On 3 Apr 2007 14:27:01 -0700, "UC" > wrote:

>On Apr 3, 2:36 pm, "Bi!!" > wrote:
>> Last night with Chicken Picata (Giada's), roasted garlic couscous and
>> grilled veggies I opened a couple of Chards.
>>
>> 1997 Latour Corton Charlemagne-Deep gold in color. The nose showd a
>> fair amount of raosted hazelnut and a touch of oak. Quite rich on the
>> palate with pear and golden delicious apple coming through a fairly
>> opulent mouth feel. Plenty going on and the wine has probably
>> peaked. No oxidized notes.
>> A- on the Dale Scale.
>>
>> 2000 Domaine Laroche Chablis Les Blanchots-Pale shimmering gold in the
>> glass. Creamy lemon curd and exotic spices mixed with a thick
>> minerality across the palate. While a bit tight on the nose, it
>> really opened up on the palate. A on the Dale Scale
>>
>> 2002 Shafer Red Shoulders Ranch Chardonnay-While this is ususally one
>> of my favorite California Chards, compared to the two French Burgs it
>> was just too much of everything. Fairly heavy aromas of oak and
>> butter with some orange/lemon marmalade. Ripe fruits pears, peaches
>> and citrus fruits dominate leaving a mouthcoating heaviness that was
>> almost cloying. B on the Dale Scale.
>
>
>
>Are there California Chardonnays that are NOT "too much of everything"?

In direct reply, yes. There are a wide range of California Chardonnay
styles.

But, the question that immediately comes to mind is why would you
care? You've been very clear that CA wines will never touch your lips.


Ed Rasimus
Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret)
"When Thunder Rolled"
www.thunderchief.org
www.thundertales.blogspot.com