner. Once again, finally looking to my Wine Lover's book, I made the most AWESOME dish tonight: "Moroccan Grilled Chicken With Mint Sauce". I hope to post this recipe on my currently lame Chez Nathalie website if you should want it (give me 24 hours). Suffice it to say it was so good I can't wait to make it again. I happily grow mint in my (also) lame garden off my kitchen and used it in the recipe and it was supreme. This wine, though somewhat mild, was incredible at bringing out the flavors of dinner. The mint was enhanced following a swallow of wine. And as well, the roasted pecan and garlic whole grains I made were so much nuttier following a swallow of wine after a forkful. It was quite fun to experiment with. Having another glass followng dinner, the wine was more flavorful and had a slight finish that wasn't there before. Way cool. Yes I've had more than my alotted (1) glass.

7 out of 10
$6.99 / bottle (Cheap!)
13% alc. by vol.

Columbia-Crest Merlot

Grand Estates
Columbia Valley
2003 and 2004

Would drink 2004 again, and maybe try another bottle of 2003 to see if what I experienced was just a corked wine for that particular bottle.

Silence can be torturous and deafening,
it's numbing her ears today.
Wanting to do what's best,
hoping instinct is leading the right way.
Relinquishing to Washington State, she pours a glass of Columbia-Crest.

Following Kevin Zraly's once-a-week recommended list, I bought a bottle of Columbia-Crest Merlot last week when I also purchased the Kendall Jackson Chardonnay (also one of the list's once-a-week wine recommendations). I thoroughly enjoyed it as a glass on its own unaccompanied by any food. I don't remember what I did eventually have to eat with it, but it tasted better all alone. This week I thought I purchased the same vintage (2004) but didn't notice until I got home and poured a glass that it was actually 2003. The taste was much different which is what made me go back and study both bottles to discover the different vintage. It had a cellar smell on the cork and in the glass. The cork was in good condition so I don't know what the deal was. But the "cellarness" was immediately tasted upon first sip. The finish was nice, reminiscent of the 2004 bottle. But I couldn't get past the initial cellar flavor so I was disappointed. The 2004 had an equal balance of earthy woodsiness and berry with a nice finish. It reminded me a bit of the U.S. merlots I used to enjoy in the early 90's so I was happy enough to purchase again (or so I thought I was purchasing again).

2003 / 7 out of 10
2004 / 7.5 out of 10
$11.99 / bottle
http://www.columbia-crest.com/

Love My Goat

Bully Hill
Love My Goat
Red Wine

Ride it out with me.

Driving into work, pondering the world's troubles and what I can't do,
My thoughts are accompanied by Bono and U2:

"Heaven on Earth,
We need it now.
I'm sick of all this hanging around.
I'm sick of the sorrow.
I'm sick of the pain.
Sick of hearing again and again,
that there's never going to be peace on Earth."

Needing a distraction and a serious mood shift,
I visit "Wine World" on my way home.
If you buy six bottles there's a discount,
So I then peruse the store more and happily roam.

Before dinner I pour myself a glass of "Bully Hill"
Cover the glass, swirl, lift my hand then smell -
smoked turkey and lettuce on toast,
not quite sure if I've met heaven or hell.

SERIOUSLY. Smoked turkey, lettuce and toast. That's what I smell. The taste (to me) is interesting, weird. It gets me at first like grape juice, then tastes . . . meaty, like smoked turkey. Not much finish. The taste didn't change at all with dinner (ravioli and carrots). This is the first time I've tasted something outside of the "normal" range of flavors I usually encounter. It was actually a slightly wild experience. Although I'm not fond of the wine, I'm glad I tried it. I won't be buying it again. Hey! At least the experience lifted my mood.

6 out of 10
$7.99
11% alc. by vol.
Bully Hill Vineyards
Hammondsport, New York
http://www.bullyhill.com/

Kendall-Jackson 2005 Chardonnay Vintner's Reserve

Kendall-Jackson
Chardonnay
California 2005

I sit reflecting as the radio plays,
and the "Rascal Flats" hauntingly enter my thoughts through my daze:

"I've dealt with my ghosts and I faced all my demons,
Finally content with the past I regret.
I've found you find strength in your moments of weakness.
I've been burdened with blame, trapped in the past for too long . . .
I'm moving on.

I've lived in this place and I know all the faces,
each one is different but they're always the same.
They mean me no harm but it's time that I face it,
they'll never allow me to change.
But I never dreamed home would end up where I don't belong.
I'm moving on.

I'm moving on, last I could see,
Life has been patiently waiting for me.
And I know there's no guarantees, but I'm not alone.
There comes a time in everyone's life when all you can see are the years passing by.
And I have made up my mind that those days are gone.
I'm moving on . . .

