Wine Outlook

Here I am, already breaking my own rules after only a couple days. But Wine Blogging Wednesday #36 is upon us— the three-year anniversary—no less…and the other blog isn’t live yet. So my notes must live here for now, despite the fact this has nothing to do with Rosenblum.

Lenn, the eminent founder, picked a fantastic theme: naked Chardonnay. Why is it perfect? Other than the fact that my southern drawl really shows when I say the word ‘nekkid,’ I am a big fan of Chardonnay minus any oak. For years I avoided the grape completely, fearing that buttery richness which so many wineries (especially in California) take over the top. Now, granted, give me some crab legs with a ramekin of heated butter, and that match is made in heaven. But that particular style overpowers most other food. Therefore, I say, “Undress the Chardonnay!”

Frantic that I would miss this WBW as I did the last two, I looked around Trader Joe’s as I was picking up a few groceries for the week. In the Chardonnay section, I only saw one unoaked version for almost $40, out of my budget right now. But then lightning struck,and I went to the Australia section (where they tend to like that style), and found the 2005 Evans & Tate Underground Series Unwooded Chardonnay for a mere $3.99. Four dollars: could it be any good? Well, I think it’s fair to middlin’ –at least– when considering the price. Other details: screwcap with alcohol of 14.5%. Lemon, apple, and wet stone on the nose, with more of the same on the palate. I also detected small amounts of cream (result of malolactic fermentation and not oak, I’m guessing) as well as some grassy notes. Dry, but not very acidic.

According to the website, Evans & Tate seems to make most of their wines with grapes from Margaret River, but this particular wine had Western Australia on the label. I couldn’t find any news about the Underground Series, but it seems to be their less expensive wines perhaps because the grapes are coming from other areas. Regardless, the name sounds fun, as if it were more elusive and harder to find. The information is, anyway. I saw this wine listed on other websites from $8-10. So, if you’re gonna get this one, definitely get it at Trader Joe’s.