We had a group of great white wines last week. Four California Chardonnays were particularly interesting, especially side-by-side.
2001 Kongsgaard - Still the king. My favorite Cal chard. Deep gold, so much fruit now pear, lime, light lemon, etc., etc… etc. with some new flavors and sensations. Balanced, brawny, long. Awesome.
2005 Aubert Lauren - Muscular, fruit-forward but not out of balance. Great citrus notes with some light pear and a hint of pineapple and still some nerve. Improved in the glass. I’ll wait some years before trying again. A worthy competitor to the 01 Kongsgaard.
2006 Aubert Lauren - More pale in color more like a somewhat aged quality Chablis. Stones, club soda and some pear. Lighter finish, great with dinner but not in the same league of the previous two. I wonder if it will develop (age) like a Chablis? Good.
2007 Aubert Lauren - Sort of the middle road between the 05 and 06, but in no way average! Much fruit on the nose, taste had some steeliness balanced with pronounced fruit. Finish was in balance. I believe this is close to the top of its game and is ready to drink now. (Can’t decide if time will improve it.) Excellent
The three Lauren’s were quite different. I would never have guessed that they were just different vintages of the same wine.
There were so many phenomenal wines. Thank you to Gary et al.