In continuation of the blind tasting events held two weekends ago (see my earlier post), the finale included one of my favorite red grape varieties, Cabernet Franc.  An up and coming varietal, especially on the East Coast, Cabernet Franc continues to receive praise from wine writers and awards at competitions.

In similar fashion to the prior nights tasting, all wines were placed in brown bags, numbered, and then poured.  The lineup included the following wines:

1. 2006 Rappahannock Cellars Cabernet Franc (Virginia) $20
2. 2006 Tiger Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Franc (Georgia) $23
3. 2004 Chamard Vineyards Estate Reserve Cabernet Franc (Connecticut) $23
4. 2006 Owen Sullivan Champoux Vineyard Cabernet Franc (Washington State) $29

I must admit, going into the tasting, I was very confident that I would at least identify the correct origin and price point.  Good thing I didn’t bet the house, but then again in this housing market, it might not have been a bad deal.  I failed miserably.

Now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for, drum roll please…  In an upset, the 2006 Tiger Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Franc from Georgia takes first place by a slim margin over Washington State.

Congratulations to Tiger Mountain Vineyards (be sure to read my earlier reviews) on their win, and a big thanks to all that came out for the event!

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Chamard Vineyards Stone Cold White

After tasting and writing about the Chamard Vineyards Estate Chardonnay recently (see my earlier post), I was curious to see if I could go two for two from Connecticut.  The second bottle from Chamard, Stone Cold White, is an unoaked Chardonnay.  Both my wife and I are big fans of this style, so I was eager to open.  Surprisingly, I was first introduced to this style of Chardonnay in Virginia, and immediately fell in love.   Contrast to the oaky, buttery style, non-malolactic or naked Chardonnays produce a crisp, steely, fruit-forward wine.

The wine retails for $14.99 and is available for purchase online.  On the nose, I picked up nice tropical fruit notes, lemon, and pear.  In the mouth, explosive citrus and almonds.  A very crisp, clean, acidic Chardonnay.  Again, I’d have a difficult time picking this particular wine from a lineup of white Burgundy.  A beautiful wine for sipping on the patio, especially as the temps begin to warm.

Once again, I’m pleasantly surprised.  A state I guarantee that is not on many peoples’ wine radar, but one that exhibits great potential.  I encourage those in the area to drink local, and for those outside of the state, to visit and see why Connecticut has a bright future!

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Today’s stop along the New England wine trail is Chamard Vineyards, located in Clinton, Connecticut.  The state of Connecticut is home to 19 wineries joined by the Connecticut Wine Trail.  Situated in close proximity to the Long Island Sound on the Connecticut shoreline, the microclimate is ideal for growing European grapes.  Famous for Chardonnay and voted “Best Wine” for 11 years running by Connecticut Magazine, Chamard also grows and bottles several other varieties.  The vineyard is made up of 20 acres of established vines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and of course, Chardonnay.

Chamard Vineyards 2004 Estate Reserve Chardonnay

I was excited to open their signature wine, the 2004 Estate Reserve Chardonnay.  The bottle retails for $17.99 and is available for purchase from their website.  The Chard comes in at 12.5% alcohol.  Served at room temperature, the wine displayed a beautiful golden color in the glass.  On the nose, I picked up nice tropical fruit flavors and melon.  On the palate, the wine revealed tropical fruit, pineapple, and well-integrated oak.  A creamy mouth feel with low acidity, although the finish was shorter than expected.

I honestly believe if this wine was placed alongside higher priced California Chardonnay and White Burgundy wines in a blind tasting, this Connecticut Chardonnay would do surprisingly well.  I was very impressed.  In fact, I might just have to locate another bottle and see if my theory proves correct.  I’m excited to try Chamard’s other selections, especially their unoaked Chardonnay to compare and contrast.

In summary, Chamard understands Chardonnay.  It’s not overdone with oak and butter, but instead finds a nice balance between California and Burgundian Chardonnays.

Next time you plan a trip to New England, be sure to visit Chamard Vineyards, and tell them The Other 46 sent you.

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