I liked this - what more could I mayhaps like?

[andersbenke]

Recently I decided to, for the first time consciously (peculiar word to use? my english needs work), try a chardonnay. My choice, Chapel Hill Chardonnay 1999, was quite a pleasant experience. I thought it had something extra to it, compared to the other (rather few) white wines I have tried. Dry, yet with stalking sweetness [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img].

Do you have any comments on my choice and/or can you suggest any other white wines I might like?

[This message has been edited by andersbenke (edited 11-19-2001).]

[Innkeeper]

What you tasted was new oak used in the ageing process. Welcome to the world of American Chardonnay. Glad you like it; I don't. Do like chardonnay sans oak, and spend a lot of time looking for it in the New World. It is easy to find oak free chardonnay in the Old World. Almost all American, Australian, and Chilian chardonnays have liberal does of new oak; so you have a lot to choose from.

[andersbenke]

Can you describe the general difference between chardonnays with and without the oak? And how can I, if at all, tell by looking at the lable whether oak has been used or not?

[This message has been edited by andersbenke (edited 11-20-2001).]

[Innkeeper]

Experiance is the best teacher. You should be able to find Lindeman's Bin 65, SE Australia, Chardonnay; and George Duboeuf Macon Villages (Chardonnay). Taste them side by side with some friends. You will find the Lindeman's oaky, and the Macon Villages non-oaky.

As far as labels are concerned, there are some dead givaways such as "Oak Cask" or "Vanilla Scents" on the label. Most Old World chardonnay is non or lightly oaked. Most New World chardonnay is heavily oaked. This includes all Australian and New Zealand unless it is labeled "Unwooded" and they do so label. All Chilian chardonnay is oaked. About 99.5% of American chandonnay is oaked, and you just have to search around for that which isn't.