Re: Big Fat Chards?
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,625
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,625 |
Thanks very much! I've got them on my list to look for.
Best,
Amie
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Re: Big Fat Chards?
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17 |
Well Amie, having been in Ontario and throughout Canada i can attest to some of the 'big fat chards' that we can get locally.
First off, if you liked the Beringer Stone Cellar, try the Beringer Founders Estate version (about $22/bottle). It is FAR more refined.
Secondly, i recommend in general most Californian chardonnays that have had 2 years of ageing and the 'sur lie' process (check out the labels). These are the ones that go through the major malolactic acid fermentation which provides that fat, creamy texture.
Third, we had a Robert Mondavi 1999 Chardonnay, Napa Valley Unfiltered the other night. Although i found the 14% alcohol a bit much, it was a characteristic fat chard for sure.
Lastly, my all time favorite, found in our own country, is the Peller Estates Andrew Peller Signature Series chardonnay. About $28 a bottle and you can get the 2002+ at this point (a little young, the 2001 is my fav), but SMOOOOOOTH SMOOOTH and creamy as carnation.
The Peller one you can find at local stores in the fine wine section or you will have to head to Niagara on the Lake for a day (get out the new jet).
The others can all be found at the liquor stores, fine wine sections although you may have to hit several stores as they do not all order the exact same wines. Call first.
Unfortunately i have not yet come across a truly fat and refined chardonnay for under $18. The new Australian Yellow Tail is pretty decent at $13/btl, but that is about as close as it comes IMO. There are many more Californian wines yet to try.
"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
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Re: Big Fat Chards?
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,379 Likes: 7
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,379 Likes: 7 |
Really good Chardonnays are tough to find these days. Everyone seems to want "light" wines...
Chardonnay Latour used to be a "knife and fork" wine 10 years ago (maybe 15, yikes) but these days is just "OK". I sometimes suspect this is what happens when you raise your production levels without using any more grapes
M60ti, VP180, QS8, M2ti, EP500, PC-Plus 20-39 M5HP, M40ti, Sierra-1 LFR1100 active, ADA1500-4 and -8
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Re: Big Fat Chards?
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,444 Likes: 16
connoisseur
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OP
connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,444 Likes: 16 |
Not much of a white wine drinker myself (I think I’ve said that a few times).
But I’ll admit there are times when I get to craving one with a particular meal or those nice sunny evenings on the deck when a beer or glass of red just doesn’t seam like a good idea.
I’ve had the 2003 Chateau Ste. Michelle you referred to Amie. And it is good (for a white). I’ve got several in my cooler. So, if you like that one, then you have similar tastes as I do.
Some other chards that I look for when in the mood are: Bontara (an organic winery http://www.bonterra.com), Toasted Head, Kim Crawford and Fat Bastard (no kiddin, here’s a link http://www.fatbastardwine.com/fbwine_chard.htm).
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Re: Big Fat Chards?
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17 |
I'm more of a heavy body wine fan myself.
I like the lighter wines later in the evening or on a hot sunny day on the deck, but otherwise, give me the character!
"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
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Re: Big Fat Chards?
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17 |
You know, that Toasted Head is another good Cali chardonnay. I forgot about that one.
Come to think of it, didn't i have a report on the chardonnay taste off here somewhere?
Sure enough, here it is.
"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
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Re: Big Fat Chards?
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 586
aficionado
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aficionado
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 586 |
"...and there's nothing worse than that pause during a great dinner party where you try to decide if your guests are worthy of your last bottle of your favourite wine..."
LOL. I know that feeling. Truthfully, I'm starting to bogart all the good ones.
I haven't been shopping for those big chards lately, but I used to love them. Toasted Head, the Kendall Jackson Reserve my father-in-law brought over recently (REALLY oaky/buttery, but I forget the vintage).
My local wineries say the local fruit isn't suitable for that style, so they generally make the fermented in stainless version. Two of the best in my area, IMO, are the Mount Palomar chard - balanced with some oak and butter overtones, very reasonably priced, but not a BFC - and the Leonesse chard in my cabinet (I'll check the vintage if you want to roll the dice) - brilliant, beautiful fruit, but expensive.
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Re: Big Fat Chards?
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044 |
I keep seeing the title and expecting discussion of green leafy vegetables...
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Big Fat Chards?
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17 |
And tonight we are trying out a Fetzer cab sav 2001.
Had an eyeball on a Silver Oaks cab sav not long ago, but darn pricey. Still, a cellaring wine is always something i'm on the hunt for.
"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
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Re: Big Fat Chards?
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,301
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,301 |
The Silver Oaks is good stuff. My wife got a couple bottles from work over X-Mas, we drank the first waiting for a special occasion to open the second.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
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