White Wine Davis Bynum River West Vineyard Chardonnay 2017. This Russian River Chardonnay is made with a light touch in the winery to allow the character of the variety and the terroir to shine through. The cool conditions in this region produce exceptionally refined and elegant Chardonnays which offer ripe fruit character balanced by plenty of freshness. Following fermentation in oak barrels and sur-lie ageing, the winery ages the young wine in oak for a whole year to add a creamy texture and subtle tannins On the nose there are notes of lemon zest, toasted sesame seeds, and marzipan while the first sip reveals delicate stone fruit, baking spice, and vanilla. The well-rounded mouthfeel, developed structure and freshness on the finish make this a good match for creamy dishes with pasta or chicken. This rich Chardonnay can also be enjoyed with risottos, cheeses, or even lobster served in a creamy sauce. The Davis Bynum winery dates back to the 1970s when Bynum released the Russian River Valley’s first single vineyard Pinot Noir. Today Bynum’s legacy is continued by his great friend, Greg Morthole, who maintains the winery’s artisanal approach to winemaking and is continually striving to innovative while meeting Bynum’s high quality standards.
2017
White Wine Davis Bynum River West Vineyard Chardonnay 2017
White Wine Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay Clos du Roy Blanc 2017. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Domaine Charles Audoin is a family-run winery located in Marsannay-la-Côte. Charles Audoin and his wife Marie-Françoise, an oenologist by training, took over the family estate in 1972. They developed it and bought new plots. Since 2000 his son Cyril has been at the helm of the company. In the 14 hectares of the estate, the company owns old vines, with limited yields. The vinifications remain faithful to traditional practices without seeking very advanced extractions: the terroir and the vintage must always be able to express themselves. The Chardonnay grapes for the Marsannay Clos du Roy Blanc of the Domaine Charles Audoin come from the municipality of Chenove north of the Marsannay appellation, near Dijon. Here the marly soil rich in calcium particularly favorable to Chardonnay allows for the production of full-bodied wines with excellent aging potential. This wine has a bright yellow color with golden tones. The nose reveals a wide aromatic spectrum, composed of notes of white fruit, especially pear and apricot, citrus peel, and floral scents. The wood is beautifully complemented with light shades of vanilla and nutmeg. In the mouth, it is concentrated and rich, elegant, harmonious and with a good creaminess perfectly balanced by the marked acid backbone. The citrus finish leaves a long note of freshness. Have it with fish or poultry.
2017
White Wine Hess The Lioness Chardonnay 2017. Hess Persson Estates is widely renowned as one of the leading family-owned wineries in Napa Valley and the world. Famous for its flagship Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, the company produces two lines of wines, The Hess Collection and Napa Valley’s Lions Head Collection, both of which are internationally acclaimed. Leader in sustainable practices, Hess Persson Estates adheres to the philosophy of founder Donald Hess: Feed the earth; give back what you get Donald retired in 2017 and today the winery is managed by his daughter Sabrina and her husband Tim Persson. Chardonnay Lioness is one of the most representative wines of the family’s production, symbolizing the bold and enduring nature of founder Donald Hess. The name “Lioness” pays homage to the family crest and refers to Mount Lions Head, a place in South Africa dear to Tim. The wine exudes delicious notes of tropical fruits and lime blossom, followed by aromas of crème brûlée and vanilla, acacia honey, and light nuances of toasted oak, and notes of nutmeg and almonds. In the mouth, the wine shows brilliant acidity and a surprising concentration of exotic fruit. The finish is long. It is a dynamic and rich wine characterized by complex flavors and aromas and a magnificent balance. Excellent with veal fillet in a creamy sauce, soft cheeses, seafood, fish, and asparagus.
2017