Last Week's Tasting Notes (11.9.18)

​Tres Palacios ($12.99)
Chile
From the producer:
"This is a nice golden yellow wine. The nose is filled with ripe tropical fruit such as pineapple, mango and banana.

The mouth is nice and fruity with fresh acidity and some mineral notes. It is mouth-filling, tasty, with good acidity due to the maritime influence, and long-lasting.

It is ideal as an aperitif and to accompany salmon, sea-bass, white meats and Chinese food."

From me:
Chilean wines represent great values across the board. This Chard has nice fruit that is well balanced by both judicious oak aging and a maritime climate. Excellent wine for the money.

Mer Soleil Silver ($21.99)
Monterey, California
From the producer:
"Never seeing the inside of an oak barrel, our Mer Soleil Silver is a pure, clean expression of Chardonnay. Our wine is fermented and aged in a combination of stainless steel and small concrete tanks that are imported from Burgundy, France. We keep fermentation temperatures stable while allowing a small amount of oxygen contact. The result: enhanced flavor development that is similar to aging in an oak barrel - but without the oak.

A pale yellow hue, the wine is well balanced with Fair in color and fresh from start to finish, the 2014 vintage opens up with aromas of flower blossoms, crisp pears and a hint of honeysuckle. Bright citrus evokes the clean taste of Meyer lemons, which grow amidst our estate vineyards, where a portion of this wine is sourced. On the palate, the wine is round and layered, with an acidity and depth that belie its unoaked character. The finish brings a lingering freshness that creates a perfect complement to salads, grilled seafood, tomato-based dishes and fresh oysters - and leaves a brightness in the mouth that leaves you wanting another sip."

From me:
I prefer concrete aging over other methods, because while micro-oxoidation can occur, developing the flavor and body of the wine, it picks up no flavors from the oak. You get a beautiful expression of the grape itself. If you haven't had an unoaked Chard, or if the ones you've had lacked character, do try this wine.

Copain "Tous Ensemble" ($27.99)
Sonoma Coast, California
From the producer:
"Perched on a hillside overlooking the bucolic Russian River Valley, Copain specializes in vineyard designate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. 

Founded in 1999, Copain, meaning ‘friend’ or ‘buddy’ in French, embodies our philosophy that wine enhances life’s most joyous occasions, and is an experience best shared with friends and family. Sourced from cool climate vineyards in Mendocino County, the Anderson Valley and the Sonoma Coast, the Copain portfolio consists of three distinct collections—Tous Ensemble, Les Voisins, and the vineyard designate wines. These wines have been long inspired by France’s Rhone Valley wine region resulting in Copain’s signature style of restrained, and elegant wines.

Floral aromatics of honeysuckle, jasmine, white blossom, and pineapple mix with lively acidity, Fuji Apple and Asian Pear flavors."

From me:
Copain was one of the wineries that I was lucky enough to visit last winter, and they could not have been more welcoming. The view over the valley was magnificent, and I was treated to a delicious wine and food pairing. "Tous Ensemble" is actually the company's entry-level wine, so its quality should give you a sense of the winemaker's skill. I think this is a lovely Chard, and one that really offers a sense of terroir of the Sonoma Coast. This is an example of restrained use of oak in order to elevate, rather than to overwhelm the grape.