Weekly Saturday Tasting

A Study of Chardonnay

Saturday, July 22nd
1:00 - 3:00

There is no questioning that Chardonnay has been one of the most popular wine grapes for American consumers over the last 50 years, but in recent years it has also become one of the most polarizing. While we still have numerous customers who love and crave the classic California Chardonnay style epitomized by Kendall Jackson and Rombauer, these days there are just as many customers looking for anything but that rich, buttery style. We've seen a great rise in unoaked Chardonnay, or ones done in older, neutral barrels that add texture and body to the wines, but not much of the flavor of the oak. Chardonnay, along with Merlot, has become one of the most misunderstood and maligned wine grapes out there. It is somewhat shocking the number of times over the years we've heard customers say "I hate Chardonnay, but I love White Burgundy" - the kicker being that White Burgundy is nearly always 100% Chardonnay! That is just a perfect example of how the terroir of the growing area, they type of oak used (or not used), and other changes in winemaking style can really alter the expression of different wine grapes. To help explore this idea, we will taste a variety of Chardonnay wines from the U.S. West Coast and France, exploring through lines and differences. We would be remiss, however, if we excluded one of Chardonnay's most elegant examples - Champagne! Along with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay is part of the main three grapes of Sparkling Wine's greatest region, and Champagne labelled Blanc de Blancs, like the Champagne Launois we will sample, is usually 100% Chardonnay. True Champagne alone should be enough to pull a great crowd for this excellent tasting, and we hope you can join in on the fun.

Vignerons Réunis Bourgogne Blanc 'Cuvée Réserve'
Burgundy, France, 2020

Lingua Franca 'Avni' Chardonnay
Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2021

Buehler Vineyards Chardonnay
Russian River Valley, California, 2019

Champagne Paul 'Composition #5'
Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
Le Mesnil sur Oger, Champagne, France, NV

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Upcoming Tastings
In addition to our standard Saturday Tastings, we have several other weeknight tastings coming up that we want to make you aware of. Please mark your calendars for these great events!


Alsatian Wines of Mélanie Pfister
with special guest Debra Lewis of Vintage '59 Imports

Thursday, July 27th
5:00 - 7:00

Mélanie Pfister is a superstar of the Alsace region, and one of the most talented winemakers in the world. We are excited to welcome our dear friend Debra Lewis of Vintage '59 Imports who will guide us through a selection of Mélanie's delicious wines. This is a fantastic way to kick off the first week of
our Summer Sale.


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Sean Minor Wines
with special guests Sean and Nicole Minor
Meet the Winemaker!

Tuesday, August 8th
5:00 - 7:00

We are thrilled to be welcoming Sean and Nicole Minor of Sean Minor Wines for a tasting on August 8th. This family owned winery is committed to sustainable practices and sourcing the finest grapes form California's top wine-growing regions. We'll have more information as we get closer, but save the date to taste with a top California winemaker!