The Wine Insiders » Wine Spectator http://thewineinsiders.com News From Napa And Beyond Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:21:24 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 The “Boutique Rombauer” Chardonnay http://thewineinsiders.com/2008/09/03/the-%e2%80%9cboutique-rombauer%e2%80%9d-chardonnay/ http://thewineinsiders.com/2008/09/03/the-%e2%80%9cboutique-rombauer%e2%80%9d-chardonnay/#comments Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:20:06 +0000 thewineinsiders http://thewineinsiders.com/?p=42 One of our very favorite annual events is Hal and Fiona Barnett’s harvest party at their spectacular home and boutique winery at the pinnacle of Spring Mountain in Napa. For an “insiders” peak at this party and the opportunity to meet Barnett winemaker David Tate click here to view our video blog. One highlight this year was sampling the new release of Barnettt’s “Sangiacomo” Vineyard Chardonnay! In 2007, Wine Spectator magazine awarded the Barnett Chardonnay ‘Sangiacomo’ an “Outstanding 93” point rating, putting this wine in the same company as collector favorites such as Peter Michael and Kistler that cost more than triple the price. We’ve been recommending Barnett Chardonnay for many years as the “boutique” version of Rombauer Chardonnay because both are sourced from the exact same “Sangiacomo” vineyard but Barnett’s production is less than 1/10 the production of their more famous Napa counterparts. Below, see full tasting notes from Barnett’s winemaker David Tate, former assistant winemaker at Ridge vineyards whose 2005 Chardonnay was ranked #3 in the World by Wine Spectator magazine.

THE WINE INSIDERS “OUTSTANDING 93″ RATING: Fulfills our expectations as the “boutique” Rombauer (same vineyard source) because this is a voluptuous, bold, full fruit Chardonnay in the “BIG” style white wine lovers adore. Rich tropical fruits are prominent with just enough oak to balance out this gorgeous creation perfect for sipping now or anytime over the next 3 years!

INTERVIEW WITH WINEMAKER DAVID TATE (August, 2008):

TWI: Since this Chardonnay is sourced from the Sangiacomo vineyard and that is the same site as the famed Rombauer Chardonnay how do you think the style of your chardonnay compares to Rombauer?

TATE: The Sangiacomo Vineyard site is perfect for making Chardonnay that has very focused fruit, more peach pear to tropical fruit, in fact to try to make anything different (more minerality Chablis style) would not work. Because of this, I like to try to let this purity of big fruit shine through. Therefore, the wine is just as big in size as the Rombauer Chardonnay (golden and viscous), but with less oak and butter – but more fruit.

TWI: Stylistically, what are you trying to achieve with this Chardonnay?

TATE: With a limited malolactic actic fermentation, and limited new oak (30%) I am allowing the Chardonnay from this vineyard to express itself. Since the malolactic was limited, the full viscosity in the mouth is a result of extended batonage and aging of the lees.

TWI: What are your favorite food pairings with this Chardonnay?

TATE: The classic pairing for this chardonnay would be a Creamy Fettuccini or Lobster Bisque, but a nice creamy Teleme cheese would do just as well. An edgier match would be an top end angus burger with blue cheese.

TWI: What is your favorite Chardonnay memory in life (so far)?

TATE: When I worked for Ridge Vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains a decision was made to sample the Chardonnay by pressing small amounts of it, therefore getting a more homogeneous sample. We decided to keep the pressing lots over the days and make a small amount of non-oaked Chardonnay from it. The wine turned out to be spectacular, and still enjoyable to this day. A great surprise.

Currently this wine is available for $33 (click here)

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