You know when you’re in that head space — the one that makes you feel like you just want to be alone, listening to music, doing your own thing? It’s that solitary seclusion from the rest of the world that somehow makes you feel more connected to it. I’ve got a wine pairing for that…
About the Wine: The Corner 103 2014 Chardonnay is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes harvested from several vineyards along the Sonoma Coast AVA. The Chardonnay went through 100% malolactic fermentation. The wine was then aged in French oak barrels (50% new; 50% combined neutral oak barrels and stainless steel tank) for 8 months.
14.5% ABV
Flavor Profile: Open up the bottle of the Corner 103 2014 Chardonnay and smell the deep richness of yeast and cold apple juice. On the pour, this Chardonnay is but a pale straw yellow, settling into the glass with a concentrated, golden-delicious yellow.
The initial aroma is actually quite perfume-y, the nose filled with wildflowers blossoming under the Indian-summer sun — and then a warm breeze blows by. Theres a minute hint of acidity that gives it a bit of that “at the perfume counter” quality — and I mean this in the most complimentary way. These aromatics are beautiful. If you stick your nose deep into the glass and take a lung-filled inhale, you’ll find a bit more substance, an almost nut-meaty umaminess. Swirl, and the wine releases more floral aromas along with wet grass warmed my the morning sunrise. Any fruits are quite subtle and most reminiscent of soft apple or pear and apricot. Though, if you pull your nose away from the glass and sniff just above it, you’ll find that the fruit and florals combine to create a tropical essence akin to coconut-macadamia.
The palate of the Corner 103 2014 Chardonnay is full, and conical in shape, as the acid hits right away cutting through what could otherwise be perceived as sweetness. Dominant flavors are of brioche, soft flower petals, pollen, and — only in the back palate and in the finish — poached yellow apple or pear. All in all, this Chardonnay is quite refreshing and that constant stream of acidity keeps the body lighter than you may think based on the concentrated color in the visual.
Food Pairing: I absolutely enjoyed drinking the Corner 103 2014 Chardonnay on its own, while I chatted with friends online and listened to my Lumineers Pandora radio station. I so enjoyed it, that I carried it into the kitchen, heated myself up a spinach and mushroom pizza and continued to enjoy the Chardonnay throughout the evening. A wine that can lasts that long and can be paired with your mood — and whatever food that mood moves you too — is worth every moment.
More Info: I received the Corner 103 2014 Chardonnay as a sample for review. (Cheers Sarah!) Retail: $50. For more information about Corner 103, schedule your visit, and to purchase wines directly, please visit the Corner 103 website.
BriscoeBites officially accepts samples as well as conducts on-site and online interviews. Want to have your wine, winery or tasting room featured? Please visit the Sample Policy page where you can contact me directly. Cheers!
