As my earlier notes. Lovely, elegant, tropical, citrus flavours and a nose that opened gradually and showed floral character. My wife got a subtle taste of turmeric on the very end palate. Good balance and length. Subtle, sensitive oak (though my wife found more oak than I did). Great value. Excellent on its own and even better with crusted baked salmon later.
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I won't re-hash my detailed earlier notes but this is now an excellent wine when first opened and it gets better with time in the glass. Superb balance of citrus and subtle 'tropical' fruits with fresh acidity and just enough oak influence to make an elegant, long, and interesting wine. We preferred this (marginally) to a Catena Alta Chardonnay tasted yesterday. This is a relative bargain. Next day, it was less attractive - perhaps just a little flabby. I think this vintage should be enjoyed now.
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I can only endorse my comments of December 2017. This has improved further over the last two years. Again, it is better when not too cold. Half a bottle was still very good after almost two days in the fridge. Great wine that cellars well (and good value). 89+
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Very close in when opened and not very enjoyable. A simple and dull wine. But with air, it improves greatly with more complexity and more fruit. Nice lemon and apple come out and it becomes enjoyable.
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My notes are pretty consistent with those for the 2015 vintage - Golden straw colour. Restrained fruit on the nose at first. The palate shows soft tropical fruits with a backbone of white peach and subtle citrus flavour (and a little citrus zest). Good balance with gentle, integrated oak and good acidity. Long, with some creamy 'toffee' notes on the late palate. Nice wine and pretty good value. Much more subtle and complex (as it warms) than so many big, over-sweet 'in your face' examples of Chardonnay. It will age further. 89+
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Lovely chardonnay for chardonnay lovers; crisp and light with plenty of acid for food but rich chardonnay flavor if you want to drink it without food; balanced and toasty; a go-to wine for dinner or to share with friends without breaking the bank
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According to Moevenpick Wein, this has 92 Parker Points, which to me sounds ridiculous.
I had the 11 or 12 some time ago, which was good. But this is about missing oak integration, harmony and finesse. Why is it so difficult to produce a decent bottle of chardonnay at this pricepoint? I had wines more enjoyable at not even half the price tag.
Will definetly not buy again. 13,90 € at Moevenpick Wein.
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color: light-medium yellow; nose: vanilla and light oak - nice!; taste: light-to-medium bodied mouth feel, buttery taste progressing to a medium-length crisp finish with light tannins; overall: tasty and modern (but undistinguished), ready to drink as of Nov 2016, delivers good value at approx. $14/bottle.
Better chards (e.g. Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells) are available for the same price.
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Consistent with previous bottles. Light gold in color, this wine reveals white fruits of guava, peach and lemon on the nose as well as white acacia. The mouth feel is full bodied with subtle oak, toast and abundant minerality as well as copious levels of acidity. The finish is firm and lets the white fruits, acidity and minerals come together seamlessly.
Purchased for $15US at the recommendation of a trusted local retailer in Flemington, NJ, this is a winner. It has just enough oak to make the varietal show its best without being out of balance. It drinks way above its modest price point. When searching for an everyday chardonnay, this is at the top of my list as its a very big production (350,000 bottles). A very good qpr.
Imported by Winebow, Inc., New York, NY.
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@BYOB tasting Served blind, I struggled to get both grape and country. M- acidity, some sweatness initially, bitter oakiness in the aftertaste, licorice, white pepper. Even though a bit weak on the palate I find this wine intrresting.
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Straw yellow, clear. Yellow apples, dried hay and almost hints of butter on nose. A plumper Chardonnay, some minerals, but finishes with tropic fruit notes, like pineapple, mango and melon. A very nice wine, an elegant and "powerful" Chardonnay that can easily withstand comparison with white Bourgogne wines. A lot of wine for its meagre price.
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Consistent with previous bottles. Light gold in color, this wine reveals white fruits of guava, peach and lemon on the nose as well as white acacia. The mouth feel is full bodied with subtle oak, toast and abundant minerality as well as copious levels of acidity. The finish is firm and lets the white fruits, acidity and minerals come together seamlessly.
