Otis did a very nice job serving the whites on Saturday. The 10-15 whites were placed in a large tub with just enough ice to keep them cool but not too cold. I am not a Chardonnay fan so those who like this varietal may want to discount my reviews.

1997 Cinnebar Estate Chard- Retails for about $28 and hails from the Santa Cruz mountains. It had a very nice vanilla and pear nose. A fruity wine with a hint of oak (not overdone). I tasted pear and citrus as promised by Otis in his teaser notes. Despite 14.1% alcohol it was not hot. Nice finish and a pleasant surprise. 89-90 points.

2001 Rombauer Carneros Chard- This wine had more of the typical Chardonnay profile that I expect. 14.4% alcohol resulted in the wine tasting hot. A full bodied wine with extraced fruit. Notes of toasted oak and vanilla did not flatter this wine. 86-87 points.

VM

No notes, but I liked the Cinnebar. It was the number 3 white wine for me behind the Basserman Jordan and the Bonny Doon Malvasia Bianca.

The Cinnabar was my favorite white of the evening, but I love Santa Cruz chards. I was impressed with how well the fruit had held up for a 6-year old white. It was still quite fresh and lively.

Didn't try the Rombauer, but it is one of my favorite chards when I feel like breaking out a round buttery version with just a small edge.

Cheers,

Otis

Love the Rombauer when paired with rich seafood dishes. Cuts right through them.

Cheers!
And remember: Life's too short to drink bad wine.