Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay

2008
Sonoma, CA

This is one of my stand-by favorites. I am surprised that the ratings aren't higher than they are. Wine Spectator only gives this an 87, Wine Enthusiast, however, gives this a 91. I, being a Chardonnay FREAK, agree with WE. The minerality and creaminess of this Chardonnay are capable of transforming me to a more enjoyable place, if only temporarily.

Last weekend, following weeks of end-of-year stress (8th grade graduation, confirmation, dance, town tornado, death of my grandmother) I looked for solace and peace overlooking the ocean at my MIL's summer place. However, my middle child fell off the see-saw on the beach playground and broke her arm in less than 24 hours of being there and the weekend turned into a bust financially, stress-wise, and everything inbetween. Resigned to all I can't control, I went out and splurged on one of my favorite Chardonnay stand-bys: the Sonoma-Cutrer 2008 Chardonnay. I went back to the cottage, sat on the deck in the late afternoon sun overlooking Fisher's Island Sound, and opened my Keith Richards book and sipped for all of 30 minutes before something else needed my attention. But it was a blissful 30 minutes.

My grandmother is forever on my mind. I realize my last post was hardly a budget wine (and this one isn't particularly ""budget" either)- it was the day she died and I turned to my uncle's gifts for a wee bit of solace in remembrance of a truly lovely lady. Her memorial service and burial is next week and I am to speak. I am feeling nervous and sad and anxious and am beginning to doubt my capabilities. As usual. I miss her terribly, and the way of life she provided me. I feel I am blindly wandering through my life lately. Time goes by too fast. Friends who were, disappear. Loved ones move on. I am still searching . . . for what I don't know.




Did I say that I need you?
Did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn't I'm a fool you see
No one knows this more than me
As I come clean

Nothing you would take
Everything you gave
Hold me 'till I die
Meet you on the other side

Pearl Jam, Just Breathe

8.25 out of 10
$24 / 750 ml. bottle

Sonoma-Cutrer

2007
Chardonnay
Russian River Ranches

We went out to dinner tonight thanks to my mother-in-law and had a good dinner, though way too pricey. I had a glass of my old favorite Nora Albarino, 2007, but it just didn't taste as good as the first time. So, when my dinner came (shrimp with green beans and peas and garlic aioli sauce) I switched. I told the waitress I liked a heavier wine and she gave me a glass of the Sonoma-Cutrer. It was perfect with my shrimp. It was creamy lemon with butter and minerality. A nice match to both the shrimp and a bite I had of my stepfather-in-law's lobster and spinach provolone mac and cheese.

The highlight of my night was Dustin Hoffman showed up. I am a sucker for Hollywood types. I contained myself though and didn't act like a fool. Unlike the wait staff who came out of the woodwork to wait on him and ask him if he needed anything, repeatedly! Even the chef made a miraculous appearance shortly after he arrived. She acted casually, bringing out dinner to a table that she barely paid attention to. But on her return to the kitchen she made a strategic b-line to his table.

Anyway, I hate it when things are way over-priced, and our meal was for sure. But I enjoyed my wine with my meal. I just won't make a hearty attempt to return to that restaurant in the near future.

I'll bet she's beautiful
That girl he talks about
And she's got everything
That I've had to live without

-Taylor Swift-


8.0 out of 10
$19/750 ml. bottle