Wine Tasting 55: 2003 Talomas Chardonnay/Viognier From Calif
July 26th, 2010
This Talomas Chardonnay (83%) / Viognier (17%) came with a musky buttery nose mixed with very faint gasoline and the usual tropical fruit and pineapple suggesting the wine has gone through malolactic fermentation. The wine was surprisingly fresh, refreshing and crisp unlike many California chardonnays which are OTT (Over the top): Smokey, oaky, full body, with full blown malolatic buttery and off dry fruit — I call it being suffocated by Dolly Parton’s bosoms…Although this Char is not too complex as expected, I believe the Viognier has contributed the wine with much vibrancy and spiciness. The lifted but balanced acidity also means the wine is versatile with a large variety of food. The wine was reduced in BC from $21 to $7.99 in the summer of 2006 after Mondalvi was bought by Constellation brand in 2004. It’s still available at private stores such as Central City of Surrey in BC at $12. What a mark up (!) but still fair in price I guess. Drink now like the way I quaffed it down after filming! (Rating 87-89) points by Michael Lam of the Beverage Review.
Duration : 0:2:57
Great bargain I bought from the BC Liquor Store!
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Estancia has been one of the bargain quality wines from California for many years. Do forgive my memory, I paid under Cad$25 for this wine about 5 or 6 years ago. The colour when observed already showing that of an aged wine that’s brownish brick garnet. Old wine nose of prune, dark soya sauce and sweet glycerol emerged with lower level of ripe blackcurrant and dark cherry. The taste of the wine confirmed the above with more dark chocolate and tobacco to follow. The fruit level as well as tannin has been dropped thus the mouth feel was round and velvet. This wine should have been opened 2 years ago in my opinion as it would have been more balanced. Do drink the remaining stock if you still have some! (Rating 86-88 points) by Michael Lam of the Beverage Review.
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