Purchased for $15US at the recommendation of a trusted local retailer in Flemington, NJ, this is a winner. It has just enough oak to make the varietal show its best without being out of balance. It drinks way above its modest price point. When searching for an everyday chardonnay, this is at the top of my list as its a very big production (350,000 bottles). A very good qpr.
Imported by Winebow, Inc., New York, NY.
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Consistent with first bottle. Light gold in color, this wine reveals white fruits of guava, peach and lemon on the nose as well as white acacia. The mouth feel is full bodied with subtle oak, toast and abundant minerality as well as copious levels of acidity. The finish is firm and lets the white fruits, acidity and minerals come together seamlessly.
Purchased for $15US at the recommendation of a trusted local retailer in Flemington, NJ, this is a winner. It has just enough oak to make the varietal show its best without being out of balance. It drinks way above its modest price point. When searching for an everyday chardonnay, this is at the top of my list as its a very big production (350,000 bottles). A very good qpr.
Imported by Winebow, Inc., New York, NY.
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Light gold in color, this wine reveals white fruits of guava, peach and lemon on the nose as well as white acacia. The mouth feel is full bodied with subtle oak, toast and abundant minerality as well as copious levels of acidity. The finish is firm and lets the white fruits, acidity and minerals come together seamlessly.
Purchased for $15US at the recommendation of a trusted local retailer in Flemington, NJ, this is a winner. It has just enough oak to make the varietal show its best without being out of balance. It drinks way above its modest price point. When searching for an everyday chardonnay, this is at the top of my list as its a very big production (350,000 bottles). A very good qpr.
Imported by Winebow, Inc., New York, NY.
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Elegant aromas of vanilla, ice cream, pears, lemons and guava. Eliptical and stylish well oaked medium bodied palate with good layering and tension. Ends medium long fresh and tangy.
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Quite good! Ran across this in one of my newer "go to" wine stores. Having enjoyed Catena Zapata Cabernet in the past - shamelessly attracted by the high WA score, I was surprised to see a WA 92 attached to this $15 Chardonnay. Typically I don't go for white over red, but needed something to pair with roasted duck and this jumped into my cart ;) Perfect pairing! Fortunately this is not one of those Kendall-Jackson/J Lohr oak monsters and showed just enough fruit with a long finish. Not as complex/interesting as a higher-end Chard, but this a a great choice to have in the fridge for a party or weeknight Chinese/Thai.
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1/15/2022 - douglas.kish@gmail.com wrote: 86 Points
lean and bright, a little more oak than I like; not bad
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1/12/2020 - johnrm Likes this wine: 90 Points
As my earlier notes. Lovely, elegant, tropical, citrus flavours and a nose that opened gradually and showed floral character. My wife got a subtle taste of turmeric on the very end palate. Good balance and length. Subtle, sensitive oak (though my wife found more oak than I did). Great value.
Excellent on its own and even better with crusted baked salmon later.
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8/25/2019 - johnrm Likes this wine: 90 Points
I won't re-hash my detailed earlier notes but this is now an excellent wine when first opened and it gets better with time in the glass. Superb balance of citrus and subtle 'tropical' fruits with fresh acidity and just enough oak influence to make an elegant, long, and interesting wine. We preferred this (marginally) to a Catena Alta Chardonnay tasted yesterday. This is a relative bargain.
Next day, it was less attractive - perhaps just a little flabby. I think this vintage should be enjoyed now.
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6/1/2019 - johnrm Likes this wine: 89 Points
I can only endorse my comments of December 2017. This has improved further over the last two years. Again, it is better when not too cold. Half a bottle was still very good after almost two days in the fridge. Great wine that cellars well (and good value). 89+
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5/28/2018 - bjreznik Likes this wine:
Buy more
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12/11/2017 - Achromat Likes this wine: 88 Points
Very close in when opened and not very enjoyable. A simple and dull wine. But with air, it improves greatly with more complexity and more fruit. Nice lemon and apple come out and it becomes enjoyable.
