Comments on: California Chardonnay Tasting – Episode #145

By: John J.

John J. — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 05:47:56 +0000

qotd: dont usually spend money on chard’s. but last one i got i can remember that i liked under $15 was the Jean Paul Brun ‘Terre Dorres’ Beaujolais Blanc.
So long as you keep rewuesting we send in requests Gary, i’ll keep giving you mine.
How about doing a vin jaune episode, or a charbono tasting episode?

By: Pangaea

Pangaea — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 15:21:01 +0000

Finally! I have a reference point between GV’s and my palate.

I have a 05 Souverain here and I thought the oak was a little less subtle on the nose than GV thought. Matter of fact for me I knew it was a oak monster right from the sniffy sniff. I totally agree on the lingering oak taste though.

QOTD: State side I’d have to go with Bogle. While French Chardonnay I’ll go with Red Bicyclette & Fat Bastard.

By: PsychoI3oy

PsychoI3oy — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:42:27 +0000

w00t! first ‘oak monster’ reference!!!

I’d have to go look but I think the first ‘thunder’ reference was back in the 120s or 130s.

It’s really fun to start from the beginning and see the show evolve into what it is today.

By: T. Reasoner

T. Reasoner — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:30:38 +0000

J. Lohr is really the only chardoney I can stand or maybe a KJ reserve… But I am more into the loure valley Sancerre’s.

aloha

Tracy

By: Joe

Joe — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 04:59:52 +0000

Fantastic job in Atlanta…offers should be pouring…IN!

By: Rich S

Rich S — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 20:38:27 +0000

Not a big chard fan at all. I would much rather have a riesling or a dry Italian white or even a zesty sauv blanc. But I am also not one of those ABC folks who will refuse to drinks chards at all. The absolute best chard that I have ever had was the Generations of Sonoma – Abandon Chardonnay. It was actually one of the better white wines in general that I have had recently. It was really well balanced with hardly any oak and had great citrus and grassy tones (mostly pear and even a little lychee). Seek it out!!!!

By: David

David — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 06:37:36 +0000

There are a lot of good Santa Barbara/Central Coast Chardonnays that are very good. They seem to be lower in alcohol. Napa Chardonnays are higher in alcohol, maybe too much sun? I am not a big fan of Chards anyway. thank you Gary, you are great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: Redhawk

Redhawk — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 06:30:32 +0000

QOTD: It’s been a long time since I had a chard under $15, but Meridian was decent–probably more like under $10. I always liked Ch. Souverain (and not just the chard), but their chard had been hovering over $20 when I gave up on it a few years ago. Good to know it has come back down in price. Hopefully that is more related to the relative overabundance of Chardonnay juice than to a drop in quality. Maybe they’ll go back to those distinctive multifaceted bottles again.

I am also surprised to hear how many people “hate” chardonnay. Good–all the more Jean Laurent Blanc de Blancs for me!

By: Karl B.

Karl B. — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 23:53:14 +0000

I like the Macon Village Chardonnays in the $10-$15 price range. Great discernable fruit and the use of seasoned oak barrels. Interesting that you tasted a mix of years. I would like to get your comments on a comparison between these different years.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 06:14:22 +0000

I just don’t get how one can hate/dislike Chardonnay as a catagory. There is such a range of different styles. People write them off too quickly IMHO… but to each their own opinion.