Blind chardonnay tasting in Phoenix
It’s not a surprise that when our favorite local tasting spot – The Wine Store - announced a Chardonnay tasting that the four of us simultaneously chimed ‘We’re in’. So imagine the excitement I had when we arrived and Rombauer was on the list! Mark couldn’t make it to the first tasting, so we double blind tasted on two occasions - here’s our breakdown of the six chards that ranged in taste, price, and geography.
L’Ecole 41 2012 - $18.99 retail
This was the highest alcohol content (14.5%) and surprisingly smooth. With a somewhat dry finish, this French barreled gem only had 5K cases produced. As the third oldest vineyard in Walla Walla, one of their claims to fame is that they are certified sustainable. We felt this drinks most like Rombauer of the selection.
Stoller Family Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2010 - $29.99 retail
Overpriced but a great nose hit with apples, oak and vanilla on the palate. Would be a best buy at $15-$18 retail. The 10.5 months in French oak helps the more buttery texture.
Iron Horse Chardonnay 2011 - $11.99 retail
With 90 points from Wine Enthusiast, it’s surprising that this unoaked chard makes our list. It’s a great ‘second bottle’ for a weekday night. Sonoma is not where we usually hang in Northern CA wine country, but this one enticed us enough to consider planning a trip in the next year.
Rombauer Vineyards Chardonnay Carneros 2012 - $31.99 retail
Any true chardonnay drinker knows Rombauer – whether you like it or not is a different story. So, with 92 points from Wine Spectator how could this not be a chard drinker’s dream? Our first taste was a miss – maybe our palates were off that night? The second tasting rang true from our times at the vineyard…butter/oak/vanilla = ecstatic wine drinking experience!
