Part of a grand tasting (1.5 oz. pours of two American Chardonnay, two French Chardonnay, four domestic Pinot Noir and four red Burgundies with dinner at Enoteca Vin, Raleigh. Sample of all 12 wines for $35.
2001 PONZI CHARDONNAY RESERVE, Oregon. Medium gold color; quite transparent. Fruity nose. Slight vanilla waxy note like a French vanilla-scented candle. Legs on glass. On palate, banana and an indeterminate fruit. Some elegance; not too oaky. Would pair well with a white fish in cream sauce or perhaps meuniere style seafood. Couple next to me thought it was over-the-hill but I'm not certain about that.
2002 MOUNT EDEN CHARDONNAY, California.
Medium to medium-plus gold color. Slightly darker than the Ponzi. Richer nose--some oak but not overwhelming the fruit. Apple or apple butter flavor. American oak or French oak? Advertised as one of the more Burgundian-style American chards and I would agree with that. Coats palate lightly in a pleasant way--not oppressive. I liked this one.
2002 JEAN-MARC PILLOT CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET "LES VERGERS" 1ER CRU
Medium straw or pale gold color; transparent. Lighter shade than the Mount Eden. Faint nose; starts with a faint impression on the palate and finishes a little more strongly. Some C.-M. typicity.
1996 ROBIN CHABLIS "VAUDESIR"
Deep gold color showing that it is an older wine. Palate coating. Apple or pineapple flavor. Nice. Since I'm not an oyster fan, I might serve this with mussels or trout coated in ground nuts or butter sauce or with fried calamari. Has some of the Chablis "flintiness" but also rich fruit.