Unwooded Chardonnay

[Innkeeper]

This could have been posted under Australia or Best Buys, but wanted all the chardonnayphobes to see this. 1999 Banrock Station, Unwooded, South Eastern Australia, Chardonnay; $6.99 ($5.59 in a mixed case from Tansa in Fall River). It was slighty floral on the nose, with sweet grapefruit up front, a couple of layers of varietal complexity on the palate, and smooth and lingering on the finish. But that hardly tells the story; this was a great wine. The description of the Kim Crawford by Bucko could almost describe this wine too, at more than twice the price. We had it both before and after dinner along with the meal of broiled haddock with butter and paprika, and a salad bulked up with avocado to neutralize the acid that no chardonnay could handle. The Banrock was wonderful all along the way.

Banrock Station seems passionate about this wine, although wouldn't be surprised if they put out an oaky one to balance the books. This one has the words "Unwooded" repeated all around the outside of the front label. On the back label is this statement that says it all: "It's simple really. You start with rich fertile soil, into this you plant vine cuttings of noble pedigree. Nature adds water and sunlight. The vines bear fruit. The fruit is picked with winemaker's care is crushed and fermented. And then you enjoy it. Made without the use of oak to ensure maximum fruit flavor and varietal freshness. This wine displays ripe tropical fruit and creamy texture."

All this at $3 less than a Maconnaise!