Kistler Chardonnay

How do I love thee, Kistler?
Let me count the ways...

But that would require counting, wouldn't it?

What I can tell you, is that up until a couple of years ago, I was one of those people that "didn't like Chardonnay." A bottle like this reminds me that I must have gone temporarily insane.

It is true, however, that California Chardonnay has come a long way. Even the wines of Kistler have changed considerably, trending against the oaky-buttery, and more toward their well-balanced French counterparts. They even bottle their wines unfined and unfiltered - preferring to take the road of natural evolution over time (ie: sediment), as well as a purer palate that has been unmessed-around-with.

I always try to explain to people that claim not to like a grape or a region, that they probably haven't tasted the 'right' wine. But this 'right' wine can be something different to each individual person. My suggestion - go to your local wine shop that you trust and ask someone for a recommendation (or two) of something that you think you don't like. You may find something new to love.

The Wino's Libation:
Chardonnay "Les Noisetiers," Kistler 2008 - $65

The Educated Wino

As many of you know, I have a food blog that I started about a year ago that I no longer keep up with. In the interest of starting another project that I may never finish, I thought I would start a NEW blog, which I am more likely to keep up with.

You see, I work in wine, so every day I live what will be in the (pseudo) pages of this blog. This is a way for me to get my thoughts down on the wines I'm drinking, the wine business, and any and all other crazy musings that may pop into my often overcrowded brain.

If there is one thing I can promise, it is that I'll, at the very least, be well-researched, even after a couple glasses of wine. That's the perk of being an educated wino.