WHITES
Joseph Drouhin LaforetBorgogne, France 2006
100% Chardonnay
Review by Richard Kinssies,Seattle Press
Drouhin is one of the most respected pro-ducers in Burgundy, and the Laforet linealways is a good value, but this particular wine delivers much more than expected.Technically a Borgogne chardonnay isthe most generic of all white wines fromthe region and can be made from grapesgrown anywhere within its limits. But what makes thisDrouhin so exiting is that the grapes used for the wine
may include some young vines from the rm’s holdings
in Chablis and Puligny-Montrachet, which are amongthe best in the region (some Pulignys are priced around$100).
Attractive complexity with aromas and avors that recall
lemon drops, apple, citrus, minerals and nuts such as
almonds. Try it with grilled vegetables, sh, chicken and
pasta salads.
Paul Jaboulet Le Pet Jaboulet ViognierVin de Pays, Portes de Mediterranee,
France, 2007
100% Viognier
Review by Jancis Robinson
“...This modest Vin de Pays actually tastesmuch more impressive than the consider-ably more expensive Jaboulet Condrieu
2007. I dare say that in a year’s time the
Condrieu will still be going strong whilethe Petit Jaboulet Viognier will be wav-ing a wistful farewell. But this particular Viognier, sourced deliberately from the
northern rather than the southern Rhône – chiey from
vineyards around Montélimar - is certainly looking mostattractive at the moment.I was impressed by its smoky, convincing north Rhône
Viognier nose with real depth of avour and some earthi
-
ness – denitely more reminiscent of Condrieu than of one
of those air freshener-like Languedoc varietal Viogniers.
The nish is attractively dry too. Not a bad buy at all.”
Adegas Galegas Veigadares
Rias Baixas, Spain, 2007
85% Albarino, 10% Treixadura,5% Loureiro
90,Wine Spectator
Fermented and aged in French oak for sixmonths. This ambitious Albarino (thesewines rarely see oak) is light gold in color with a slight green tint. It offers up an at-tractive bouquet of baking spices, mineral,and lemon meringue with the oak nicelyintegrated. It has a creamy texture, excel-
lent depth of avor, and a fruit-lled nish.
Drink this well made Albarino over the next 2-3 years.
Miguel Torres Cordillera ChardonnayCuricó Valley, Chile 2003
100% Chardonnay
Silver MedalConcours Mondial Bruxelles
From the foothills of the Cordillera thisChardonnay offers a generous nose withhighlights of apple and hazelnut fruitaromas, typical of the specially selectedChardonnay clones. These are comple-
mented by ne nuances of toasted bread
and vanilla. The palate is meaty anddense, well outlined by delicate acidity.
Its long nish emphasises elegant, spicynuances and a toastiness typical of Nevers oak. Sublime
with caviar. An ideal accompaniment to trout, smoked
salmon, fresh shellsh, baked sh or sh cooked in
sauce.
Domaine Jean Busquet ChardonnayMendoza, Argenna 2007
100% Organic Chardonnay
88, Wine AdvocateBest Value, Wine Spectator
Unwooded Chardonnay with light yellowcolor and green hues. Rich fresh tropical
fruit aromas with citrus and oral notes.
Concentrated apple, pear and lime with
a slight tone of sweet spice. The nish is
clean and fresh with a crisp acidity. Idealfor appetizers, seafood and
sh dishes.
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