Chardonnay That You Can Find At The Store

Chardonnay That You Can Find At The Store – Episode #469

May 21, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk tries 3 Chardonnay wines that are available in most stores around the country. People have asked for more reviews of wines that are OUT THERE! Here you go.

Having trouble viewing this video? Try the Quicktime version.

Comments on this episode(275) Leave a comment ›

“QOTD: Frederic Magnien white burgundy, really great grip, touch of oak…” by richardvinifera
“Good. Ive been passing by the Acacia for awhile now.
Will give it a…” by Pangaea
View all 275 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

Stonehedge ChardonnayOther California Chardonnay
Estancia ChardonnayOther California Chardonnay
2006 Acacia A ChardonnayNapa Chardonnay

275 Responses

May 21, 2008

Kristen
no way! first?
May 21, 2008

Brian Kacehl
Damn I wanted to be first!
May 21, 2008

*/^_^\*
blah blah blah clever remark
May 21, 2008

Eli2Tyree
Top 5 – Hope you are enjoying your vaca Gary! – would of liked a burgandy on this one or even a chard from Italy (castello D’abola) – european chards desrtoy Cali chard
May 21, 2008

Scott EJ
Top fin. Kewl.
May 21, 2008

GrapeStuff
top 10
May 21, 2008

Augustus
good to be in the top ten!
May 21, 2008

Robert P.
Where are the rankings on internet wine shows? : )
May 21, 2008

JJ
lucky #7!
May 21, 2008

Matti
top 10
May 21, 2008

sobojosh
top 10
May 21, 2008

John
Top ten? Yeah!
May 21, 2008

John Watson
QotD: just had a bottle of the 2005 Abandon Carneros Chard. Unfortunately, it can’t hold a candle to the ‘04. Very bummed that I bought a case of it.
May 21, 2008

John
Oh. No.
May 21, 2008

JJ
sorry, 8th.
May 21, 2008

Gloria
The last chardonnay I tried was Little Black Dress. I think it was $9.00 and I didn’t really care for it. My favorite chardonnay is Merryvale Starmont.
May 21, 2008

Roro
Awww yes, top 20, I don’t have a wristband, if I did, I would be top10 everytime!

QOTD:(I think since I haven’t watched today yet) I had a 2006 Veramonte Chardonnay from Casablanca. Pretty good!
May 21, 2008

The Lukas
QOTD: i can’t remember, it was other week and i didn’t find it that good so i didn’t remember what it was.
It was a whole lot better than this horrible Pinot Bianco i’m drinking right now, which tastes like someone left a bottle of water open in their garden for a year. Lame
Hope you’re having fun on your vacation Gary.
Can’t wait to hear what sort of awesome ideas you’ve had when you’ve been “relaxing”, i mean, do you ever relax? really?
May 21, 2008

Anna
QOTD: 2003 Leeuwnin Estate Art Series – Margaret River
Yummy!
May 21, 2008

sobojosh
QOTD: Il Cuore 2006, Last night. in the same ballpark of what you did today.
May 21, 2008

Raybo
QOTD – Flora Springs 2004 Chardonnay. My wife likes Chards so I am forced to suck it up on ocassion. This Chardonnay was very good – crisp, clean and not over oaked as so many others I have tasted.
May 21, 2008

Matti
Forgot the QOTD: Shaw and Smith M3 Vineyard Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2005 It was veeeery nice!
May 21, 2008

GrapeStuff
QOTD: 2004 Beringer Vineyards Chardonnay Private Reserve – lots of butter popcorn jellybellies and pear, not TOO oaky. I remember I liked it.
May 21, 2008

KWC
QOTD: Last Chard was a Newton (maybe 2005) and was quite good

I have never really been into chards, but have recently been trying some big White Burgs and Chablis, very different but “real” whites and not the wimpy stuff.
May 21, 2008

Jay
I loved the pin.

QOTD: I can’t remember the producer, but I know it was from OR. Nothing spectacular.
May 21, 2008

Scott EJ
QOTD: Simi, RRV, 06. A little more oaky and buttery than those you reviewed today. But, all-in-all, nice mouthfeel w/those two components not being over the top and actually working quite well together and making a nice wine. Maybe not the greatest qpr @ $16. But, I didn’t feel cheated, either.
May 21, 2008

on the lake
So, when is the Robert Mondavi tribute show??
May 21, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
QOTD 2006 Sharpshooter Chardonnay
May 21, 2008

ninefingers
Joseph Drouhin Chablis Premier Cru 1967 in 1972 and was not as good as andre simon selection Macon Blanc Pinot Chardonnay-NV in 1972.

I would prefer a 7.5% Riesling to a ‘Chard’ anyday.
May 21, 2008

Tom
QOTD: It has been long enough that I have no idea which one i had.
May 21, 2008

Greg B
Big G, Cheap Chard….OK

QOTD: Patz & Hall 05. Pretty good!
May 21, 2008

MattyO
QOTD: Mezzacorona Chard. from Northern Italy (don’t know the vintage) but it was not over oaked, had a tasty lightness of apple-core with melted butter drizzled over it. very good with my meal. loved it.

great show gary, thank you for replying to my email so fast! i know you are busy! thank you thank you thank you thank you
May 21, 2008

Adam J
Thanks for this show Gary, I do think that it is time I give these inexpensive Cali Chards some more attention. Much appreciation for all the shows while your on vacation!!
Qotd: Guy Larmandier NV Blanc de Blanc- Both my wife and my pal’s were loving it.
May 21, 2008

Eli2Tyree
mine was Bzikot Bourgogne Blanc 2006 this weekend for my girlfriends birthday
May 21, 2008

Rossodio
QOTD: Last bottle I TASTED was the 2007 Altana Di Vico, an Italian chard. Not too great, I gave it 81 points.

Last bottle I bought and had (at a restaurant, in fact) was the 2002 Louis Max Mercurey les Rochelles (Chablis, of course)… I gave it 89 points, contrasting strongly with spectator’s 84. I have no idea how it’s lasted this long, but it was still fine.
May 21, 2008

Brian
I personally like the oak in chardonnay, its just a different flavor it gives and its nice when you really arent in the mood for something fruity..

QTOD: 2006 Rock Hollow Chardonnay Vinter’s Selection Central Coast (still sitting on 5 bottle, but im sure you would find it over oaked)
May 21, 2008

Jaybird
Hey mott what was in the bucket!? No slackin’ when GV is on vacation

QOTD: The last chardonnay I had was a 1995 Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Champagne CuvÃ©e SpÃ©ciale.
May 21, 2008

Omallley
QOTD: An Estacion Chardonnay from Chile. It was surprisingly crisp and clean unoaked wine.
May 21, 2008

Christine (cflo)
Frank Family Reserve Carneros. I don’t drink chards very often but this is one I love!
May 21, 2008

M
QOTD: I can’t remember. I’ve been busy expanding my palate with Albarino, Greco di Tufo, Falanghina, Viognier, Macabeo, Gruner Veltliner, Muscadet, Rueda whites…. I generally prefer red but this spring I’ve been sampling whites.

