Had a lovely glass of Alsatien Chardonnay blend last night. The wine bar I patronize was right-not all Chardonnay is blah.
Zind Humbrecht Zind 2004. Beautiful, just absolutely beautiful color in the glass. A strange thing to rate a wine on, but the glowing, clear golden color was amazingly pretty. Reticent nose. Awesome crisp raciness with plenty of fruit and acidity. Very nice with a goat cheese plate, bread, olive oil, ripe peaches. ****. I will buy a bottle of this (although I ended up buying other things last night).
The Wine Spectator review is succinct and spot on:
"Fine purity and focus. A racy spine of acidity drives the floral, melon and mineral notes in this elegant, juicy white. Harmonious and complex, with lingering citrus and mineral accents resonating in the aftertaste. Pinot Auxerrois, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. Drink now through 2012. Score: 89. —Bruce Sanderson, October 31, 2006. "