Best $50 Chard alternative to Aubert/Marcassin/Morlet?

WINE TALK
41

If you don’t mind looking at Oregon, the earlier recommendation for Cameron is spot on. In addition to the Clos Electrique vineyard look for Abbey Ridge vineyard. Similar in age-ability and style, but with perhaps a cleaner more traditional chard profile.

You also ought to consider the 2011 Matello Whistling Ridge Richard’s Cuvee chard. I’ve heard several people say it was one of the best chards of 2011 from Oregon and though it does see a bit of oak, Marcus’s trademark (the winemaker) is bold, linear acidity. It is not a round wine, but will need a bit of time for the oak to integrate, like a Meursault. As a newer winery it doesn’t have the aging pedigree of Cameron, but it’s a great wine.

You also shouldn’t look past Arterberry-Maresh, Maresh Vineyard chard or Crowley Four Winds Vineyard – two other amazing chards.

42

I’ve only had it once and that was at a tasting, so that’s not much of a trial, but I found A Cote to be pretty startling.

43

That’s fair; I was probably reading the initial question too literally. By a more reasonable interpretation, I agree with some suggestions here (Rochioli, Ramey, Mount Eden Estate, probably DuMol and Lynmar, among others) and think some (Cameron, Montelena, Rhys, etc.) to not make sense at all given the style that was originally cited. I love Cameron’s Clos Electrique Chardonnay and also enjoy Montelena, but it doesn’t get much more different from anything Aubert does. There are definitely a lot of nice domestic Chardonnays around that $50 price range, though, and from that standpoint alone I’d be happy drinking most of what’s been mentioned so far.

44

Does a $35 Chardonnay count? Ian Brand’s 2011 Le P’Tit Paysan “Jack’s Hill”, Monterey, is pretty great.

45

Walter Hansel Cuvée Alyce is a bigger style with good acidity

46

•2010 Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards Chardonnay - USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros (1/16/2014)
Nice wine with tropical fruit, stone, spices, oak, vanilla and apple. Quite complex and medium plus finish. Drank over 2 days and a bit better day two. Drinking window should be now to 2018. (92 points)
For $26 can’t beat it.

47

Another +1 on DuMOL. Not a huge Chard drinker, but from my experiences, the DuMOL Chloe/Isobel almost always delivers (the 09-10 Chloe’s were sensational). I’d also throw in Rochioli SVD. Have not had the Liquid farm or Ceritas, just haven’t got around to trying these.

48

Good example. Fits the asked price and does get dense and have some complexity. Is there some discount site for Rochioli SVD Chardonnay wines? I never seem to buy them at $50.

49

Would love to get you linked up with some liquid Sir! Email me if you want to grab a trial order nikki@liquidfarm.com CIN! Nik champagne.gif

50

Working on WB Day offers and caught this thread - a big fat loving thanks to all who suggested LF/ Liquid Farm flirtysmile (I agree, Golden Slope around $50 ($40 at 20% off 12btl tier discount) for sure. Def some old world up in there and BIG TABLE FARM Chard is gorgeous! (Oregon!) if you want something even closer to the richness/tight rope balance of Aubert I would suggest our FOUR - $74 (best price through Club $59). holler at me @Jody Smith if you want to link up a pack to check out. OR for sure check out the WB Day offer non-LF Club members on the 26th! CIN! Nik champagne.gif

51

Ulises valdez chard compares favorably to aubert.

52

Add this vintage to the list!

  • 2012 Poe Wines Chardonnay Ferrington Vineyard - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley (1/19/2014)
    POE Wines - Winemaker’s Dinner with Samantha Sheehan (The Loft @ The Montage - Laguna Beach, CA): Wasn’t a fan of the '11 as it was a much bigger fruit forward and heavy wine. Wow, is this year impressive! As FMIII notes, there were some cooperage changes and they definitely have an extremely positive effect. Chris S is my Chardonnay guru and when I saw him asking for the bottle I knew he liked it as much as I did. I think everyone liked this wine. Nose of apple and nectarine. Medium plus acid drives this wine. Fruit flavors are ripe pear and yellow apple. Medium length finish and very clean. Bam!

Posted from CellarTracker

53

First, I sell a lot of barrels to folks who make chardonnay, inc Aubert, Marcassin, Kistler, Ramey, Mt Eden, Talley , Martinelli etc.

Customers of mine who have not been mentioned and might fit the bill in style and price : Patz and Hall, P Hobbs, Morgan, Au Bon Climat (the single vineyard bottlings), Robert Talbott. Most of these people make wines with a bit more acidity than the Aubert.

54

Good rec. I ain’t that old, but that Napa style is, and it doesn’t quite meet the style of the wineries in the original post. But it is a great wine. [cheers.gif]

55

Mel, we should start a thread on barrel talk. [cheers.gif]

56

Brig,

I am travelling until the middle of March so readers will be spared my posts for some time.

There is a lot of info on my website;

www.knoxbarrels.com

57

This Chard goes out for $22, Mike, and nowhere near the oak regimen of Marcassin/Aubert/Morlet. I never understood the appeal of that style or the inflated prices. But thanks for the nod. This wine has been a bit of a revelation to make.

Ian

58

Ian - it is a beautiful wine and an amazing value at $35. blush

59

So I won’t pretend to have a clue as to the best Chardonnay available, what I do have is my opinion. after tasting the 2012 Sojourn Chardonnay Sangiocomo Vineyard last night with Craig, I can say this here with clear concise of my own palate, it is awesome. $45

60

As far as unapologetically Californian, would I be ridiculed if I mentioned Macauley? Their Dutton Ranch Chard really does it for me. The texture is almost like a good Cali Viognier, but the palate is so bright and juicy. . . love it.