Padthaway is rapidly gaining a reputation as
a premium Chardonnay region, due to its ability
to fully ripen the grapes to show exotic tropical
flavors of melon and peach, overlaying citrus/marmalade
overtones. Combined with this is a definite elegance
to the styles due to the mild climate. The coastal
Fleurieu region produces slightly leaner styles
showing strong citrus characters. The resultant
blend is ideal with the various flavors complimenting
each other well to produce a wine of great complexity.
Cambria 2001
Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay (half-bottle)
Santa Maria Valley, California
This bottle contains 375 ml of wine. This is 1/2
the volume of the typical (750 ml) wine bottle.
This Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay is a rich, mouthfilling
wine, with lush pineapple, mango and pear aromas,
along with butter and caramel notes. This wine is
well-structured, with a backbone of crisp acid, and
a long, lasting finish..
This 2001 California Chardonnay has lush, generous
flavors and silky texture. From its aromas of melon,
tropical fruit and vanilla to its buttery, lush
flavors of apple, pear and citrus, this chardonnay
shows surprising richness and depth. The finish
is long and soft, with lingering notes of apple
pie and toasty oak. Serve as an aperitif, or with
chicken, fish and pasta dishes. Enjoy during the
next year or so, while the fruit flavors are at
their freshest and fattest. The palate is intense,
round and soft, with aromas of melon and tropical
fruit.
Casa Lapostolle 2001 Cuvee
Alexandre Chardonnay Chile, South America
Attractive, brilliant
golden-yellow color. Very complex, elegant and
clean nose, with tropical fruits, pineapple and
asparagus nuances, well married with honey and
toasty notes coming from a fine and well integrated
wood. Dense, rich and creamy in the mouth, with
a well balanced acidity that makes it alive and
fresh, with a very pleasant and persisting finish.
A Casablanca wine of great personality, involving
and filling.
Henry Estate 1998 Barrel
Fermented Chardonnay Umpqua Valley, Oregon
Aromas of spice
and fruit. Rich feel in the mouth with melon
flavors and a creamy texture that leads to a
strong finish. It would be a very favorable
compliment to a wide range of food from fish
and seafood to light meat dishes such as veal
and pasta. We recommend serving this wine at
about 60° F. This wine will continue to
age for several more years.