Monday, October 30, 2006

More October Whites(1):USA Chard,

CALERA CHARDONNAY 2002, Central Coast, California, 13.5% D, #713313 $19.95 (Tasted October 30, 2006)

A Vintages release October 28, 2006 described as "An excellent value in California Chardonnay, Calera's 2002 Central Coast Chardonnay offers a light green/gold color as well as attractive aromas of honeysuckle and white flowers, medium body, little oak, and a pleasant finish. It is ideal for drinking over the next 1-3 years. Score - 87. (Robert Parker Jr., August 2005) ." VH of winecurrent gives it four and one half stars (of 5) saying "You will love this, from the floral and toasty nose to the lengthy and luxurious finish it is a classy effort. The creamy, medium-weight texture is amazing. There is gorgeous apple pie spice, oodles of tropical fruit and all held together by a lovely citrus tang. The gorgeous finish offers ripe peach and a bit of citrus to keep it dry and clean. At an attractive price point for a wine delivering such a delicious mouthful of flavour." My notes: The label lists five vineyards in three counties as the source of grapes for this vintage. Honeysuckle and wild flowers describes the nose well... and a light gold/green the colour. Medium-bodied, a nice tartness with some butter, flavours of melon, lime and honey without the sweetness. A tart citrus and melon finish carries through until all flavours vanish leaving some warmth... no dryness. A cooperative sipper, ie. would go well on its own or with finger sandwiches: tuna or salmon spread, sandwich spread, ham with lettuce and party gerkhins. Was great with grilled arctic char and greens. Cellaring for a year would be OK but I'd check it after that (why not?)... drinking well now.

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