jamie goode's wine blog

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

You're all probably a bit bored with my Chardonnay coverage by now. But I'll stick with it. Two more data points, and these are big, big wines. Chardonnay at the extreme; one from South Africa, one from Chile - but these are not wines without appeal if you are in the mood.

Boschendal Chardonnay 2005 Western Cape, South Africa
A powerful, ripe expression of Chardonnay with lots of sweet melony, figgy fuit and a hint of vanilla and toast. Well judged oak and a bit of alcoholic heat (14.5%) help create a ripe wine that retains a sense of balance - just. Great value for money, though. Very good+ 88/100 (£6.99 Waitrose, on offer at £5.69)

Carmen Winemaker's Reserve Chardonnay 2003 Casablanca, Chile
Almost overpowering nose of ripe tropical fruits, vanilla, toast, spice and herbs. The palate is bold, buttery, rich and thick textured with fat, spicy, melony fruit. Quite complex and bold - really intense stuff. This won't be to everyone's taste, but it's incredibly richly flavoured. Very good/excellent 90/100 (reminds me a bit of the Montes Chardonnay commented on here a few days back)

3 Comments:

At 4:04 PM, Blogger Cru Master said...

Boschendal Chardonnay 2005 is a great little wine and doesnt have that overbearing oak that many chardonnay's tend to carry. One can't beat sitting in the historical gardens of Boschendal Estate with this very bottle of vino coupled with good company, great conversation and some fine picnic food to boot!!

If you're looking for more great South African wines and news in the industry check out our site: http://thecrusa.blogspot.com

Cru Master

 
At 10:51 AM, Blogger Jamie said...

This is what Tim Atkin said about the Carmen:

"2003 Carmen Winemaker's Reserve Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley (£8.99, Waitrose)
I did a double take the first time I tasted this wine. It said Chile on the label, but it tasted like a top-notch Meursault."

 
At 12:13 PM, Blogger Cru Master said...

thinking of doing a tour of chile, taking in their wine routes and wines! discover more of the 'new-world' wines! will try find some of the Carmen in South Africa. chenin blanc is taking off here, with winemaker Teddy Hall leading the way.

 

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