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12/8/2017 - johnrm Likes this wine: 89 Points
My notes are pretty consistent with those for the 2015 vintage - Golden straw colour. Restrained fruit on the nose at first. The palate shows soft tropical fruits with a backbone of white peach and subtle citrus flavour (and a little citrus zest). Good balance with gentle, integrated oak and good acidity. Long, with some creamy 'toffee' notes on the late palate. Nice wine and pretty good value. Much more subtle and complex (as it warms) than so many big, over-sweet 'in your face' examples of Chardonnay.
It will age further. 89+
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3/27/2017 - rialla977 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Lovely chardonnay for chardonnay lovers; crisp and light with plenty of acid for food but rich chardonnay flavor if you want to drink it without food; balanced and toasty; a go-to wine for dinner or to share with friends without breaking the bank
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3/14/2017 - "Rhône Rider" wrote: 85 Points
2015 Catena Zapata, Chardonnay
Eple, nøtt, litt bitternoter. Kort 85
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3/12/2017 - _Xenon Does not like this wine: 86 Points
According to Moevenpick Wein, this has 92 Parker Points, which to me sounds ridiculous.
I had the 11 or 12 some time ago, which was good. But this is about missing oak integration, harmony and finesse. Why is it so difficult to produce a decent bottle of chardonnay at this pricepoint? I had wines more enjoyable at not even half the price tag.
Will definetly not buy again. 13,90 € at Moevenpick Wein.
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12/27/2016 - Ardross wrote: 87 Points
Old reliable a splendidly balanced Chardonnay at this price terrific value for money .
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11/6/2016 - Epic Tale Likes this wine: 86 Points
color: light-medium yellow; nose: vanilla and light oak - nice!; taste: light-to-medium bodied mouth feel, buttery taste progressing to a medium-length crisp finish with light tannins; overall: tasty and modern (but undistinguished), ready to drink as of Nov 2016, delivers good value at approx. $14/bottle.
Better chards (e.g. Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells) are available for the same price.
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10/23/2016 - PimpDaddy2Kool Likes this wine: 90 Points
Hay colored. Citrus and peaches on the nose. Good acidity on palate with medium finish. Has a delicious factor.
Paired very well with spaghetti con peperoncino, sardine e origano.
Consistently one of the best value Chardonnays on the market. Hard to find a better Chardonnay at this price point.
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8/22/2016 - PimpDaddy2Kool Likes this wine: 89 Points
Had with pasta vongole. Always a consistently good QPR quaffer. Hard to find a better Chardonnay at this price point.
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7/24/2016 - Motz wrote: 89 Points
Concentrated and substantive. The wine features an interesting Dijonnais quality. Likely excellent with food. 89-90.
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7/14/2016 - gaschief wrote: 88 Points
Dry simple satisfying Chardonnay. Little oak or flint. Sweet and pleasant.
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7/11/2016 - Smksmk Likes this wine: 87 Points
Solid value Chardonnay. Medium oak, lite butter, almond, pear, apple, earth and mineral notes. Medium weight.
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7/6/2016 - Quaffing in Colorado Likes this wine: 90 Points
CUFFTHIS's tasting note is spot-on. At $15/bottle, this is a terrific qpr, and delicious Chardonnay.
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6/11/2016 - cuffthis Likes this wine: 90 Points
Consistent with previous bottles. Light gold in color, this wine reveals white fruits of guava, peach and lemon on the nose as well as white acacia. The mouth feel is full bodied with subtle oak, toast and abundant minerality as well as copious levels of acidity. The finish is firm and lets the white fruits, acidity and minerals come together seamlessly.
Purchased for $15US at the recommendation of a trusted local retailer in Flemington, NJ, this is a winner. It has just enough oak to make the varietal show its best without being out of balance. It drinks way above its modest price point. When searching for an everyday chardonnay, this is at the top of my list as its a very big production (350,000 bottles). A very good qpr.
Imported by Winebow, Inc., New York, NY.
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5/23/2016 - cstir Likes this wine: 88 Points
Pleasant with nice balance; modest depth of flavor; mild finish.
