This flight features 3 whites and offers an opportunity to contrast acid levels, weight and residual sugar.
Chateau Sainte-Marie Entre-Deux-Mers Vielles Vignes 2005
Of the 2004 I noted a perfect balance of the grapes used and a great value. This 2005 bottle was losing its vibrancy and becoming alcoholic. Perhaps the stelvin was not forming a complete seal and the wine has oxidized – it certainly seems so with the premature golden color. 50-65% Sauvignon Blanc, 25-40% Semillon and 10% or less Muscadelle from vines of an average age of 28 years. Fermented and aged in stainless with battonage for 6 months. Vignerons Gilles et Stephane Dupuch 12% $9.49 at Bottle Barn Saint-Marie
Joseph Drouhin Chablis Domaine de Vaudon Chablis 2005
The first bottle tasted earlier in the year was corked. The second was concentrated and full on with acidity. Tonight the wine strikes the perfect balance of racy acidity with complexity and a creamy texture. Pressed at the estate in Chablis and then ferm, aged in oak and mis en bouteille by Drouhin in Beaune, sourced from a vyd owned by Drouhin situated between the premier Crus of Mont de Milieu and Montée de Tonnerre. Domaine de Vaudon is the name of the wine poduced from this area. 12.5% $18.49 at Bottle Barn Drouhin
Domaine Le Peu de la Moriette (Domaine Pichot) Vouvray 2006
This wine is divine and shows the balance that can be achieved in sugar and acid, in a wine with ample extract for about $10. Hand harvested from calcerous clay slopes with yields around 25 hectolitres/hectare, fermented and aged in large old wood of 450 litres, mis par Jean-Claude Pichot, proprietaires-recoltants in Vouvray 12% $9.69 at Bottle Barn, holding the same price as the 2004 at retail in October, 2007 and up to $10.99 in April of 2008.
