Had a couple over last weekend that was newer to wine and thought it would be nice to show a range of Chardonnay. I was single blind and they were all double blind. The only wine I’d had of this bunch was the Sun Break. I did call it correctly and liked it quite well. The group preferred it as the favorite for all 3 other tasters. Way to go @David_Patte i think you’ll have another customer from your old stomping grounds!
CHARDONNAY INTRO CALI OREGON MACONNAIS AND CHABLIS - FASHUN Heights (6/14/2025)
Four of us did some blind tasting of Chardonnay. I picked the wines to be relatively young and fresh across a style spectrum. Not being familiar with 3 out of 4 wines, I got some of that style spectrum wrong. At least it was in the ballpark!
Four Blind Whites
- 2019 Domaine Servin Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos - France, Burgundy, Chablis, Chablis Grand Cru
Definitely ripe but with enough balance for my tastes to make it a very enjoyable wine. Yellow apple and stone fruit on nose and palate. Rich and good depth and persistence. Joined by lemon oil and mandarin as it opened up. My favorite by a smidge on the evening and the groups #2 (92 points) - 2023 Sun Break Wines Chardonnay J. Marie Royer Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills
Early on this came off as very lean and high acid. It put on considerable weight over a long evening and the fruit came through to add balance. Plenty of concentration and length here and a very nice wine. Based on the two bottles I have had so far, it fares better the longer it is open. Groups favorite and my 3rd. (91 points) - 2020 Jacques Saumaize Pouilly-Fuissé Les Creuzettes - France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Pouilly-Fuissé
Lots of fat and flesh, plenty of yellow fruit, peach…unctuous and rich throughout, pleasurable enough but lacking the tension needed to make it interesting. Unanimous last place on the night. (89 points) - 2019 Sandar & Hem Chardonnay Frances J Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains - USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains
Started a bit shy but opened nicely. Loads of tension and depth and intensity here. Floral and citrus on the nose and palate with a strong mineral streak. Really nice. My second group 2nd (92 points)
As always, blind tasting helps to define what you like without bias… or with less bias. Happy to see the winner being the most affordable of the lot!
Posted from CellarTracker