Two pretty nice wines this evening with grilled king salmon and local Michigan corn-on-the cob (none better):
2004 Spragia Family Vyds Chardonnay, Gamble Ranch Vyd, Napa Valley 7/29/2007 Brilliant yellow gold to a clear edge. Soft, creamy vanillin oak over fine lemon chiffon fruit, tropical fruit, mineral accents and buttered toast on the nose. Rich, succulent entry to a spicy center where bright, polished lemon fruit meets lean mineral qualities and Meursault-like almond meal, rich, viscous and extremely full-bodied with plenty of glycerin to round the edges and lemon zest acidity driving a nervy balance, consistent through the long finish where just a bit of heat intrudes on the richness.
2005 Chehalem 3 Vineyards Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 7/29/07 Medium red-blue to a red-violet edge. Fragrant floral and deep black plum, black cherry and boysenberry fruit, followed by creamy vanilla toffee on the nose. Broad black fruits on entry, a deep sounding center of cool black cherry and vervy boysenberry fruit, dry fruit tannins at the edge and cool stone fruit acidity beneath, heavy and full through the moderate consistent finish. Good balance, deep, grapey.