WTN: Jim Jim Unoaked Chardonnay 2007

McLaren Vale
Hugh Hamilton

Yellow-green in the glass.

Fruity, spicy nose.

Spicy, juicy orange, lemon, lime, pear, thick, medium weight, good acidic edge, quite peppery, fresh and rich.

With time, the wine became tarter and pepperier, with more of a bite.

A tangy finish.

Screwcap closure.

Purchased at $13.95 (Canadian).

[James Roscoe]

You don't mention oak. I assume it was an un-oaked variety? That seems a little odd coming out of Australia, but refreshing all the same. I had a nice un-oaked Loire valley chardonnay this afternoon that was all lemons and limes. At $9.99 it was a no-brainer.

James, I think he mentioned oak...as in "Unoaked" in the title.

In any case, the Aussies do quite a few unoaked wines, and for the most part, quite well too.

From the description given, I'd venture to say that this isn't just a slam-bam, quick-fermented and in the bottle unoaked Chardonnay, but one that has gone through some pretty serious lees stirring while in tank. That's usually where the accentuation of flavor, the spiciness, and the thicker texture comes from.

It's a style that I like quite a bit, and I think the more people try it, it will become more popular here in the US as well.

[James Roscoe]

One of these days I'll read the titles! The Chard I had this afternoon also was serious stuff. They had three producers in at the store. It was pretty nice. I am not a candidate for the wine probation thread!

The Chard I had this afternoon also was serious stuff!

Details?

[James Roscoe]

The Chard I had this afternoon also was serious stuff!

Details?

Done. How long are you in DC? Where?