I got a bottle of 2005 Jekel Chardonnay (Monterey) in a gift basket. Therefore it will be my next Chardonnay.
May 21, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
Seriously what was in the bucket Mott?? QOTD- I had the Mer Soleil 2005 a guest left some for us to try at the bar last night. YUCKKKKK!! No wonder he didn’t finish it
May 21, 2008

MGM
QOTD: Catena “Alta” 2006, Argentina
May 21, 2008

Neil
QOTD: T
May 21, 2008

Neil
Whaaaaaaaaaat Haaaaaaaaaaaaappened?

QOTD: St. Clement Abbott’s Vineyard Chardonnay.
May 21, 2008

purplejuicebruce
QOTD….Petite Sirah!
May 21, 2008

Rowland
HOLYMOLY, i did see that!!! if only it had been Lion-O and Mumra!!!
May 21, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: I believe the last one was a 2005 Benziger Chardonnay Los Carneros which we bought at the winery last year.
May 21, 2008

E
QOD: 2004 Terres Dorees Beaujolais Blanc. Eight bucks, kicked several different kinds of ass, now it’s twice that. Rasafraggin’ weak dollar.
May 21, 2008

maggiej
Good to see some available wines.

The last chardonnay I had was a 2006 Unoaked Chardonnay from Villa Maria, Marbourgh, New Zealand. It tasted a lot like the a generic new zealand sauvignon blanc! We had some killer Chardonnays at Joullian up in Carmel a month ago.
May 21, 2008

Shawn
What happened to the new format with you chillin’? Different camera angles, enjoying the wine, chatting. That was kinda fun. I don’t really know about this whole value thing though. I mean, honestly, how often do you think you can bring the thunder doing 12 bone wines? I enjoyed more the barbera episode, where you did the whole encyclopedia thing, and taught us something. WLTV to me is about learning. I mean, you’ve totally changed my perspective about wine. Now what the hell happened to the burgundy chardonnays? That was thunder. Episode 27, you were so rockin’ it. I WANT THUNDER!

QOTD: Wolf Blass Red Label Chardonnay Semilllon, 2007.
May 21, 2008

mike76
QOTD: 04 Peter Michael Belle Cote – huge wine, tropical fruits with mineral background and lemon oil.
May 21, 2008

Karl B.
Hi Gary,

last Chardonnay: Chasseur Sangiacomo Vineyard 2005 (w/mushroom ravioli for dinner).

Karl B.
May 21, 2008

Medo
Had 2 German Chardonnay’s during the last days:

2004 Langwerth Von Simmern Chardonnay Auslese
&
2005 Kug’scher Hof Chardonnay SpÃ¤tlese Trocken

Both were very good!
May 21, 2008

manonthemoon
Not a chard fan, so not the best show. I much prefer the french style

QOTD: 2006 Sineann Chardonnay
May 21, 2008

AJ
QOD: Bogle Chardonnay

In a hurry today Gary?
May 21, 2008

Derek F.
Big chardonnay fan here…love it !!

QOTD: Last bottle was St. Michelle, dont remember the vintage, I think it was 2006. We had it with little necks over linguine
May 21, 2008

UTshock
I haven’t had a Chardonnay for a while. I’m not a huge fan of whites, but I’ve been trying to expand my pal by trying some different grapes like Albarino and Gruner Veltliner. I think the last bottle of Chardonnay I had was from Evan’s Ranch (Gainey’s second label) over Christmas. So, yeah, it’s been a while.
May 21, 2008

Mark S
QOTD: 2005 Silver Unoaked Chardonnay – Santa Lucia Highlands
May 21, 2008

KyBoy
QOTD: Can’t remember the last bottle I consumed, however, I bought a Kim Crawford “unoaked” chard last week that I’m looking forward to trying.

A side note…last night I was at a steakhouse in Louisville, Ky and had a 2002 Pirramimma Petit Verdot. It was absolutely fabulous. Incredibly unique flavor that got me pumped for petit verdot. I thought Gary would appreciate that.
May 21, 2008

TommyBoBo of WI
2005 Beringer Private Reserve…. Liked it ALOT!! full blown malo/marshmellow/butterscotch……
May 21, 2008

Pete G
Good to see u get into some more value wines. Keep it up.

QOTD: A 2000 Meursualt
May 21, 2008

ZinRiki
QOTD: Picked up Columbia Crest Grand Estates ‘06 ( 90 pts WS ) for $6.99 at Raleys!!!!
May 21, 2008

Karl Laczko
Stop posting on the forums, you’re on vacation!

Not a big Chardonnay fan, QOTD – Francis Coppola Diamond Collection 2005 Gold Label Chardonnay, so-so, not bad.
May 21, 2008

ray-ray
QOTD: My Last bottle of Chardonnay was an UnOaked 2007 Joie
May 21, 2008

MARK
CAMBRIA 2005…A BIT OF OAK..BUT NICE PEAR / APPLE FLAVORS…IT WAS OK..I’D BUY IT AGAIN.
May 21, 2008

Lee W
Last chard was A to Z wineworks from Oregon last week
May 21, 2008

theemptyglass
QOTD: 2006 Dynamite Chardonnay
May 21, 2008

Kristen
Very surprising that there was no Oak Monster today! Lucky you!

QOTD: It was from Wisconsin’s Wollersheim Winery, the 2006 vintage. We had it at the tasting after the tour. As my friend said, it had a “scary nose.” The taste wasn’t all that great either. I don’t drink that much Chardonnay at the moment- I keep on trying to expand and have different things.
May 21, 2008

Todd
I have Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2006 in the fridge right now. Not a fan.

More supermarket wines! I live in GA and can’t order from WL.com, but it’s always nice to drink along.
May 21, 2008

John Farrin
QOTD: Nugan ‘Frasca’s Lane’ Chardonnay, Aus. last Saturday night with Dungeonness crab cakes.

Welcome back with your tan.
May 21, 2008

JonE
Oh.. the super market series….let them be rare, brief occurences.

