You can still detect the French oak influence in this six-year-old Chardonnay, and it has the creamy mouth feel of extended lees aging. It's not my style of wine, but the personality of the Belle Terre Vineyard is so distinctive that I thoroughly enjoy glass after glass.
The color is a deep gold but not overly so. The bouquet features white peaches, butter, lemon and even more butter--rich, layered and oaky but still with a graceful carriage. Fruit flavors dominate with that distinctive Alexander Valley spice. Very long and very fine.
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Do you remember the cost of this? I really enjoy whites as I live in the Caribbean and it's ALWAYS warm. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHey, Frances. Thanks for the comments and interest.
ReplyDeleteSt. Jean's regular Chardonnay sells for $10 to $12, and it's pretty good for the price. This Belle Terre Vineyard is special, but it normally sells for $28 to $30--a bit high for my pocket book. I got my stash from a local grocery store that closed it out for $13 a bottle--presumably because it's a 2003 rather than a 2007.
If you like the Luzon Verde, you might want to try a Torontes from Argentina. It's a very pretty, fruity and aromatic white similar to Viognier.