This might have been one of the best blind Chardonnay tasting line-up I have organized in years. My group of 15 brought some gems for the battle of the whites. The line-up included:
- Pahlmeyer (94 Parker $75)
- Lewis Cellars (94 WS $55),
- Calera Mt. Harlan (94 Parker, $50)
- Diatom “Hamon” (92 WS, $50)
- Tor “Hudson” (93 Parker, $54)
- Marchand (93+ Parker, $70)
- Peter Michael “Belle Cote” (94 Parker, $120)
- Failla (94 WS, $45)
- DuMOL “Clare” (94 Pts, $70)
- Talley “Rosemary” (94 Parker, $ 60)
- Flametree (94 Parker, $55)
- Loring Rosella.
The winner: Loring 2011 “Rosella” Chardonnay
Brian Loring is a rocket scientist turned winemaker, and he told me that he does not regret the move one day! He told me years ago, that one day (he was 40) he was called “pops” by the younger generation and that was his queue to leave and follow this true passion – winemaking! He had been a home winemaker for years, and it was an easy transition. The rest is history, as well as some great scores from the various publications!
Loring 2011 “Rosella” Chardonnay
Retail 53.00 – GGWC 49.99 – FREE SHIPPING on SIX or more
Use discount shipping code “LOR11ROS” during check out
The Rosella vineyard has become one of the most sought after sources for great Pinot and Chardonnay. I can say that Brian Loring hit a home-run with this bottling. On the nose you are greeted by nectarine and citrus. The wine is forward from the start. Gorgeously, and meticulously engineered this wine unfolds with each sip, unveiling another layer after layer. You’ll encounter minerality and lush fruit, all in sync, nicely balanced. Pure, and ripe fruit yet not that tropical character that others seem to embrace, it shows striking flavors similar to the chalky soils of Chablis. This might be one of the best whites Brian has crafted yet to date!
Click here or on the link above to order!