By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor
Yes, another North Fork chardonnay. A barrel-fermented one at that -- thus the name "La Barrique." But wait. It's not what you think. This is the rare barrel-affected chardonnay that I willingly went back to after my tasting was finished. I had two glasses, in fact.
It almost makes me hate winemaker Greg Gove for proving my boredom over local chardonnay wrong.
Aromas of pineapple, Golden Delicious apple, vanilla, and lemon verbena are accented by just a hint of butter. Overly toasty or raw oak just isn't part of the equation.
Mouth-filling but very well balanced, the palate shows similar character to the nose, but with a creamy mid-palate replacing any obvious butter and a bit of sweet oak mingling with light vanilla and cooked sugar flavors. The finish is long with an acidic edge and hints of citrus zest.
Though still not a style or wine I'd reach for regularly, this is a very well-made wine.
Producer: Peconic Bay Winery
AVA: North Fork of Long Island
ABV: 12.9%
Price: $24*
(4 out of 5 | Outstanding and Delicious, Highly Recommended)
Great job Greg and Charlie
Posted by: R. Olsen-Harbich | February 02, 2012 at 09:50 PM