QOTD: Elena Walch 2004 Chardonnay, easily the best italian Chardonnay I’ve ever had. Surprisingly-with very little oak, this wine was really coming into its own 3 years after vintage.
May 21, 2008

Palmer
QOTD: 2006 Edna Valley Vineyard “Paragon” San Luis Obispo County Chardonnay for $10 at K&L. It was pretty awful because of – you guessed it – the Oak Monster.
May 21, 2008

Andy & Edie
QOTD: The always enjoyable Cakebread Chardonnay.
May 21, 2008

brorjace
Vega Sindoa from Spain. Pretty mediocre, oak and butter like Cali.
May 21, 2008

Robert F
QOTD: Vincent Girardin 2005 Chassagne Montrachet. White burg is currently the only chardonnay based wine that does it for me.
May 21, 2008

J-Pipes
QOTD: 2004 Stellenzicht Golden Triangle Chardonnay! I’m really getting into the South African chardonnay efforts lately. They’re tasty!
May 21, 2008

Kirk (aka: slave2thevine)
QOTD: 2005 BergstrÃ¶m Eyre Vineyard Chardonnay from Oregon. It’s nice to see some producers killing it in other grapes beside Pinot Noir. I just got my shipment of the 2006 BergstrÃ¶m Sigrid Chardonnay about two weeks ago and it’s cozy in the cellar for now. I’ll be anxious to pull one out when the time is right….
May 21, 2008

Rajiv
QOTD: The last Chard I had was the ‘05 Dom. Defaix Grand Cru Vaudesir at the WLTV Basilico’s party. Great fruit. Pleasantly sweet.
May 21, 2008

acenomics
QOTD: Don’t really drink much chard at all. Last one that I had was the homemade one that me and my grandfather made for my grandmother last year. Does that count? No oak added
May 21, 2008

DirtWineKen
QOTD: 2005 Latour Macon Lugny les Genievres
May 21, 2008

Zinny
Thanks! I’ve been having a hard time finding lower priced chardonnay’s that I like regardless of region – I will give the Estancia a shot next time I see it at the supermarket.

QOTD – my last chard was just a few days ago. 2004 Joseph Drouhin Rully – a lower priced chardonnay that I *did* like. Also another tip from the Thundershow. Thanks again!
May 21, 2008

Christopher J
QOTD: A supermarket Chardonnay: Sebeka from South Africa. I really like it for some reason I can’t explain. Very good.
May 21, 2008

Chip
QOTD: I’m not a big fan so my last Charonnay was a couple of months ago. It was 2006 Pouilly FuissÃ©, Domaine Renaud. It was a pretty good one. Very tasty…full of mineral flavors.

I hate the heavily oaked, buttery Chards!
May 21, 2008

John
QOTD: 2005 Goundrey Homestead Unwooded Chardonnay (Western Australia). Great wine with chicken, especially after letting it breathe for about an hour.
May 21, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: It’s been so long I couldn’t tell you….

Nice bit with the wrestling move then fantsy trade….a bang, bang play for sure….
May 21, 2008

John Blue Label
Good job GV. Need to look for value these days.
Had a bottle of Louis Jadot Puilly Fuisse on the company. Delish!
JWB
May 21, 2008

jack
qotd: 2004 MOUNT EDEN Chardonnay Edna Valley Wolff Vineyard
May 21, 2008

Sharon
Boston Creme donuts are my daughter’s favorite donuts. Well, coincidentally I’m having a Morgon chard Metallico now. Howz about that!
May 21, 2008

Craig Rost
QOTD: Beringer Founders Chaed. Very servicable at $4.99 a bottle
May 21, 2008

CuriousInStLouis
Neyers Carneros District 2005. Really awful. Tasted like the inside of a balloon and had so much heat I thought I was drinking grain alcohol.
May 21, 2008

elron
Echelon 04 Chard.on Sunday. Finally, finished my last Chard. in the cellar. Don’t drink much of white wine anymore. Did realize it’s time to buy a few more Chards. because I love to have it with paella. Even though it was an 04 it still went well with the dish.
May 21, 2008

normanzo
QTD: Edna Valley Vineyards 2006 Chardonnay Paragon. Nicely balanced with good body, acidity and just enough butteriness.
May 21, 2008

sam
Wazzup! I’m not a big Chardonnay fan myself, but I have recently enjoyed a Carmen Reserve from Chili which was under 15$ Canadian dollars. Keep up the inspiring work!
May 21, 2008

Zach Underwood
Columbia Crest 2005 Chardonnay was the last I had, about 2 months ago. Very refreshing wine.
May 21, 2008

Joe Thomas
The last bottle of Chardonnay I had was “Victoria’s Crest” a south eastern australia wine that I find very good.

JT
Fallston Maryland
May 21, 2008

Jared Pondelik
I have had a few Chardonnay with my mom since she really likes them. The best part was that I had her do a blind tasting and tell me which one she liked the best and everytime picks a nonoak Chardonnay. Even though nonblind she seems to like the oaky ones. I think this is a great example of how people are moving from oaky Chardonnay’s since they are not nearly as tasty.
May 21, 2008

Kdawg
the last chardonnay I had was a 2000 Fluteau Blanc De Blancs. great stuff
May 21, 2008

Slats
QOTD: some terrible $3 thing my mom was cooking with. I figured ‘what the heck’ and poured some. That mistake has been haunting me for 2 years now.
May 21, 2008

JoeShmo
QOTD: CURRENTLY i am drinking the oxford landing chardonney from southern australia, $10 bones, not very impressive. just my take tho.
May 21, 2008

TennLee
a bottle from Chateau Elan in jaja.
May 21, 2008

laposte
QOTD:

I believe it was a 2002 Louis Latour Meursault.
May 21, 2008

Araldite
QOTD: 2005 Chalone Vineyard
May 21, 2008

Johnny C. a.k.a SmokinActuary
Cartlidge and Browne California Chardonnay
May 21, 2008

KW
QOTD: 2003 Sonoma Cutrer – Russian River
May 21, 2008

Tooch
hey gary -

been a while since i left a comment…

first off, i just made a BIG fantasy baseball trade…

I GAVE: Ryan Howard, Tim Hudson & Hunter Pence
I RECEIVED: Kosuke Fukodome, Hideki Matsui, Xavier Nady, Jon Rauch

(i win)

QOTD: Grgich Hill 2006 Chardonnay – drank with my best friend on friday night…had the oaky/buttery/richness of the “traditional” CA chard…but both of us really enjoyed it. Felt that the flavors will balanced and that the oak didn’t dominate the overall tast.

hope all is well,

Tooch
May 21, 2008

Eric G
Big fan of the short shows, like it when you mix it up. Also it’s great to see you expand your taste buds too, QOTD- Last Chard was an unmemorable glass at a restaurant. However, I promise to seek one out.
May 21, 2008

kaybee
QoTd
Columbia Winery 2005 Wyckoff Chardonnay
fruity, apple, lemon, but crisp
like it
May 21, 2008

Allen Woodrum
qotd: 2006 Meridian Chardonnay. I actually thought it was better than the 83 points from wine spectator. Fruity, buttery, and smooth. I will probably buy some more of this. Got it on sale for 8.99
May 21, 2008

jason carey
Matrot 2005 Meursaut under screwcap.. believe it or not.. excellent ballance and smoky deliciousness with fruit..
I think that when it comes to cheaper Chard especially, the oak is dangerous. When you get to rich White Burgs, there can be some nice oak, but not when it becomes a vanilla butter bomb.
May 21, 2008

Johnnyutah
QOTD: Faiveley Bourgogne 2003 $22…a hot year for France and in the glass…the heat on the finish made it seem disjointed

However I had a 2003 Jean-Phillipe Fichet Meursault $34 recently that was excellent.
May 21, 2008

JC
QOTD: Cambria 05
May 21, 2008

Cuse Wino
QOTD- Paul Newman Chardonnay but my most common is the Four Vines Naked Chardonnay. No oak for me, thanks.