. . . Maybe forgiveness will find me somewhere down this road,
I'm moving on."

The tears well up, and silently for strength I pray,
Then giving in, I gently sip my Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay.

I don't know what's happened to my taste buds. Chardonnay has always been my favorite summertime end-of-the-day delight. But these last couple of years, it hasn't tasted the same. They say your taste buds go through changes every seven years and things that you used to like might change. Chardonnay has become more acidic (almost carbonated) to me. It's not as smooth as it used to be. It used to effect me like a winter velvet red. About three or four years ago, my favorite Chardonnays were Clos du Bois, Chateau St. Michelle, Columbia Crest, and Kendall-Jackson. They all taste different to me now and it's beyond disappointing. Interestingly enough, three or four years ago I was paying approximately $17.99 per bottle for each. Now they are all $3 to $4 cheaper.

This weekend, however, I found a little of the old fondness in Kendall-Jackson's 2005 Vintner's Reserve and I remain happy this evening as I partake in it again. Saturday night I grilled some chicken marinated in my favorite sauce "Veri Veri Teriyaki" by Soy Vay www.soyvay.com, along with Shitake mushrooms, red, yellow and orange peppers, sweet onions and parmesean risotto. I poured myself a glass of KJ Chardonnay while waiting for dinner and enjoyed a little of the past. The flavor was all there, but there was just a hint of “carbonation” (for lack of a better term) bothering me. Later, the vanilla, oak, and pear I love so much was drowned out slightly by the strong dinner flavors. However, with tonight’s dinner it was superb. (And before dinner too with a piece of oat, flax pita bread dipped in kalamata olive-artichoke hummus). I made organic brown rice penne with sauteed shrimp in olive oil and garlic, organic grape tomatoes and MY OWN off-the-kitchen garden arugula, topped with freshly grated parmesean. I truly believe a couple of days in the fridge softened it a bit and it wasn’t as acidic for me. It was a great compliment to the meal.

7.5 out of 10
http://www.kj.com/
$13.99 / bottle
13.5% alc by vol

Captain! PLEASE Bring Me My Wine . . .

Bear with me through this seeming tangent. This has been quite a week. It began this past weekend when my washer broke. I bit the bullet and put a new washer and dryer on my credit card and paid for weekend delivery but it couldn't be installed because our shut off valve was broken. I had to call a plumber first. My new washer and dryer are sitting in my messy garage. Trying to get Sears to come back has been impossible. I've got (3) kids, and a dog that occasionally throws up (this week of course being one of those occasional occurences) and I've been without a washer now for 6 days. The Guy left for MA to cover Patriots training on Monday night and I came down with a nasty respiratory infection of some sort Tuesday morning. That same day I somehow unintentionally got in the middle of my boss and my friend (his wife) and their nasty marital demise, which then resulted in friction between myself and my boss's 80-something year old mother (who I also work for - and you don't want her mad at you). I'm still baffled and bewildered over the whole experience. (Thankfully, all parties have apologized to me and we've moved on.) My respiratory duress escalated and I had to seek medical attention and, against my naturalstic tendencies am now on antibiotics, a "controlled substance" cough syrup, and an inhaler. Heluva way to lose weight. (The ironic upshot to this is I did a body toxin cleansing fast all Sunday night through Monday night, then woke up wicked sick on Tuesday.)

Needless to say, I haven't felt much like wine tasting or blogging. But, I hate to let so many days go by without posting anything at all. So, in the absence of any wine to taste, I thought I'd post some recommendations from Kevin Zraly's book. It is my hope when I'm much better to try a few of these and report my findings. And, when I do finally get better, I'll be dancing my way into the wine shop and will totally savor that first glass which will be very much deserved.

No particular vintage is recommended for this list as most are retasted every year and have been found to be consistently good. (This is not the complete list at all.)

Everyday Wines
($10 and under)

Argentina - Bodegas Norton Malbec, Bodegas Esmeralda Malbec, Trapiche Malbec
Australia - Jacob's Creek Shiraz/Cabernet, Penfolds Semillon/Chardonnay, Yellow Tail
California - Beringer Merlot Founders Estate, Fetzer Merlot Eagle Peak, Fetzer Sauvignon Blanc or Syrah, Monterey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Glass Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, Pepperwood Grove Chardonnay
Chile - Walnut Crest Merlot, Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon 120
France - Beaujolais-Villages Louis Jadot or Georges Deboeuf, "45" Jaboulet, Fortant de France Merlot or Syrah, La Vieille Ferme Cotes de Ventoux, Les Jemelles Syrah or Merlot, Reserve St.-Martin Merlot
Italy - Chiarlo Barbera D'Asti, Montepulciano Red, Casal Thaulero
Spain - Bodegas Montecillo Cumbrero, Marques de Caceres Crianza
Washington State - Columbia Crest Semillon-Chardonnay, Covey Run Fume Blanc, Hogue Chardonnay, Columbia Valley

