I love fun wines — wines that surprise you with their exuberance. It’s like you can taste the excitement and a hint of the humour, of the winemaker when he was crafting his work of art. That’s Louis Jadot Mâcon-Villages Chardonnay. It’s bright, lively, fully of character and charm. It tastes like the flush fields of Burgundy, and yet simultaneously like Cali’s summer sun. Hello Jadot and Cheers to you!
Chateau St. Jean — yet another cellar staple in my house. But I have to say it’s Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay that made me fall in love with this Sonoma County wine producer. It has everything I look for in a casual daily drinker with the added benefit that it can certainly double as a date night delight when paired with the right meal. It’s fun, versatile, easy drinking. So, Cheers to Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay!
How cute is the couple sitting on a park bench looking out onto a blank canvas? It makes me think about how I’d fill that space…Yes, this is another instance of wine-label impulse buy. But my instinct must be getting better because even my label-driven wine purchases are proving quite choice. And today I bring you Simple Life Chardonnay: a truly simple Chardonnay that in its utter calmness has created a kind of contemplative drinking experience.
Oh just another example of me looking for a wine to pair with my meal. Honest-to-goodness, I was looking for a total Cal-oaky Chard, but my partner in wine crime was not in the mood for a buttery indulgence. “I want an oaked wine,” he said, “but I don’t want it to taste oaky.” Sometimes in marriage, you have to compromise, right? Well we found that compromise with Alexander Valley Vineyards 2014 Estate Chardonnay.
Casual wine drinkers — let me know if you can relate. You’re in your local, where? I dunno — BevMo and they’re having that awesome 5 cent sale. Or Safeway/Vons and you grab one of those 6-pack cardboard crates so you can get an awesome discount on your liquor needs (yes needs). Or Costco because, let’s not lie to ourselves, their wine section is legit. Ok, wherever you are, you’re there buying somewhat in bulk because that’s how the discount works. But, like, what do you stock up on that you won’t regret later?
If you’re like me, you’ve found yourself in the predicament more often than not. And, again if you’re like me, you probably have your own list of wine staples. Well here’s mine: Chateau Ste. Michelle…umm…almost anything! My local Safeway almost always has the basics: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Reisling, and Pinot Noir. All good quality wines under $20. But the absolute standout is the Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay.
Now, my Safeway doesn’t always have it. So when I find it, I basically load that 6-pack crate full of it. It’s something I always want in my cellar. It’s…a Cellar Keeper…