Nice short episode but tell the peanut gallery to keep it down.
May 21, 2008

Senator
Dice K for Manny? Whoever gave away ManRam got hosed.

Tooch, that’s a pretty even trade. You got slightly more value, but your trading partner consolidated his value into three players.
May 21, 2008

dick gearhart
Last bottle-DuMol Clare. It was corked. The folks at DuMol were fabulous and sent me a replacement bottle with their apologies. It is absolutely a must for me to have a relationship with winery or merchant for this very reason.
May 21, 2008

thefanjestic
Qotd: Naked Chardonnay from Four Vines
May 21, 2008

Anthony L.
Last bottle was Catena Alta 2005…very good.
May 21, 2008

In Vino Veritas
The last bottle of Chardonnay I had was Little Penguin (2007?). It was alright — not bad, not earthshaking.
May 21, 2008

Susan
I just finished the Wolffer Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay.
May 21, 2008

Gotsha
2005 Columbia Crest “Grand Estates”. Nothing but the best for me.
May 21, 2008

C-Lo
Short episode today GV – you haven’t done an under-9 minute episode for a while. I liked it though; I don’t have a whole lot of great wine shops around me, so I appreciate the supermarket picks.

QOTD: Chrysalis Vineyards Chardonnay out of Virginia. Not bad – went well with my meal from QDoba! Keep it real.
May 21, 2008

Little Jonny H
Dice-K for Manny… tough move. What you should be doing is trading away Indians pitchers, cause no matter how good they’ve been, the hitting has been atrocious!!!

QOTD: Sawbuck… not bad, and not over the top on the oak/butter.
May 21, 2008

DC Dell
Lurker checking in… Thanks Gary for exploring wines we can find easily. Ok, back to reading your book.
May 21, 2008

Paulie D
BYRON 2005 Chard – $17.99 – enjoyed while watching this episode
May 21, 2008

JamesN.
GV,
I think the last chard was a 2006 Meridian 8 bones, but servicable, probably too much oak for you.
May 21, 2008

Dan S.
Just had a Chateau Chantal Chardonnay from Traverse City, MI. Really crisp and fruity; almost no oak to speak of. You should check out this winery and many others from that area.
May 21, 2008

Jeff Mendenhall
Last bottle of Chardonay I consumed? A 2004 Rombauer a couple of days ago. It’s really not my style, but it was in my cellar and needed to be drunk.
May 21, 2008

Robin C
QOTD: Francis Coppola Director’s Cut Chardonnay at a wine tasting this evening. about $15.00. I liked it. It’s fermented in French oak. It had a sweet flavor.

I was out driving at 7:30 AM on Saturday morning listening to NPR and who should I hear but the ubiquitous Gary Vaynerchuk. Your PR person is really good.
May 21, 2008

dtazzman
Great show, really love the fact that you went with chardonnays today. Thats what my friends and I were sampling today.

As for the QOTD: We tasted the Stoneheaven WMS Chardonnay. Excellent wine.
May 21, 2008

brent
QOTD: Chardonnay Libaio ‘06…. meh
May 21, 2008

Exdamyankee
QOTD: Chateau St Jean Sonoma Cty 2006.
May 21, 2008

Paul Horan
I’ve had the Acacia, and like it a lot. Nice QPR.

QOTD: Ferarri-Carano 2006 Chard. Rolls in around $23 bones.

Paul in DC
noazdad
May 21, 2008

CBone
Too bad Super Fly Snooka didn’t jump off the rim off the Jets bucket to mess up Piper and Nikolai!

QOTD:Bookster 2005 California Chardonnay Really nice wine, not overly oakey, and I shared it with friends at a wine tasting I had for my 33rd birthday last month.
May 21, 2008

MikeZee
Good Show. My wife is a Chard drinker and I’ll give these a go.
QOTD: Edna Valley Chard is the go to Chard in this house.

Hope to see you at the WL in July. Cheers!
May 21, 2008

Justin
QOTD: 2001 Konsgaard the Judge
May 22, 2008

Chris S
Yeah! cheap,high QPR wines. Frugal wine drinkers of America thank you!

Can’t remember the last Chard. I don’t normally go for it. Stick with Reislings and such. I found a great Albarino the other day.
May 22, 2008

Mason
QOTD: Last one I had was Clos du Val 2004 Carneros. Good Chard!
May 22, 2008

Thomas
OOTD – Glass Mountain 2006 Chardonnay, nothing remarkable I used it for half cooking and half drinking. I got it from Trader Joes for fairly cheap price.
May 22, 2008

Aaron S.
MANNY FOR DICE-K????????? wow.

Should I hold on to Billy Wagner even if I’m being offered 2 fairly decent starters and an okay outfielder?
May 22, 2008

hookajoe
My first WL post!

QOTD: Last night I opened my 2005 Cycles Gladiator. My first disappointing purchase from wine.woot!
May 22, 2008

Steveo
2002 Shaw & Smith M3 Vinyard. Full body – very nice wine with tropical fruit.
May 22, 2008

Marc - Irvine
Nice show! It’s nice to see store picks now that we are in a low-budget mode.
QOTD: Last one I remember is Calera Central Coast ‘06. It was too alcoholic… although I had a cold… but I think other people agreed with me. It was around $15. Wouldn’t recommend it.
May 22, 2008

bundydb
That was freakin’ awesome!! I watched that reverse like 6 times!!! lol Could not have made that happen if you tried 10 times.

Great episode! Keep it up Gary V!
May 22, 2008

Cephalopunk
QOTD: Jean Manciat Macon-Charnay ‘06. Ripping good… very light on the oak – it’s mostly neutral; good crisp apple and pear; nice weight. I am really impressed by this wine.
May 22, 2008

JJ
QOTD: Recanati 2004, Israel, $13, 88 points Daniel Rogov.
May 22, 2008

Wine Bloke
2005 Mount Mary Chardonnay, Yarra Valley, Australia. An icon Australian brand.