Once-a-Week Wines
($10-$20)

Argentina - Malbec Alamos, "Collection Privada"
Australia - Banrock Station Chardonnay, Black Opal Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, Penfolds Bin 389, Rosemount Show Reserve Chardonnay
California - Benziger Chardonnay, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon; Castle Rock Pinot Noir, Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, Cline Cellars Zinfandel, Estancia Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon, Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Vintner's Reserve, Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon; Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosenblum Zinfandel Vintner's Cuvee, Simi Cabernet Saugvignon, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay;
Chile - Casa Lapostolle Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot Cuvee Alexandre, Los Vasco Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Rita Cabernet
France - Alsace Reisling - Trimbach, Cotes de Rhone Reserve Perrin, Drouhin Vero Chardonnay or Pinot Noir; Fleurie, Georges Deboeuf
Germany - Kabinett/Spatlese - Wehlener
Italy - Allegrini Valpolicella Classico, Antinori Sangiovese Santa Cristina, Pighin Pinot Grigio, Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva
New Zealand - Brancott Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, Goldwater Sauvignon Blanc, Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Stoneleigh Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
Oregon - A to Z Wineworks Pinot Noir, Cooper Mountain Pinot Noir, Argyle Chardonnay
Spain - Bodegas Muga Reserva, Conde de Valdemar Crianza
Washington State - Canoe Ridge Merlot and Chardonnay, Chateau St. Michelle Riesling Eroica, Columbia Crest Chardonnay, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon

Once-a-Month Wines
($20 - $50, most under $40)

Argentina - Catena Cabernet Sauvignon Alta, Salentein Malbec
Australia - Greg Norman Estate Shiraz, Penfolds Shiraz Bin 28
California - Artesa, Beaulieu Rutherford, Beringer Knight's Valley Hess, Joseph Phelps, Whitehall Lane (all Cabernet Sauvignon); Arrowood Grand Archer, Beringer Private Reserve, Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve, Mondavi (all Chardonnay); Clos du Bois, Frei Brothers, Phelps (all Merlot); Acacia, Byron Mondavi, Saintsbury (Carneros), Williams Selyem (Sonoma Coast) (all Pinot Noir); Clos du Bois, Fess Parker, Justin (all Syrah); Fife Old Vine, Ridge Geyersville, Rosenblum-Continette, Saghesio Old Vine (all zinfandel)
Chile - Conach y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon, Errazuriz Don Maximiano Founders Reserve, Vina Montes Cabernet
France - Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc, Chateau de Malle (Sauternes), Chateau Lagrezette (Cahors), Chateau Pontesac, Chateau Sociando-Mallet
Italy - Antinori Badia a Passignano, Antinori Chianti Classico Tenute Marchese Riserva, Melini Chianti Classic Riserva Massovecchio
New Zealand - Kim Crawford Chardonnay
Oregon - Argyle Pinot Noir
South Africa - Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Spain - La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza, C.U.N.E. Contino Reserva
Washington State - Canoe Ridge Chardonnay, Chateau St. Michelle Dr. Loosen Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, L'Ecole No. 41 Cabernet Sauvignon

Chianti Classico Riserva 2003

There almost every day,
now, perhaps indefinitely, gone again.
The sun's warmth was out,
but it must retrieve back in.
The moon has risen but no longer brightly,
leaving only her thoughts to reflect in the Chianti.

Chianti Classico
Riserva 2003
Tomaiolo

I have never been a fan of Chianti. It's about the last red I would choose. The few I've ever had have completely sucked all mositure out of my mouth. I stopped at a very cool wine shop near where I work on my way home. The owner recommended this Chianti with dinner (homemade pizza again). I knew from my favorite wine author, Kevin Zraly, that 2003 was one of the "best bet" years for Tuscan wine, AND, I knew that a Chianti Classico Riserva is one of the better values. This was a pretty good Chianti. I enjoyed it more on its own than with my pizza. It had more flavor and a much better finish than any previous Chianti I've encountered. I know a lot of people don't particularly care for "oakiness", but I tend to gravitate toward it. This has elements of oakiness with a pleasant balance of berry. I would definitely buy it again, but I probably would not serve it with pizza as the flavor seemed to get washed out.

7.5 out of 10
$13.99
12.5% alc. content

Fact from "Windows on the World Complete Wine Course":

"The name 'Chianti' was first recorded in A.D. 700. Brolio, a major producer of Chianti, has been in business since 1141. Thirty-two generations of this family have tended to the vineyards and made the wine."