Sonoma-Cutrer 2011 Les Pierres Chardonnay
Recently I commented on Sonoma-Cutrer 2012 Russian River Chardonnay (see May 9, 2014 post) and described that I first became acquainted with Sonoma-Cutrer during a Sonoma wine tasting event in the 80’s and met Brice Cutrer Jones. When I tasted his Chardonnay, in a word, outstanding, one of the best I have tasted, but that was a while ago. The Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay was my “go-to” Chardonnay until about the time Brice Cutrer Jones was no longer associated with the winery. In 1999, Brown-Forman, the Kentucky-based drinks giant acquired Sonoma-Cutrer, and 2 years later fired Brice Cutrer Jones. Since Brice’s departure, the Chardonnay was good, but not “outstanding”. I have tried several vintages throughout the early 2000’s and was not impressed and the style changed a bit from a richer Chardonnay with layered flavors to more of a single dimension wine lacking depth and complexity. For a time Brown-Forman put on a screw top and recently went back to cork (not for all of their offerings). Although I have tried and commented on premium “screw top” wine, there is something magical about pulling out a cork when serving wine. Try ordering a screw top wine in a fine restaurant, it’s almost comical when the waiter opens the wine and really doesn’t know what to do! One waiter actually gave me the cap to smell!
Opening the screw-cap bottle of the Sonoma-Cutrer 2011 Les Pierres Chardonnay (their premium Chardonnay), I noticed a medium yellow color and notes of apple, pear and citrus. Tasting the wine I found it crisp with light apple and Asian pear flavors, good balance with some slight oak on the finish, however I was expecting more intensity and depth in the combination of flavors. The wine originally retails for around $38, however my wine shop recently discounted this vintage to $30 a bottle, which is priced closer to the quality I tasted. You should also visit the Sonoma-Cutrer website as they have a bunch of interesting recipes you can download and try.
Cheers!