Awesome wine. Check out the review.
May 22, 2008

BigTarheel
2005 Morgan Highlands Chardonay … lots of tart grapefruit/melon/citrus with a dose of vanilla butter
May 22, 2008

Neil Willsey
QOTD: Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay 2006. I am moving away from drinking much chardonnay in favor of other whites such as Riesling or Gruner Veltliner.
May 22, 2008

Mango
Woke up this morninÂ´ and remembered that it was La Mascota Chard from Santa Ana which sucked imho.
May 22, 2008

mike from Calli
Sweet pin Roddy
May 22, 2008

foulmouthpoet
i honestly can’t remember the last bottle of chard i had. it was probably a pouilly-fuisse– at least i think that’s a chard. but mostly, i’ve probably been a bit of a snob about it. and now that you bring it up, i’m probably going to have to pick up a few bottles and reacquaint myself. thanks gary.
jq
May 22, 2008

Bobby Bo
Stumbled on your twitter about that award show and see you are on the ballot. Make sure you vote for GV: http://www.bravotv.com/alist/2008/cewebrity//index.php

QOTD: I only drink the cheep chard, they cant afford the new oak. Oak monster is high dollar stuff. My last one was 9 bones from Chile, not sure the winery.
May 22, 2008

wildebeest
QOTD: 2004 Muir-Hannah Estate Napa Valley Reserve Chard. I got a good deal on this one; about $14. I really enjoyed it. I’d put it in the 87-89 range, depending on aeration, my mood, etc.
May 22, 2008

DoSo
Love the Broken Lizard t-shirt!!!

The last bottle of Chardonnay I had was Rombauer (not sure what vintage). It’s my favorite, but runs almost $30 a bottle, so I’ve been looking for a value-driven recommendation. Gonna check out the A by Acacia. Thanks!
May 22, 2008

wildebeest
QOTD, contd.: I forgot to mention that the Muir-Hannah Chard was definitely not over-oaked. Oak was present, but didn’t overshadow the fruit. Another good sign for this wine: tastes best at or above room temperature, in my experience.
May 22, 2008

Phil G
qotd – something at a wedding that was not memorable…
May 22, 2008

Neil
I’ve been trying more Chards, trying to find a 90+ in my budget. Honestly, the Chards are just not bringing the thunder for me. I know what you say about not condemning a varietal based on only a few wines, but I find myself being often disappointed with the Chards i’m drinking. I really prefer a nice dry Riesling, or a Pinot Gris. That said, the last Chard I had was Chateau St. Jean (Sonoma) 2006. It sucked. The best recent Chard I’ve had was the J. Lohr 2006. It was very textbook & I am partial to this winery. I only gave it an 88, the lowest score I have given any J. Lohr. Was still good, but a little pricey at $14.
May 22, 2008

markintokyo
I think it was a Leeuwin Estate Art Series 2001.
May 22, 2008

thrawn
I do believe it was a Beringer Founder’s Estate 2006, which was probably on clearance. Wait, I take that back, but I don’t remember the one I had more recently than that. Love the show this time, want to see more of this for other varietals as well!

Relurking…
May 22, 2008

davidjaeger
It was a 2005 Bernardus Chardonnay, I thought it was great!
May 22, 2008

Joe G.
QOTD: 2006 Bourgogne La Burgette Chardonnay
May 22, 2008

Mike Gigante
QOTD: About 3 weeks ago (I’ve been on a bit of a Riesling kick recently) — 1984 Houghtons “Show Reserve” While Burgundy. This wine, now called “Houghton White Classic”, is made in Western Australia. It is an iconic Aussie brand and represents great “value” drinking. A small portion of the regular label is held back for 4 or 5 years to go on the wine show circuit. This wine was stunningly successful on the show circuit in the early 90’s.

This was a really interesting wine and at 24 YO, was well past the “use-by” date set by all the wine writers here. I love older wines and I thoroughly enjoyed this wine – sadly I am now into the dreaded “1 bottle remaining” syndrome. I hate that!!!

I should post my tasting notes for this wine on corkd.

Mike
May 22, 2008

JerseyGirl turned CNY vayniac
QOTD: Hunt Country 2006 Chard – $12 from the Fingerlakes, NY. It was DELICIOUS! Tried it at my Wine Club when the vineyard came to present, and actually bought two bottles (among others from the same vineyard), which says a lot since i’m not a big chard fan.
May 22, 2008

laurie in VT
QOTD: An unremarkable Chard at a friend’s house a month or two ago, don’t remember what it was.

Your ‘interview’ that aired on NPR this past Saturday was a hoot! Thanks! Made our road trip even more enjoyable. Maybe you could have a weekly NPR spot – 5 or 10 minutes before or after ‘The Splendid Table’ ? Now that’d be sweet!
May 22, 2008

Katherine
I’m visiting my mother in law right now and we had a bottle of Barefoot Chardonnay. It was OK, not great, but drinkable. Thanks for doing a show with wines I can get in my local market!
May 22, 2008

Kevin
QOTD: 2005 Chatto Cloud Swing Chardonnay.

Gary I’d love to see you review this wine, its one of my favorite Chardonnay’s in the $12-$14 Range.
May 22, 2008

hugh
A very green episode today…the shirt, bottles, jets jersey, chalkboard

I have not had a bottle of chardonnay this year, but i did cook with some Crane Lake the other day…..
May 22, 2008

Marcus Guiliano, Aroma Thyme Bistro
I have always liked Stonehedge, always a solid wine for the money. Gary said he stocked up on the 92 Cab. I stocked up on the 97 Stagecoach Vineyard and even got a couple of the 5 liters at Aroma Thyme Bistro.

Marcus Guiliano
http://www.aromathymebistro.com
May 22, 2008

Bill
I just had a 2004 Buena Vista Carneros Chard. Very nice and balanced.
May 22, 2008

gastrononymous
QOTD: Rombauer 2006 Carneros Chardonnay — creamy, smooth, well-balanced, just yummy albeit pricier than today’s selections. I’ll try the Acacia A. Thank you Gary, I lurk no longer!
May 22, 2008

Bill B
Dehlinger Chardonnay 2006 – OAK MONSTER; rich full, buttery; the kind of chardonnay that got the ABC movement going… It’s a guilty pleasure!
May 22, 2008

Andrew
QOTD: Last chardonnay was New Year’s Eve. Garlic sauteed shrimp, a salad, and boiled lobster with butter. Went wonderfully alongside the 2006 Bollini Chardonnay Barricato 40, at CDN$14.
May 22, 2008

Chippewamike
QOTD: Evans & Tate Chard from down under.

