2005 Jermann Vinnaioli Chardonnay Were Dreams,

2005 Jermann Vinnaioli Chardonnay Were Dreams, now it is just wine! Venezia Giulia IGT

What a mouthful!, and not just the name:

A distinctive and delicious wine, seemed to me a dead ringer for a fresh, bright high-end Condrieu, but I admit I don't really know how a Chardonnay from Giulia is otherwise supposed to taste. Powerful and slightly musty nose, perfectly matching the taste -- papaya, overripe pears and lemons, well-balanced between the perceived (but certainly sugarless) sweetness and offsetting tartness. Long finish, this would probably make a great apertif but in our case enjoyed with linguine chicken in creamy pesto sauce. This wine was a big hit!

[David M. Bueker]

Chardonnay that tastes like Viognier? Is that some kind of zen mixed blessing?

Interesting, really, really interesting.

Well, I wasn't kidding, I Don't know how this wine is 'supposed' to taste.

That admitted, I generally know where to seek Chardonnays that I find typical and appealing, whereas I too often find Condrieu which is a bit flabby and hot. Anyhow, however they got there, the wine was to me genuinely delicious, I have one more bottle, now I know what to expect!