Meursault or Napa, this will Thrill You!
So, you say you’re a fan of Meursault but don’t want to pay the tariff for the pleasure of the ride? Well look no further my friend, for the perfect substitute just made its way across my palate. It comes to us from Luca, in the Tupungato of the Uco Valley in Argentina. It’s the perfect balance between a Burgundian and California-style Chardonnay from the high altitude “G Lot” in Gualtallary at 4,900 feet above sea level. This is where Chardonnay vines are planted directly into limestone bedrock, and you can taste it in the final product. Bringing the real excitement, the wine is 80% barrel-fermented and 20% tank fermented at very low temperatures with 60% malolactic fermentation. It is aged 12 months in 20% new and 80% 1-year French barrels, aged sur lies. This technique gives us a wine with a beautiful pale-gold color with enticing aromas of lemon crème, baking spices and some notes of dulce de leche. The aromas carry through to the palate, and are joined by hints of tropical fruit, spiced baked pear, and a stony/mineral flavor that creates a stylish wine that seems part New and part Old World. If you love Meursault or supreme Napa Chards, this is calling your name. And at a mere fraction of the cost!
Vinous: Full yellow with a gold tinge. Deep, ripe aromas of fresh apricot, tropical fruits and smoky, spicy oak. Impressively fat, round and thick for the year, with its stone and tropical fruit flavors complicated by a savory umami quality and enlivened by sound underlying minerality. Rich, flavorful Chardonnay with considerable subtlety.
For those who have been or have heard about, this Chardonnay is poured in a flight alongside French and American Chardonnays at Restaurant Commis, Oakland’s only Michelin 2 Star restaurant. Yes, it’s THAT good!
2017 Luca Chardonnay G-Lot Mendoza
Specially priced for this offer: $24.99