Ferrari-Carano, Russian River Valley, Tre Terre, Chardonnay, 2023, 14.2% abv.
Supposedly another one that is full of vanilla/caramel/butter.
Nose: initially closed with hints of burnt sesame, light gummies, cotton candy, wow is it the glass? Tried a wine glass with a thinner bowl (and rim) and the aromatic clarity is still somewhat closed, but there is a hint of vanilla and milk, yet a light burnt sesame on deeper inhalations.
Palate: medium body, baked fleshy fruit with major simple syrup, creaminess increases with subsequent sips, diluted creamy peaches, notable copper with light hints of iron, with more air time the lemons become peaches, back palate has a sort of sudden contrasting unripe melon component, low levels of peppercorn spice, salty as well, alcohol seems visible already. Overall unbalanced. A day later and the profile is still the same but sweeter, rhe melon components seem to be transitioning to a more peach juice-like flavor. Alcohol is still bad.
Finish: medium, bit of baked peach meringue, cantaloupe thats been sitting on the counter for a day, hints of white pepper, and of course alcohol.
Vernacular: nose is closed, mostly secondary. Medium body, light acidity, mostly secondary, medium minerality, string of acidity at the end, alcohol. Medium finish, dry, reflects palate, alcohol.
Disappointing. Looks like it represents a creamy melon life cycle with alcohol. All these positive ratings online seem misleading. Got this for USD$25 in Los Angeles, USA. Will be generous.
Grade: C+
by starvinggigolo
1 Comment
Just as a tip, the tasting notes here don’t really match the technical details of the wine
For example: you described the wine as having low acid, I don’t think there is dry wine from Chardonnay that is low acid.
You also described the wine as medium body. At 14.2% abv (with heavy oak usage) the body typically matches the alcohol, especially if low acidity is called.
Sorry if this is unsolicited feedback, the post just didn’t really make any sense.