By:
Lorrie S. LeBeaux

On my last visit to New Orleans, I had the opportunity to have a glass of chardonnay that did not taste like it had an oak tree in it! My family and I were sitting on the back porch in Algiers River Point with my step-son and his wife, daughter, children, and my dear friend Bernadine. Her son William, who we affectionately call “Willie”, was in attendance as well. Willie is his mom’s designated driver; we don’t believe in sipping and driving. My daughter-in –law Alison loves wine and today’s varietal was chardonnay. We had several bottles of chardonnay, some better than others. Yes, the “oak monster” was present in some, not as scary as I’ve had in the past.

I’m finally had a chance to sample a chardonnay that was perfectly balanced for me. The wine was Nugan Estate Riverina 2006 Chardonnay Wine of Australia. This wine was a deep straw color, with a smooth mouth feel, loaded with melon, peach, and a pinch of nutmeg that added that warm spice to the mid palate of the wine. The finish was long with citrus and spice notes. The spice was the oak; but it did not over-power the fruit and other nuances. The wine was balanced, and the price was $12.99, so it will not put a hole in your pocket. I loved this wine so much, because I’ve been in search of a pleasurable chardonnay to stock my cellar. The wine was what I call a “bang for the buck” wines and will be added to my wine list.

Now for the “tree in my wine glass” experience, that left my six-year-old nephew confused. Keith is six, and already knows his “teela”, which is my nickname for Aunt Lorrie, loves her wine. So, when I bought a half-bottle of a California chardonnay, which I will remain nameless was so “over-oaked” I could taste a big oak tree! I said out load, “There is a tree in my glass.” My nephew who is six, and sees things concretely, as he should at this stage of his growth and development Psychology 101 replied, “Teela, I don’t see the tree in your glass.” I had to tell him that there really was not a tree inside the glass, but the wine made my mouth feel like I was biting into a wet oak tree. That is a nasty thought, and a nasty taste; too many chardonnay lovers have to endure that taste. Wine should not be manipulated by oak; the true essence of the grape and terrroir should be evident in the first sip and last sip.

I am so glad that wine writers are writing about the switch from over-oaked, and in some instances “unoaked” chardonnay. There was an article in a recent copy of Wine Enthusiast magazine, about chardonnay preferences changing; people want to taste the fruit, not the oak! Don’t get me wrong, oak can be a great thing. I love what oak does for Bogle Petite Sarah. The oak gives this wine a sweet vanilla oak finish; it makes it be one of my “bang for the buck” wines.

In closing, I too look at wine through the eyes of a child; what I see and taste is what I think and feel. Sometimes being “child-like” in regards to wine can be a good thing; it develops your palate. I told my nephew Keith, who I believe is gifted, that he inspired me to write this article. He is truly six, no matter how smart he is; he was not impressed! I think if I would have told him about the cupcakes that I made today, he would have been more interested! Now, go out and try this wine or any other wine, that the back of label tells you that there is more fruit and less oak or “Unoaked “Chardonnay. I think that Chardonnay will have redeemed herself in the minds of many chardonnay lovers. I would love to know what you think about less oak in your chardonnay or the Nugan Chardonnay that I’ve recommended in this article. You can contact Jae and me at www.loenophile.com , we would be happy to know what you think!

Cheers,

Lorrie