Nice move Piper!
May 22, 2008

J.ÄŒ.
Last bottle of Chardonnay? Macon-Milly-Lamartine â€žClos de Fourâ€œ 2005 from Les HÃ©ritiÃ©rs du Comte Lafon ) Perfect small Burgundy
May 22, 2008

akellner
Last Chard: 4 Vines Naked, its put Chard back in my roatation
May 22, 2008

JerseyGirl turned CNY vayniac
Gary, I JUST got your book delivered to me! This was not a good idea having it shipped to work… It’s going to taunt me all day – “read me, read me, read me! you want some thunder? you know you want to READ ME!”
May 22, 2008

Daniel O
QOTD: The last chardonnay was a Rully actually. 2004 Chateau de Rully Blanc. Nice little white Burgundy.
May 22, 2008

Pardus
QOTD:It was Fetzer, which they sell in our commissary here. (Where you can chose from a selection of about 10 wines).
May 22, 2008

CBG
Whats up with the 3 min show?…you got the “runs”, hot date or chasing
( o )( o )?…that pin was worth it(UFC style)..great show

‘06 Martinelli Charles Ranch the last couple of days…its nice but a little short on the finish.
May 22, 2008

clarose
QOTD: The Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2005 from J. Moreau & Fils. Great acidity, refreshing even. Went very well with fish!
May 22, 2008

lurkdawg
qotd: ‘05 Louis Jadot St Aubin … I thought it was a pretty good example of white Burgundy for the price.
May 22, 2008

bfrankphoto
Four Vines Naked Chard. Tasty.
May 22, 2008

PaulC
QOTD:
I had a St Veran ‘La Grande Buisserie’ from Olivier Merlin, it was delicious.
Exceptional value at Â£13.00 approx $25
May 22, 2008

Sarno
QOTD: 2005 Cakebread Chard
May 22, 2008

Wednesday
2003 Stag’s Leap – the butter bandit made a major appearance.
May 22, 2008

JeffC
QOTD: Alamos Chard, Argentina, price under $8 bones. Very serviceable, and tasty
May 22, 2008

Jason S.
I great bottle of Longoria Chard that I broke out for my colleague’s bday
May 22, 2008

LauraG
It was a fabulous grower’s NV Blanc de Blancs, which is technically a Chard, so I guess that’s my answer.
May 22, 2008

Christophe - Titus Vineyards
2003 Ceja Chardonnay; not over oaked, great acid, golden and delicious
May 22, 2008

DFC
QOTD: Kuleto Estate Chardonnay. A pretty interseting one. This Chardonnay is a mountain grown Chardonnay from the mountains on the east side of the Napa Valley.
May 22, 2008

John D.
QOTD: 2005 J. Lohr Arroyo Seco Chard – was very nice. Touch of vanilla, not over-oaked.
May 22, 2008

Nathan L
Like the widely available format but lets keep it balanced. I personally think these should only be covered every 4-5 episodes.
May 22, 2008

Colin
GV – Awesome stuff. I replayed “the move” a number of times. QOTD – Yalumba Chard – very nice – no rules broken – and $9.
May 22, 2008

James H
QOTD: 2006 Vire Clesse â€œMaconâ€ Domaine Chazelles. A nice, crisp, stainless barreled white burgundy.
May 22, 2008

Deano
Gary good episode….i have read about 1/4 of your book and i love it.

QOTD:
-Grgich Hills and it was awesome!!!!
May 22, 2008

James
I poached chicken in orange juice and La Crema chardonnay last night.
May 22, 2008

W Miree
Another really good show! I used to drink a lot of Acacia, but have not had any in recent years. I will have try to get a bottle of the Acacia A. I am a member of the Chalone Wine Club, so maybe I can find it there. I was thrilled that you found 3 inexpensive Chardonnays that were not eaten up by the Oak Monster…hopefully this is a sign of change.

QOTD: I drink quite a bit of Chardonnay. My last bottle was last night: a 1999 Mount Eden Estate Chardonnay.
May 22, 2008

candapete
QOTD – Robert Mondavi Private Selection California Chardonnay 2006 – was one of the better Chard’s I’ve had in a long time, at this price.
May 22, 2008

Mike Linquist
Gary. Got your book yesterday. Your personality jumps out from the lines like an ambush waiting to happen. Pounce! I called Borders where I bought the book to start the ball rolling on how to attract a division of Vayniacs to the venue. It’s the store located just south of I-275 on Dale Mabry Highway. 813-874-5722. Evidently they have a coordinator that oversees approx 15 stores or so in the central Florida region. The clerk said that usually the publisher might handle book-signings, appearances, et al.
Anyway, it looks like it will require networking with a lot of other wine lovers and pull together.
Slainte.
Mike Linquist
May 22, 2008

VinoVixen
QOTD: Novellum
May 22, 2008

boegemann
QOTD: 2006 Verget MÃ¢con-Vergisson La Roche
May 22, 2008

jseeds
QOTD: Clos Pepe Estate Chardonnay,2006 – fierce.
May 22, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Cristom 2004 very minerally almost Chablis like.
May 22, 2008

Jayhitek
Gary just flexed!
May 22, 2008

R C Main
Since I started making my own wine, chard, barolo, and others I haven’t found
a wine in the $10 to $20 range that compares. I am most definitely a novice but have been learning more about wines since watching your show.
I’m glad I caught you on Mad Money.
May 22, 2008

The Wine Maven
QOTD: 2002 Dehlinger Russian River Valley Chardonnay.
May 22, 2008

tommers207
2006 Walnut Crest Chardonnay – Chile
May 22, 2008

Steve B
QOTD: Forgeron Cellars 2006 Columbia Valley. Bright, clean, balanced, with barely a hint — it’s not quite even a whisper — of oak. Delicious.
May 22, 2008

Steve B
re: a few comments below — oooh, I’ve had that Dehlinger. Fantastic!
May 22, 2008

Mike S.
Actually, tonight. Glen Carlou chardonnay Paarl 2006 (South Africa). I think it was under $13 and very tasty. Gave it an 87. My notes on CellarTracker: A touch of the oak monster on the nose at first, with sweet melons, pears, pineapples and other yellow fruit; rich, creamy, almost sweet golden fruit flavors, with some butterscotch; nice, long finish, with hints of pears and honeydew at the very end. Not bad.
May 22, 2008

Social Project Brian
QOTD: 2005 St. Francis Chardonnay, that I picked up for $12.99 at Cost Plus World Market. I gave it 85 on CT and in summary, it had a nice nose of pale peaches and butter. On the palate, came out swinging with butter and oranges, buthollow mid-palate, then a lime and bitter finish. Servicable, but meh.

Before that, a 2006 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay ($17, also from Cost Plus World Market) – which I gave an 89. Beautiful, restrained nose of green grapes, pear, and tangerine. On the palate, more green pear, mild lemon citrus on the mid-palate, ending with honey and vanilla. Balanced acidity, great mouthfeel, good finish. Very happy to drink this.
May 22, 2008

Eltrainlane
Little Penguin Chardonnay. It wasn’t bad. My first Chardonnay.
May 22, 2008

pawncop
QOTD – 2006 Franciscan Napa Valley – oaked but overall very nice.

