I will not lie to you, I was intrigued by the name, the label, and the poem on the back of this wine. Maybe I was in a place of needing patience, poise, or something just plain pretty. Well I got all of that with True Myth’s 2014 Chardonnay.
About the Wine: True Myth Winery’s 2014 Chardonnay comes from the Paragon Vineyard of Edna Valley in San Luis Obispo AVA in San Luis Obispo. Interesting fact: the Niven family, owners of True Myth Winery, are the pioneers of Edna Valley, having established Paragon Vineyards in 1973 when San Luis Obispo was predominantly occupied by dairy farms and garbanzo beans. In fact, Jack Niven (the founding father himself) was the one who petitioned Edna Valley become an official AVA in 1982.
This wine is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes from Paragon Vineyard; aged in 50% French oak (38% new) and 50% steel tanks; 13.5% ABV
Flavor Profile: This straw-yellow, medium bodied white wine emits a combination of tropical fruit (dominant), stone fruit, and buttered toast aromas. The tasting starts out open and round: the new French oak definitely comes through, beginning with a smooth texture and the distinct taste of bark. This is swiftly closes in on those tropical and stone fruits (pineapple, white peach), and maybe even a hint of melon or pair. The taste then comes to a point, the acid kicks in and gives a bite to the tastebuds. But there is a aftertaste of vanilla bean, maybe a hint of caramel, that calms the effects of the acidity.
Food Pairing: This wine pair well with either a rotisserie style chicken or a bone-in barbecue pork dish — leaner meats that are cooked with their fat elements still in tact. While the softness of the lean mean will parallel the softer, creamier aspects of the Chardonnay, the sharpness of the acidity found in the wine will contrast (and thus compliment) those fatty bits.
In regards to sides, steer clear of strong vinaigrettes or citrus notes in your meal, as this will amplify the acidity and you’ll lose the luscious fruits and oaky-ness this wine provides.
More Info: I purchased this wine at Safeway (Sale Price: 13.99). Personally, I’m quite curious about their Cabernet Sauvignon. It seems the Niven family has chosen two varietals and two vineyards and have worked to perfect those vineyards and wines. If their Cab Sauv is as well-rounded as their Chard, I’d vote to make True Myth wines a regular in my cellar.
For more information about True Myth Winery, the Niven family, and to purchase their wines, please visit their website.
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