This wine came in a hamper received by my youngest daughter, who bought it with her on Christmas Eve, along with an NV Veuve Clicquot , the Clicquot was thought to be made with 2007 fruit, and we did not rate it. Past Clicquot's made with '05 and '06 fruit have been vastly superior.

This Chardonnay 2007 from the lowly pays de Vacluse region was stunning. So I decided to check it out.

The wine was made by: The Mad Belgian Jean-Marie Guffens and his Misses, Madame Heynen
The fruit was transported back to their Chateau des Tourettes in Luberon.
Beautiful ripe and fresh chardonnay, lightly pressed and then fermented in expensive french oak, just the right amount, to provide a lovely creamy texture. Lovely wine, luscious lasting finish, acidity perfect for the depth of friut.

It is all about the wine maker, and how carefully he sorts his fruit. I have no idea how ambitious the price was, BUT, I have every idea how lovely the wine was, which grew in stature in the air.
This tasted like full Chablis 1er from the western Beauroy slopes.

Why buy Blason or Bouchard Aine' dross, 4th pass white burgundy ? when you possibly could buy this instead for similar money. Don't be fooled by 3rd rate fruit and hollow factory wine making with a fancy regional name printed on the label.

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Duncan

Congrats!

GK,

Following on from the Vacluse revelation due to (artistic wine making and selection)

And - In my persuit of elegant, yet fresh Chardonnay from other lands, and using french oak for creamy texture and dimension, I have a few of these bought from T. Laith / S.Times club, coming my way

Harman's Road Gold Reserve Chardonnay 2008, 13.5% - Margaret River - small production, hand picked and selected - and good till 2012.

I will report back.



BTW, BIN ENDS seen yesterday at:

In TL's bin end clearance he has / or did have some 2003 Graves de Bert Saint Emillion grand cru for £9.99 ( a stoney higher outcrop, so Pessac rather than the heavier clay style of the classe' St. Em's) - I already have this, it is lasting very well indeed, and is a lush claret for a very easy to swallow price - Recommended.

and for £9.99 gets a

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Duncan