2014 Jean-Marc Brocard Bourgogne Blanc Kimmeridgien
15-year old vines grown on Kimmeridgien soil. Labeled as 12.5% abv. Gold color. Limestone contributes to the mineral (more steel-like than chalky IMO) quality of the wine. It is vibrant and easy to sip quickly. I think it would pair more widely with dishes than would a creamier rendition of Chardonnay. This wine is redolent with charm and harmony.
In a tasting with premier or grand cru wines from Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Meursault, or Le Montrachet, I might score it lower to allow for greater wines to shine. However, on its own and for what it is, I find this attractive wine worthy of an outstanding or near-outstanding rating and would score it 89 or 90.
2013 Williams Selyem Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard, Russian River Valley, CA
14.7% abv. Medium-gold color. Fragrant with lanolin, apple and spiced pear. Similar flavors on the palate. Long finish.
2013 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, Ca
About 14% abv. Dark purple color. Quite fruity, suggestive of purple fruit (grapes, plums, and also dark cherries.) Speaks of the Russian River Valley terroir. Attractive but I prefer some of the single vineyard designates from Williams-Selyem. I would give it 88 or 89 points.