Trying my best to hold onto the Indian summer by drinking a few whites this week.

'99 Jordan Chard - Extremely pale golden color w/crystal clarity, clear legs throughout the glass. Aromas of pineapple, toast, and fig; more pineapple and tropical citrus, honey, and melon on the palate. Long fruity finish with great acidity and balance. Nicely done. 90 pts., $35, "B+" QPR (price).

'99 Catena Agrelo Vineyards Chard - More deeply golden in hue, lots of thick legs and superb clarity. Big nose of pear, fig, and other tropical fruit, this bottle was a touch flabby compared to others I've had this year (maybe bottle variation). Still, great tropical fruit flavors and a long finish, everything integrated nicely and in its proper place. 88 pts., $26 at the restaurant ($14 retail), "A" QPR.

'97 Murrietta's Well Livermore Valley White - Interesting blend of 63% SB, 33% Semillon, 4% Muscat. Beautiful honey-gold color, slow legs. Deeply fragrant nose of citrus blossom, peach, and an chemical-like smell that wasn't unpleasant (I suggested to Mrs. K that the wine smelled like new carpet - I know, that's strange). Layers of peach, pear, apricot and lemon come at you, and just when you think the wine is fat and flabby a rush of spicy acidity grips you on the long finish, and you can't wait for the next sip.

A very interesting white that is not for the faint of heart (or plain ol' Chard fans). $23, 90 pts. "A" QPR. This wine should last another 2-3 yrs. at this level.

Kybo,
Are these US wines?

Jordan (Alexander Valley) and Murrietta's Well (Livermore Valley - Lodi area I think) are US; the Catena is Argentinian.

kybo,
If you can find it, the 2000 Catena Agrelo Chard blows the 99 away!

budman;
The '00 is available locally; I've not bought any because I've curtailed my white purchases over the past several weeks. I did read the write-up in WS, and it looks like I'll need to go shopping, it seems!

Catena is a great winery - their Chard is tasty as is their Cabernet. Thanks for the notes.

jaimetown;
If you don't mind spending the extra $$$ the 'reserve' bottlings - carrying the "Alta" designation, are absolutely fantastic. I just finished of my last '97 Catena Alta Chard about a month ago. It is top-flight world-class chard for $42, but well worth it.

I just scored some '96 Catena Alta Malbec - free! - can't wait to crack on of these babies.

kybo-
Indeed! I've had the '97 Alta Malbec before. Simply awesome!

Cheers Kybo,
I'm on the hunt for some "unusual" whites for my shop and I may be able to find some of the Catena here.
Thanks for the notes, they look very interesting and quite tasty!!