Grapelive Wine of the Day
By Kerry Winslow
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2009 Chasseur Chardonnay Russian River Valley.
Here is a very interesting and fun Chardonnay that has vibrant intensity and bursts with exotic flavors, this is lip smacking good wine. Chasseur has long been a great label for small production Pinot and Chard, mostly from the Russian River Valley, and Sonoma Coast, rivaling many new and old names from Kosta Browne to Williams Selyem for quality. This 2009 Russian River Valley Chardonnay is fine and well crafted wine with rich depth and fresh lively balance, the nose has citrus flowers, smoke, hazelnuts and stone fruit that leads to a palate of peach, apple, pear and fig layers with hints of lemon curd and toasty brioche. There is a really seductive ginger spice that runs through this lovely Chard and gives added allure and complexity. Look for this wine to develop nicely for another 2 to 3 years, best to enjoy it in it’s youth though, highly recommended.
($40 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
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