Last Week's Tasting Notes (4.6.18)

​Owen Roe Mirth Chardonnay ($13.99)
Washington
From the producer:
"The Mirth is quintessential Chardonnay exhibiting bright tropical notes and excellent purity of flavor and balance unencumbered by oak flavor. The wine is fermented and cellared in stainless steel to preserve its freshness and varietal character."

From me:
This unoaked Chardonnay is a good crossover white: while it can be nice in summer because of its fruitiness, its creaminess on the palate makes it a good fall or spring wine, too. The notes of buttery Meyer lemon complement roasted fowl or a meatier fish.

The Curator White ($9.99)
South Africa
From the producer:
"The CURATOR is a range of dynamic wines that are selected after the vintage each year. The grapes are grown in the Swartland region on the West Coast of Southern Africa. The vineyards are mostly bushvines growing in granite and slate soils, sourced from a number of traditional farmers. Chenin Blanc is the backbone and structure of this blend. The Chardonnay was naturally fermented and took a long time to complete fermentation, resulting in great texture and wacky aromas of dried peaches and apricots
and ripe citrus. The Viognier, from one of Badenhorsts favorite growers and vineyards, completes the Swartland canvas and brings some spice and palate length to the wine.
Grapes are picked by hand, chilled overnight and then pressed to settling tanks. The following day the juice is drawn off into tanks for fermentation. The winemaking team lets the wine run its course. Six months after fermentation the wine is blended after a series of intense tastings and dinners with the blend options. The blend that is finished first at one of these dinners is chosen as the final blend." 

60% Chenin Blanc 20% Chardonnay 20% Viognier

From me:
The Curator is a great introduction to South African wines from a well-regarded winemaker. This is an entry-level blend that drinks above its price. The blend allows the acidity of the Chenin Blanc to come through, while the Chardonnay balances with ripe fruit flavors. The Viognier rounds it out, producing a fruit-driven, but dry wine. 

Clos LaChance Meritage ($15.99)
California
From the producer:
"Clos LaChance Wines was established by the Murphy family in 1987. Through careful environmental stewardship of their 150 acre estate vineyards, the winery was one of the first to be sustainably-certified. Their wines showcase balance and integrity to capture the unique character of each varietal.

The aroma of this Meritage is a mixture of red fruits with a tinge of green pepper. Initial taste is dominated by huckleberries and spice as a hint of vanilla leads to a smooth finish."

From me:
Meritage is a designation for wines that are Bordeaux-style blends, but that are produced outside of that designation of origin. The word is a portmanteau of "merit" and "heritage," so do pronounce the third syllable "idj" instead of "azh."  This is mostly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, so there is plenty of dark fruit tempered by soft tannins, with a slight underlying vegetal note. This is a smooth and supple wine with just enough structure to appeal to both Cab and Bordeaux drinkers.