About 5 years ago I decided to try a little experiment and put away this chard. To see if it would keep, and maybe improve. Last night curiosity got the best of me and I pulled it out of the cellar. When I put this on the counter I didn’t give my GF any hints of what was unique about it. She looked at it and then mused … “It’s old” 🙂
Out of the fridge the nose is exceptionally mild. Giving away nothing of what’s to come. Golden in color with a thicker texture to the wine. On the mid pallet bam, there we are a lovely buttery rich, creamy California style chard. It’s creamy in texture and round in the mouth. A glass of happy. The wine is medium in length leaving some lovely mild caramel notes. The nose opened up as it warmed as did the wine’s depth. I would give this a 91 and would say the wine improved nicely. I am not sure how much longer this might keep. We paired it with grilled scallops and it went perfectly. For me scallops and a California style chard is a perfect match! I have a few other chards in the cellar can’t wait to try them out. If your going to do this, IMHO oaked chards will do better than unoaked.
From the LCBO web site (for a different year):
J. LOHR RIVERSTONE CHARDONNAY (V) VINTAGES 258699 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 17.95
Limited Time Offer Was: $ 18.95 Now: $ 17.95 Save: $ 1.00 Until Sep 15, 2013
Made in: California, USA By: J Lohr Winery
Release Date: Apr 18, 2013
13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Style: Full-bodied & Rich
Sugar Content: 8 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry
Description
This is a super-popular Chardonnay from the coastal region of Monterey. It’s bursting with banana, mango, grilled pineapple and smoke flavours. Delightful with grilled salmon steaks, butter chicken, or smoky prawns with green-mango salad.
Tasting Note
Deep yellow colour; ripe apple, pear, melon & vanilla aromas; dry, medium to full-bodied; creamy texture & peachy, oaky notes on the palate; well-balanced with a long finish
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