WineAlign

• By David Lawrason
  1/5/2011 (link)

  (Chateau St. Jean Belle Terre Vineyard Chardonnay, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County white) Subscribe to see review text.

• By John Szabo, MS
  12/27/2010 (link)

  (Chateau St. Jean Belle Terre Vineyard Chardonnay, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County white) Subscribe to see review text.

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  3/9/2010 (link)

  (BELLE TERRE Ch St. Jean Chardonnay) Belle Deal Dear Friends, I had Niki sleep in this morning so hopefully she is well rested for what I expect to be the most requested offer of the year (by far). Here it goes... While we are more known for our artisinal bent, occasionally a quasi-commercial offer comes along that is simply impossible for me to refuse - this is one of them. A few weeks ago, I was offered this wine for what now appears to be among the best price/value ratios in a number of years. At the time, the wine was floundering around without much market demand and the prospect of the 2008 vintage right around the corner. I found the wine to be quite agreeable, even very fine (for domestic Chardonnay) and was surprised that it was not in greater demand. While I would rather not be known as a domestic Chardonnay specialist, the wine was quite surprising and I knew a number of you would be happy to enjoy it. I secured the wine (at a great price) and had it scheduled for the first week of April. That was two weeks ago. Last week, the new Wine Advocate was released and Parker gave this the highest score in the last 5-10 years for a domestic Chardonnay in this price range (maybe the highest score in the last 15 years?). For arguably the most influential voice of California wine, that is a major statement indeed. Let the market frenzy ensue... All bets are now off but, to their credit, they've honored the pre-Parker deal and it pretty much speaks for itself. The only caveat is that we can only have one shipment at the deal price - if we re-order, it's at a "corrected" tariff that accommodates for the WA93. So, if you have a wedding this summer, large event or anything for that matter where you can splurge up to this price-point (yes, a bit more than most want to spend for a wedding but think of the quality increase you will receive?), this is one of those "right place at the right time" deals that is a one-off of the finest bargain order: Is this the single finest price/value we've ever offered on domestic Chardonnay? Could very well be. ONE SHIPMENT ONLY at this price - due to arrive in 1-2 weeks (this will ship during the Spring Shipping Season in plenty of time for summer). To accommodate large events, I will allow up to ten cases/person: 2007 Chateau St. Jean "Belle Terre Vineyard" Chardonnay Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA CA9880