Bliss: feet off of ground, in slippers, sipping chardonnay
14 hours on your feet. Don’t even think about sitting down. There are shots to be pulled. Milk to be steamed. Sandwiches and salads to assemble. The masses need their fix. The payoff? A long weekend in LA. Escape. Sunshine. Good company. The tony life. You’re battered though. You need a little medicine to numb those barking dogs. Forget Advil. You sell wine. Your fix? Le Grand Noir Chardonnay 2008 ($9.99 @Barriques). Life is good again. And about to get better.
Wine: Le Grand Noir Chardonnay 2008Vitals: 13%abv; 85% chardonnay, 15% viognier
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon (Limoux, Minervois, Carcassone), France
Company line: “Winemaking: The grapes are harvested at optimum ripeness, cold macerated, pressed, cold settled and then fermented. 60% of the Chardonnay is barrel fermented, remaining on the lees in barrel for 6 months. The Viognier is stainless steel fermented, seeing no oak. The wines are then blended and bottled. The Viognier from Minervois is considered the finest from the region of Languedoc-Roussillon.
Characteristics: Vibrant yellow color, intense aromas of lime and mango with hints of toasted vanilla. Rich palate with lemon-lime flavors and subtle oak influences. Excellent length and finish. The addition of Viognier to the blend makes this offering very “consumer friendly”. A perfect match with hors d’oeuvres, seafood, poultry, and pork dishes. This wine also balances nicely with exotic Asian dishes. -prestigewinegroup.com”
My take: pale straw yellow in the glass. Tropical fruit dominates the nose with sticky, ripe pineapple and mango cut by acidic lime, with oaky vanilla lingering in the background. Tropical citrus characterizes the palate, with the rich vanillin and oak featured in the aroma much less forward in the mouth. Pleasant acidity and mellow alcoholic presence makes for a smooth and crisp finish and lends high drinkability. Le Grand Noir exhibits great balance throughout and pairs well with my exhaustion and general lack of energy and mental acuity at the moment. Another great value from the Barriques Wall of 100. I’m OUT.
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