2007 Lewis Barcaglia Lane Chardonnay

Another chardonnay, third of four wines. This was more subtle than the reserve, although not by much. It is still a classic California chardonnay, with some spice on the nose and lovely pear, honey flavor in the mouth. I liked this one better as it was a bit less overwhelming and readers will know I like a more steely, gravelly wine. I felt this wine was much more well balanced, with a nice finish of fruit and acid.

WR

2007 Lewis Reserve Chardonnay

The second of four posts from the K&L tasting of Lewis wines.

This is a classic California Chardonnay. Big, bold, buttery, can't find a b-word for oaky. Pear and apple and a bit of lemon, citris on the nose, with full mouth soaking chardonnay. It was not perfectly balanced, although I thought the acid was sufficient, my friend felt is was lacking. Still, if you love the California Chardonnay, then this is a wine for you.

The Lewis Cellar website is nice with a bit of history of the family and you can also buy.

All of these wines are just being released this week. So this tasting was a pre-release of these wines. Both of the Chardonnays were given more time in the barrel on the lies.






WR

2007 Yalumba Bush Vine Grenache

This is a light, fruity, translucent wine with great plummy hints. It also has a noticeable strawberry overtone and the blend is quite pleasant. It is well balanced with lively acidity and a tart but pleasing finish. Unlike many Shiraz of Australia, it is also not overly alcoholic.

This wine comes from the Barossa Valley, a place I genuinely hope to visit some day not too long from now. Bush vines are very old vines that grow in bush like style and get quite gnarly.

I do not have a strong "impression" of grenache. I know it is a primarily grape in many Rhone style wines. Somehow that has not given it a defined character for me. But this wine, relatively inexpensive, is very drinkable now. It has a character almost to a Beaujolais. It is not, but it could stand in for one. I would drink this with almost any food and it delivered alongside a simple Matzo Ball soup tonight.

A link to the Yalumba web site.



WR