2003 Red Bicyclette Chardonnay

[Georgie]

I'd kind of given up on Chardonnay since I'd never found one I really liked, but this was good. Not too oaky, apples and pears..went nicely with broiled salmon. 13% alcohol, I think I paid $12. I'd buy it again.

[Innkeeper]

Are you sure about the oak? Did you drink any without the salmon? The strong taste and oil in salmon could cover it up. When I have to get rid of an oak bomb some well meaning person gave us, I serve it with salmon in cream sauce or something similar.

[Kcwhippet]

If you like the "not too oaky" type of Chard, try the Toad Hollow. It's done in stainless steel - no oak at all - with 100% malolactic, and left on the lees in the tanks for about 6-8 months. Really nice quaff and the price is about the same.

[Bucko]

I got it as a sample -- I found it serviceable at best and could not give it a note. Glad you liked it.

[Georgie]

Well, my tastes certainly aren't as discerning as yours. I thought it was ok. True, I didn't have it without the salmon. I'll give your suggestion a try, KC. Nice to hear from you guys. I've been a bit out of the loop lately and I miss you.

[wondersofwine]

Georgie, we missed you in Washington State. I think you and CCK would have hit it off and been good buds.

[Georgie]

Thanks for that. I'm already planning for next year! I hated missing out.

[Innkeeper]

Picked up a bottle today at the local super for $9.99. Didn't catch the alcohol level before Mother scrapped the label off (something you have to do in this town we are staying in but will not be living in, thank God). One thing that others have failed to note is that this is Gallo's new brand from the South of France. Interesting that they could just waltz right in after the locals previously dissed the Mondavis.

Anyhoo, it was a servicable Chard with minimum oak that did just fine with Haddock a'la Creme'. After the fish was gone, the oak emereged a little with the tomatoes.