The Straw Hat

Louis Roederer

Cristal Brut Champagne Chardonnay Pinot Noir Blend 2014

Medium light lemon straw colour , very fine constant bubbles . Quite restrained and mineral on the nose , with some light toasty notes , white flowers , lemon oil . Quite closed . On the palate this is really quite intense and mineral , oyster shell , chalky , limestone hints . Some lemon pith and a lightly toasty with a saline hint , fresh acidity , long and detailed , refined and very balanced . Really young still , needs time to open and will be long lived . Better in 5- 10 years and will last well a further 5-10 years — a month ago

Ira, Jan and 17 others liked this

Bonneau du Martray

Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru Chardonnay 2011

Pop and pour. A majestic pale straw color. On the nose: Intense nose of green apple, lemon curd, pear, floral, orange rind. Taste: oily, fresh wine with white peach, apple, lemon, saline, crushed rock, grapefruit. YUM! More time to go, glad to have a few more bottles. — 4 months ago

Brenda Terzich-Garland
with Brenda
Brenda, Ira and 16 others liked this

Bodega Catena Zapata

Catena Alta Historic Rows Chardonnay 2022

Nice complex with tones straw, honey, cantaloupe apple. — 8 months ago

Domaine François Raveneau

Montée de Tonnerre Chablis 1er Cru Chardonnay 2010

The 2010 Montée de Tonnerre pours a straw color with medium viscosity. On the nose, this is an absolute powerhouse; sizzling with energy, tropical and orchard fruit: passionfruit, tangerine, green apple, crushed seashell, lemon curd and chalky minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and full of minerals. A supercharger of a Chablis. Tonight, this was truly sensational and an experience I won’t soon forget. Drink now through 2040. — 8 months ago

Pooneet, Paul and 19 others liked this

Whitehaven

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Pale straw color with green edges and aromas of citrus and tropical fruits adding floral herb notes. On the palate apricot, peach and pineapple with lemon zest, classic New Zealand SB. Lively acidity and spice complement this wine, well balanced ending on medium finish. — a month ago

Andrew, Paul and 2 others liked this

Trimbach

Clos Ste. Hune Alsace Riesling 2016

No formal notes . Quite straw , pale lemon , green tinged . This is quite open , with citrus and petrol hints and , floral and oyster shell . On the palate this is quite creamy , with great drive and energy . Mineral , lime and citrus notes , very high acidity . Very long and detailed and though very young this is showing quite well . Even better in 10 years or so . — 3 months ago

Dave, Bob and 12 others liked this

Moët & Chandon

Grand Vintage Brut Champagne Blend 2006

A nice way to toast my daughter’s 33rd Birthday! Blend of Chardonnay (42%), Pinot Noir (39%) and Meunier (18%). Straw gold color. Ripe apple hits both the nose and palate immediately with additional notes of pie and bread dough, lemon, apricot, white flowers and fresh herbs. Distinct chalky/nutty note on the finish. Rich and full bodied. Acidity was a bit lighter than expected. Quite dry but extremely fruit forward. A bit lacking in effervescence and mousse but still quite enjoyable. Thank you for sharing and Happy Birthday, Kase! — 7 months ago

Austin, Paul and 2 others liked this

Dog Point Vineyard

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Dog Point Vineyard combines experience of Ivan and Margaret Sutherland & James and Wendy Healy. Ivan and James met while working at Cloudy Bay Vineyards. Light straw with typical SB aromas adding a touch of floral mineral notes. On the palate flavors of melon and grapefruit with citrus and honeysuckle notes, generous acidity, great mouthfeel with long finish ending with a salty spice character. Exceptional wine! — 2 months ago

Tom and Paul liked this

Domaine François Raveneau

Valmur Chablis Grand Cru Chardonnay 2014

Quite light straw . Very complex and taut on the nose , with crushed shells , touch of honied citrus fruits , gun flint , green apple , camomile . On the palate this is very mineral and intense with chalk dust and citrus , apple peel , really long and mineral . Good volume but really excellent balance . Perfect fresh acidity, and saline mineral intensity on the finish . Really young still but so good at the moment , though will continue on like this , probably improving for a further decade at least . Restaurant Drouant , Paris . — 4 months ago

Dave, Daron and 12 others liked this

Domaine Leflaive

Bourgogne Blanc Chardonnay 2022

Popped and poured; the 2022 pours a a straw color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart and ripe orchard and tropical fruit: green apple, pineapple, lemon curd, lightly toasted bread. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium with some chalky minerals. Drink now through 2032. — 7 months ago

Daniel, Douglas and 10 others liked this