Did I mention I'm not a fan of Chardonnay? Let me begin again. I wasn't a fan of Chardonnay until a recent visit to Domaine Serene Vineyard and Winery (http://www.domaineserene.com/) left my palate stunned. Stunned.
I was prepared to act interested in the server's speal about the Chardonnay, prepared to stick my nose in the glass and pretend that I smelled something other than just pure alcohol, prepared to taste and then privately wince as the swallow rattled my molars and screamed down my throat, prepared to sip and then toss the remainder of the wine, politely thanking our server and moving on to the Reds. As our server's words passed slowly over my head, encapsulated in soft clouds, something jerked me back to earth: "Did she just say "butterscotch and cotton candy"?" I began to focus on her words more intently. I began to actually listen. She described this Chardonnay as the type of wine that wins over Chardonnay-haters. She herself admitted that before trying this wine, she (also) was not a Chard fan. She went on to describe the aromas of the wine (yellow apple, vanilla, butterscotch), the feel of the wine in the mouth (thick, rich, smooth) and the flavors expressed (Meyer lemon, quince and pineapple). She had my full attention. I couldn't wait to test her theory. I tasted. I looked at my husband, eyes open WIDE. This was the best Chardonnay I had ever tried. I tasted again, and again and finished the glass in record time. I then began to rapid-fire confess my sins to the server. I hate Chardonnay, I said. I usually hate Chardonnay. I've never found one that I can really enjoy, let alone drink the entire glass (how about the entire bottle!) Our server just grinned and began to nod her head in knowing understanding. "Yes" she said, "I was the same way. I tell everyone: "This Chardonnay is better than anything you have ever tried before"." I jabbed my husband in the ribs, the knowing jab, the "let's spend some money on this" jab. He just looked at me and satisfactorily smiled, and then a somewhat worried look ran across his face. "We haven't even started the Reds yet"......
Domaine Serene Etoile Vineyard Chardonnay v. 2005, $45.00/bottle
2.0 tons/acre. 18 months sur lees with frequent battonage (lees stirring) in French oak barrels - none of which were new. -From Domaine Serene Spring Portfolio 2008 v. 10
Domaine Serene Etoile Vineyard Chardonnay v. 2005, $45.00/bottle
2.0 tons/acre. 18 months sur lees with frequent battonage (lees stirring) in French oak barrels - none of which were new. -From Domaine Serene Spring Portfolio 2008 v. 10
Smooth and polished, with a spicy, toasty tang to the pear and cream flavors, finishing with crispness. Drink now through 2010. 322 cases made. –HS 88 Points - From Wine Spectator
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