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| Rob Williams - Cabernets and Blends | ||
Rob's "Wine of the Week" Archives So here is my wine review for the week of May 7th... Chateau St. Michelle Chardonnay Indian Wells 2005
Description: The warmer weather makes even a red wine-a-holic like me crave a chilled, crisp glass of chardonnay. Chateau Ste Michelle has been oine of my favorite wineries for 15 years now and have long been lauded for their chardonnay (which is always good, although I am partial to their merlots and cabs…go figure). How to Get it: It's available at most Bevmos, some grocery stores, Trader Joe's occasionally, some wine merchants, on-line, and at the winery in Washington. How Much: At the winery, $17 per bottle. My Thoughts: Chilled and served at a cold, crisp 45 degrees, this wine drinks differently than if served at the proper white wine temp of 55. Be careful to note whether you are trying to refresh yourself with a cold wine or enjoy a great glass of perfectly served chardonnay here. When ice cold, this wine is good, when served at 55 degrees and allowed to "absorb the room," as we say, this wine delivers a very nice burst of fruit ranging from subtle pear and lime to apple apple and apricot. It is not what I would call a buttery or oaky chardonnay, but it does have a nutty linger to it and it is very good and very refreshing. Perhaps its most positive quality is its balance…most chardonnays today lean towards oak (some towards butter) but few seem to achieve the Goldilocks quality of being "just right." Overall Score: Savvy shoppers will find this bottle below $15 which is a steal. Even under $20 it's still one of the better Chardonnays out there. It's also a great wine to serve to someone who only likes white zin, thus actually introducing them to real wine. 4 vines.
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