Category Archives: Chardonnay

Winemakers’ Dinner, Columbia Gorge

Posted on September 24, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

One of the traditions of the Wine Bloggers Conference is the “mystery bus” jaunt. Bloggers bravely board buses, blindfolded. (Not really, just had to get in that alliteration.) All we know is that we are headed to a winery, where … Continue reading →

Posted in Barbera, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Gruner Veltliner, Ice Wine, Oregon, Pinot Noir, Tastings, Tempranillo, Travel, Uncategorized, Viognier, Visits to Vineyards/Winemakers, Zinfandel | 17 Comments

RECOMMENDED: Two from Murrieta’s Well. The Whip, 2011 white blend; The Spur, 2009 red blend. Around $15.

Posted on July 7, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

The Murrieta’s Well winery name is based on Old West history: Joaquin Murrieta, a.k.a. “Zorro,” would steal horses from northern California and run them down into Sonoma or Mexico, watering them from the artesian well on the property en route. … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chardonnay, Food, Gewurztraminer, Malbec, Merlot, Orange Muscat, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Red Blend, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Tastings, Viognier, White Blend | Leave a comment

A flight of Chamisal wines: “A Taste of Summer” new releases. Online with the winemakers, TasteLive.com, May 24, 2012.

Posted on June 8, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

The soft, lovely name Chamisal, pronounced “Shah-mih-sahl,” comes from the ubiquitous shrub, chamise chapparal (chamisal), that grows prolifically and up to 12-feet tall in their area. The first vineyard planted in the Edna Valley appellation (between San Francisco and Los … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Grenache/Garnacha, Pinot Noir, Tastings | Leave a comment

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: La Crema 2009 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast. 13.9% ABV. Around $17 but available for as little as $12.99.

Posted on January 18, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

For us, when it comes to Chardonnays, if we want one made in the Burgundy style, our go-to is Chalone. If we want an Old Faithful that’s consistent from the first taste to the last drop, every year, with toasted … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay | Leave a comment

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Chalone Vineyard, 2009 (and 2010) Chardonnay, Monterey County. 13.5% ABV. Usually $10-12.

Posted on December 28, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Several weeks ago, we reviewed the wonderful Chalone Merlot (see http://www.thefrugalwinesnob.com/?p=663). We are pleased to be getting around to telling you about the Chardonnay. The Chalone Chardonnay was sent to Paris in 1976 and was judged third in that small … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay | Leave a comment

WINE TASTING. Two strong recommendations, lots of education.

Posted on December 6, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

On November 19, we attended a wine tasting hosted by Cuvée, Ocala’s wine bar and bistro (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED). The wines were presented by Tom Tiley, wine consultant with Coastal Wine & Spirits. Tom’s background includes 15 years as a Level … Continue reading →

Posted in Argentina, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chardonnay, France, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Red Blend, Restaurants, Sauvignon Blanc, Tastings, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

RECOMMENDED: Wente Vineyards Estate Grown, “Morning Fog” 2010 Chardonnay, Livermore Valley/San Francisco Bay. 13.5% ABV. $12.99, available for as little as $9.95.

Posted on November 28, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Intense, focused, and bracing, this pale golden wine definitely cuts through the fog. NOSE: Even at its coldest, it was very aromatic with lemon, floral notes, hints of tropical flavors, and a breath of sea salt. TASTE: Bright, tart with … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay | Leave a comment

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve “Summation,” White Wine Blend (33% Sauvignon Blanc, 27% Viognier, 15% Chardonnay, 9% Semillon, 6% Roussanne, 6% Pinot Blanc, 2% White Riesling, 2% Muscat Canelli), California, 2009. 13.5% ABV. $11.99, available for $9.99.

Posted on November 14, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Sometimes my love and I surprise each other with a new wine and the “Guess!” game. The winner gets one of his or her wishes granted. When I first sniffed this beauty, I confidently said, “Chardonnay.” But as soon as … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Moscato/Muscat, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier, White Blend | Leave a comment

RECOMMENDED: Block 511 (Vineyard Block Estates), 2008 Chardonnay. Russian River Valley, CA. $14-18. 13.5% ABV.

Posted on October 22, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

AROMA: Subtle. Salty! Whiffs of florals as it warmed up. FIRST IMPRESSION: Tart, crisp. Slightly sweet, quite dry. Silky, buttery and smooth. Dangerously drinkable. NEXT: This wine because FABULOUS as it warmed up. The oak became apparent a few sips … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay | Leave a comment

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: A movie! 2008 “Bottle Shock.”

Posted on September 23, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Based on real life, this film has been in the making for several years, under the tentative title “The Judgment of Paris,” and was released as “Bottle Shock” in 2008. Movie synopsis: France’s position as the world’s top wine producer … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chardonnay, France, Movies | 2 Comments