Nice show – this was a service to us all.
May 22, 2008

drewsocean
kendall Jackson reserve Chard. Very nice but over rated.

Concha Y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay (2003 or 2005) is by far my favorite.
Usually priced between 13-18 dollars, a great bargain.I give it a 91+.
May 22, 2008

S P J
Great show Gary. Always nice to see you review wines that are more widely available.

QOTD — Used a bottle of Yellow Tail Chardonnay (I can hear the groans) today in a recipe from Bravo Cucina Italiana. It’s my son’s birthday and he wanted to make their Pasta Penne Mediterranean, which turned out fantastic, in spite of the wine.
May 22, 2008

aaronb
QOTD: 2006 Illuminare Estate El Dorado Chardonnay. Nice floral and pear notes.
May 22, 2008

California Cab lover
Rodney Strong
May 22, 2008

manpod
QOTD: 2005 Kistler Kistler Vineyard – Scrumptious
May 22, 2008

LuvsChandon
I’ve been too busy discovering other white wines lately, typically Chardonnay does not do it for me, but I opened a 2004 J. Lohr Arroyo Seco Chard while watching this episode and enjoyed it a lot. A little buttery, creamy but not too rich, and not oaky at all. With all that said, I’m kind of anxious to find a nice first white Burgundy to try.

Cheers, vacations are a good thing!
May 22, 2008

Barstool
Greetings from Memphis, the land of “You don’t need wine. Wine’s not good for you. Don’t worry though, we in conjunction with your Tennessee liquor distributors, will protect you from the evils of drinking. Remember, we are only looking out for your children’s health and safety by marking ALL wine we allow into the state (that’s right – both wines…) up 1659%. Remember too, your children will thank us later. Here, have a box of cigars instead.”
Last chard – (obviously moved to Memphis with me) – Lewis Sonoma
May 22, 2008

Tommy Vernieri
QOTD: 2006 Four Vines Unoaked Chardonnay.

I bet you $4 that the Acacia costs $15 at the grocery stores here.
May 22, 2008

Chris in Tulsa
QOTD: I have not had many Chardonnays in a year. Have really been trying alot of other white varietals, there are tons! I do remember a year ago I had a Hess Collection Chard on Wine Spectator 2006 top 100 that was faboulous, last one I specifically remember.
May 22, 2008

Jarvis H
Haven’t. Last Chard was a glass of Canyon Oaks Chard, consumed a couple months ago.
May 22, 2008

ScottG
QOTD: A Ste. Michelle Chard, but I can’t recall the vintage.
May 22, 2008

TxBigD
QOTD: Chalk Hill “Founder’s Block” Chardonnay for our Anniversary. VERY Special it was!
May 23, 2008

David Cole
QOTD: 2005 Frank Family Charodonnay.
May 23, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: Tonight I tasted a sip of the bottle I sold my customers; two ladies who specifically wanted a buttery chardonnay: 2005 Adastra Chardonnay, Carneros.
May 23, 2008

Beaver Bob
Last Chard drank was William Hill – two nights ago.
May 23, 2008

Bernard
QOTD: Macrostie
May 23, 2008

dAve
EVERY DAY WINES! LOVE THE SHOW! I buy from you occassionally, but also like to find every day wines compared. I will try the AAcacia !!
QOTD: Oak Grove – $5
May 23, 2008

Donna Marie
QOTD: Newton. Fantastic! Maybe because I was drinking it with a friend. Enjoyed the oak.
May 23, 2008

BoiseWiner
J. Lohr
May 23, 2008

ChrisR
QOTD: Chard-on-yeah 2006. An unoaked chard sold at Trader Joe’s. Actually pretty decent, didn’t have any problems with it and went great with grilled chicken.
May 23, 2008

the unknown chef
Macrostie.
May 23, 2008

Charlie Berg
Good show, gary, also i hope you washed that broken lizard t-shirt between wednesday and friday QOTD 2001 Chalk Hill Unfiltered Chardonnay with the most elegant and beautiful nose, 2004 Puligny-Montrachet for the most fascinating(alot of burning rubber on the attack, with a rich medley of tropical fruit on the back?!), and I was not impressed with a certain True Earth Organic Chardonnay, Mendocino-2006 I tried recently, just flat and little expression at all.
PS: Great to have you back!
May 23, 2008

VinoPhilosopher
QOTD – I made the unforgivable sin of buying Sterling Chard from the supermarket and almost got alcohol poisoning. There were so many parts of the wine doing their own thing independently (read: disjointed) it was schizophrenic.

Avoid Sterling Supermarket Chard!!!!
May 23, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo Gee, Nice QPR Chards in da Hizzy!!

QOTD: da last two i had were a Kistler & a Mount Eden Estate…..
May 23, 2008

Rhonda
Its been a looong time, this was a great show to inspire me to get some more Chardonnay!
May 23, 2008

Dana
Mount Nittany chardonnay maybe ‘05 vintage it was ok – not oaky. don’t drink much chard these days as we aren’t fond of the oak and butter.
May 23, 2008

DARREL LAS VEGAS
QOTD: Shannon Ridge Chardonnay, put it on the show?baby!
May 23, 2008

Askold Shegedyn
Last chard was actually the 2003 Estancia. What surprised me is that I bought a bunch in 05 that I thought was way over oaked and just not a good wine. Found a stray bottle and had it one night recently. Turned out that it had a nice butterscotch flavor profile with a certain amount of toastiness. Even a bit of minerality. Surprised me. Seems like aging works for $8 wines as well as for the more expensive ones. Much better now than several years ago.
May 24, 2008

Shotgun
Melville 2006 Verna’s (Santa Rita Hills). Lovely.
May 24, 2008

Keith
Last Chard I had was Acacia’s Carneros ($16?) which I thought was a little too buttery. Don’t normally drink Chards but I think I might try the Acacia A.
May 24, 2008

thefaamakesme drink
GV,

It was a 2005 Frank Family – just this past week…
May 24, 2008

David M Roberts
QOTD: Stanley Lambert’s “Pristine” (unoaked) chardonnay.
May 24, 2008

DanM
QOTD: 2005 Step Rd.
May 24, 2008

davebw
QOTD: Can’t remember. Been off chard for a while cause of oak and boredom. I think I will pick up the Acacia and give it a try.