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5/13/2016 - thunberg wrote: 88 Points
@BYOB tasting
Served blind, I struggled to get both grape and country. M- acidity, some sweatness initially, bitter oakiness in the aftertaste, licorice, white pepper. Even though a bit weak on the palate I find this wine intrresting.
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4/16/2016 - MTW87 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Straw yellow, clear.
Yellow apples, dried hay and almost hints of butter on nose.
A plumper Chardonnay, some minerals, but finishes with tropic fruit notes, like pineapple, mango and melon.
A very nice wine, an elegant and "powerful" Chardonnay that can easily withstand comparison with white Bourgogne wines. A lot of wine for its meagre price.
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4/3/2016 - pkoppels Likes this wine: 80 Points
Wijntype: vol wit
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1/22/2016 - cuffthis Likes this wine: 90 Points
Consistent with previous bottles. Light gold in color, this wine reveals white fruits of guava, peach and lemon on the nose as well as white acacia. The mouth feel is full bodied with subtle oak, toast and abundant minerality as well as copious levels of acidity. The finish is firm and lets the white fruits, acidity and minerals come together seamlessly.
Purchased for $15US at the recommendation of a trusted local retailer in Flemington, NJ, this is a winner. It has just enough oak to make the varietal show its best without being out of balance. It drinks way above its modest price point. When searching for an everyday chardonnay, this is at the top of my list as its a very big production (350,000 bottles). A very good qpr.
Imported by Winebow, Inc., New York, NY.
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1/1/2016 - cuffthis Likes this wine: 90 Points
Consistent with first bottle. Light gold in color, this wine reveals white fruits of guava, peach and lemon on the nose as well as white acacia. The mouth feel is full bodied with subtle oak, toast and abundant minerality as well as copious levels of acidity. The finish is firm and lets the white fruits, acidity and minerals come together seamlessly.
Purchased for $15US at the recommendation of a trusted local retailer in Flemington, NJ, this is a winner. It has just enough oak to make the varietal show its best without being out of balance. It drinks way above its modest price point. When searching for an everyday chardonnay, this is at the top of my list as its a very big production (350,000 bottles). A very good qpr.
Imported by Winebow, Inc., New York, NY.
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1/1/2016 - bubblewitz Likes this wine: 91 Points
buttery, mineral, nice length
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12/30/2015 - the_blanz Likes this wine: 90 Points
This is a bargain for a great wine. I really enjoyed this fantastic Chardonnay! Balanced acidity, just enough oak and fruity+lemon.
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12/4/2015 - cuffthis Likes this wine: 90 Points
Light gold in color, this wine reveals white fruits of guava, peach and lemon on the nose as well as white acacia. The mouth feel is full bodied with subtle oak, toast and abundant minerality as well as copious levels of acidity. The finish is firm and lets the white fruits, acidity and minerals come together seamlessly.
Purchased for $15US at the recommendation of a trusted local retailer in Flemington, NJ, this is a winner. It has just enough oak to make the varietal show its best without being out of balance. It drinks way above its modest price point. When searching for an everyday chardonnay, this is at the top of my list as its a very big production (350,000 bottles). A very good qpr.
Imported by Winebow, Inc., New York, NY.
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12/4/2015 - macaujames Likes this wine: 91 Points
Elegant aromas of vanilla, ice cream, pears, lemons and guava. Eliptical and stylish well oaked medium bodied palate with good layering and tension. Ends medium long fresh and tangy.
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10/18/2015 - laxman Likes this wine: 90 Points
Quite good! Ran across this in one of my newer "go to" wine stores. Having enjoyed Catena Zapata Cabernet in the past - shamelessly attracted by the high WA score, I was surprised to see a WA 92 attached to this $15 Chardonnay. Typically I don't go for white over red, but needed something to pair with roasted duck and this jumped into my cart ;) Perfect pairing! Fortunately this is not one of those Kendall-Jackson/J Lohr oak monsters and showed just enough fruit with a long finish. Not as complex/interesting as a higher-end Chard, but this a a great choice to have in the fridge for a party or weeknight Chinese/Thai.
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