2014 Aaron Mercer Chardonnay d’Oro

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To keep in mind

• You can learn about the body of wine. This is very far from the light, zesty, easy to drink white wines you can pair with every fish dish. This is a bold player. If the first thing you with a wine is to quaff it… Maybe should try something else. This wine is to entertain your palate for a long time. It’s rich, dense, flavorful, creamy. At the end, you can feel the strenght of the sun in this wine.

• Smell and taste: maybe, the first thing you will notice is the  mineral aroma, similar to the french chardonnays made in cool climate… But, as a real californian there is some ripe fruits too: orchard fruits, the producer says. Peach and lemon? Yes. But what makes this wine interesting is the effect that 6 months in french oak barrel has: a rich aroma of vanilla and nutmeg.

• Exercise to learn about oaked and unoaked wine: compared it with other californian chardonnay.

• I think this wine needs food to pair with and be served not too cold. It is ok if you do it, but, in this case you will find it more soft and pleasant around 55ºF. As a full-bodied white, avoid subtle fish: go for lobster, seasoned poultry and creamy pasta or légumes. Baked vegetables pie or pasties? Sure!. Also, look for umami flavored asian dishes or strong cheeses. I have to say I’ve tried with hazelnut and coccoa cream. And for one of you that love decadent pairings… Fall in love with paté or foie-gras!

• You can keep this wine about 5 years. 

⇒ See related posts:

• Chardonnay wine characteristics