Dave.
May 25, 2008

Sassodoro
If blends count, it would be 2006 Cusumano “Angimbe,” a blend of Insolia and Chardonnay. If not, it would be a 2004 Lavantureux Chablis that I got in half-bottles as a closeout. There must have been something seriously wrong with that wine — it smelled like stinky cheese.
May 25, 2008

yowens
Thanks for the show, GV. Its nice to see tastings of the wines you can find easily. QOTD: 2004 Sharpe Hill Chardonnay CuvÃ©e ammi phillips – really good
May 26, 2008

Dan-o
On a show a while back, you picked a Chard that turned out to be my house favorite – Four Vines Naked. I have had the Acacia products before and I will try the A series Chard.

QOTD – Last night I had a bottle of Martinelli Chardonnay from one of their single vineyards – Martinelli Road, I think. It was a nice wine, very balanced and full bodied.
May 26, 2008

GR8wine
Thanks for the show GV. I’ve cut way back on drinking supermarket Chardonnays not just for fear of an over oaked product, but because I am more into exploring with other types of varietals from other parts of the globe.
QOTD: 2006 Winery at La Grange Fletcher’s Chardonnay
May 26, 2008

teckdeck2008
QOTD:
the last chard I tried was the Lobster Cove Life’s a Beach 2005 Chardonnay. The name may sound stupid but it was good light fruity wine. i tend to prefer more full bodied wines than that, but it was something I could see myself drinking sun bathing on a beach or taking a girl on a dinner date. For times when you want to avoid an over the top kind of wine. Interestingly enough, it was one of the producers that ages chardonnay in a metal barrel instead oak.
May 26, 2008

Porter
Oak Knoll Unoaked…. super ripe fruit, it was DELICIOUS
May 27, 2008

cma82
QOTD: Shhhh..don’t tell anyone. But my guilty pleasure is a bottle of the Bonterra Chardonnay. It’s ripe, oaky, and organic.
May 27, 2008

Phil M'Glassup
Tha Estancia made a fine wine lover out of me. I bought it for a girl who had made a lovely fish dinner. I opened it and it literally smelled like stale piss. One swig and I vowed I would never cheap out and drink swill like that again. Since then,it’s been only the good stuff.
Abd soeajubg of chepo disappointments, the fam cracked a bottle of that Alamos Chard on Mom’s Day. What a disppointment. Really green, pissy nose, not as vomitous as the Estancia but undrinkable nonetheless. I think the ugly truth of the matter is that the Alamos wines have been wildly overpraised. Why, I don’t know.
Love those crisp white bugs. And am looking forward to that Rully you touted that I grabbed from freewinelibrary.
And as unhip as it may be, I’ve got to say, I’m in the pro-Newton chard camp. Classic, plush, soft butttery Cali flavors at a remarkable price. I also like their claret which some of you may deem too oaky.
May 27, 2008

Harry
QOTD: Louis Blanc Chard VdP d’Oc. Nice straw and grassy component to the wine, with subtle lemon fruits.
May 27, 2008

David Masi
The last one was a Mark Ryan Chardonnay 2006 Conner Lee vineyard, clean crisp and quite tasty!
May 27, 2008

The Oak Monster
6th highest ranking according to whom?
May 28, 2008

Winn
Had a Josef Drouhin 2005 Bourgogne. Really nice. A bit more oak than i expected, but well integrated.
May 28, 2008

Kevin C
My son brought some wines home from a visit to western Canada, and in teh mix was a Sonora Ranch Chardonnay, the low end label for Mission Hill. Interesting thing was this was a non vintage, retails around $12. Definitely drinkable, nice medium body, tropical fruits, pineapple, mango and papaya. Had it with roasted chicken and simple pasta & olive oil.
May 28, 2008

JayZee
QOTD: It was a 2005 Chablis, but I cannot recall the producer. It was very goodv – nice mineral aspects to it.
May 28, 2008

Vinophile
First post, but I’m a lurking Vayniak in PA. And my hubby’s Mother’s Day gift to me was your book. My “pal” likes the butter and the oaky of Chards. Last one I had was from the Finger Lakes, either Lakewood or Rooster Hill…both do a pretty nice job.
P.S.: Gary, do you ever sleep?? I just can’t imagine that!
May 29, 2008

Melissa
right now i’m drinking 2007 banrock station chardonnay + quite frankly i’m a little underwhelmed. really tastes like a sauvignon blanc to me instead of a chardonnay.
May 29, 2008

JACK
Last was a 2005 Stuhlmuller Vineyards Chardonnay and a 2006 Ramey Chardonnay Carneros.

Next will be a Wyncroft.

(first post, but a longtime lurker)
June 1, 2008

kylemiller3975
sadly–a bottle of the ‘05 kj.i know im not supposed to, but i cant help mahself–i like it.its good economical chardonnay.damnit.
June 1, 2008

tony mele
simi chard was the last chard I had that I enjoyed.
June 2, 2008

Andy
The last chard? Marques de Casa Concha Chard ($20 ish). paired it initially w/ some havarti, but we had fresh sashimi, and that was a beautiful pairing. I am officially no longer a lurker.
June 4, 2008

SoCal
QOTD: I don’t drink a lot of Chard….not unless you count Blanc de Blanc Champaign
June 7, 2008

Paul V
QOTD:

the last chardonnay was a TERRIBLE and HORRIFIC bottle that my grandfather got at the drugstore in 1978 (or so) and it sat in the refrigerator in the basement of my grandparents house for 18 years or so. Curious my parents and I tried it.

Gary: I’ll be honest: It left scars.. To this day I’m actually afraid of chardonnay. Terrified actually. It was horrible. It was so beyond fruit juice – wet, stanky, bananas and pineapple, that horrible mouthfeel of flat warm fruit pop and splenda – terrible.
June 23, 2008

Michael H.
QOTD: 2004 Medlock Ames Chardonnay — wonderful!
July 21, 2008

MattUD
QOTD: Can’t really recall at this moment, been a while since I have had one. Trying to get into other grapes.
August 13, 2008

littlemama
the last chardonnay I had was Folie a Deux. ($16) Very drinkable, a little too much acidity though. Apple tones, faint vanilla, strange finish, kind of lingers. I prefer a more buttery chard.
January 13, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Love the move by Piper there! Pip for the win, always. How weird is it that one of the top moments in WINE library tv has to do with wrestling? God youre a nerd. I love it. QOTD: A Chateau St. Michelle Chardonnay. Nothing fancy. In fact I didnt care for it that much.
May 3, 2009

Pangaea
Good. Ive been passing by the Acacia for awhile now.

Will give it a try next.

QOTD: Firestone Vinyard’s 2005 Chardonnay. It was slightly too oaked for me but pretty good, imo.

GV if you could please, please, please, review Red Bicyclette & Fat Bastard Chardonnays. Not only do I think they are good wines but very important to the French export scene. I think a little light should be shed on these 2 “brand names”.
November 2, 2009

richardvinifera
QOTD: Frederic Magnien white burgundy, really great grip, touch of oak, great stuff.