2008 Macari Vineyards Chardonnay Early Wine

New York Cork Report

• By Lenn Thompson
  1/1/2009, (See more on New York Cork Report...) 3 out of 5 stars

  (Macari Vineyards Chardonnay Early Wine) As the name implies, this 100% chardonnay wine is an extremely early release. In fact, just about everything about this wine is early. It was harvested on September 9, bottled October 16 and then released October 23. Just over 1,700 cases were produced. The 2008 edition pours extremely pale greenish yellow in the glass — so pale in fact that it’s nearly colorless — with a few tiny bubbles clinging to the glass. The nose is loaded with aromas of grapefruit, Granny Smith apple, lemon zest and subtle salty minerality. It’s medium bodied and almost electric in its liveliness. Mouth-watering acidity tingles as it moves over your palate, bringing balance to the wine’s sweetness. The flavors are straightforward, mainly citrus with a little minerality. Call it refreshing. Call it thirst quenching. It's not complex, but there's something fun and satisfying about it. Typically, I don’t recommend drinking whites well chilled, but in this case, you should. As it warms, the sweetness steps forward a bit too much for my tastes.