Tobin James Chardonnay

[Innkeeper]

2000 Tobin James, Radiance, Paso Robles, Chardonnay ($16). Just about as good as chardonnay can and should be. A fruit bomb on the nose that explodes in your mouth. The fresh fruit rolls across your palate, and ends with a lingering finish. Most importantly, nary a trace of oak. None!!! The wine matched wonderfully with sauteed chicken breast in cream sauce. Very highly recommended. Join the James Gang: 805-239-2204.

[Innkeeper]

The 2001 now has a trace of oak and butter in it. Not overpowering. Took Andrea's advice from her new book, "Great Tastes Made Simple", where she recommends matching "American Chardonnay" with creamy seafood soups; and matched it with She Crab Soup. Excellent!!!

[Innkeeper]

Popped the '10 that came with fall shipment this year. The grapes for Radiance have been sourced from Monterey County for the past few years. The list price is still $16 and the alcohol is 13.8%, which is a little high in my opinion, but does not make the wine hot. The oak is still there, but nullified by drinking it with Turkey Tetrazzini! There is still a load of fruit to keep the wine in balance. Excellent wine and meal.

[Innkeeper]

Still talking to myself here again. We popped the 2011 tonight that came in the fall shipment this year. All the key elements are still in place. The overwhelming fruit obscures the oak almost completely. We matched it with chicken breasts cooked a new way for us called "pan-seared." It involves pricking them with a fork several time and salting them genously, putting them covered in a slow oven (275 degrees F) for 30-40 minutes depending on the size. Then you take them out and dry them, brush a slury on them of melted butter, flour, corn starch and pepper, and brown them in EVOO for three minutes on each side brushing them with slury again after turning. We just sprinkled them with smoked paprika, but any sauce can also be used. They were accompanied with roasted potato slices, and eggpland salad.

Now, excuse me while I finish my wine.

[Innkeeper]

Another tonight with sautéed chicken breast, pilaf, and green peas.