Recommendation: A nice “New World” creamy, vanilla and woody Chardonnay.
Winery/Producer: Groot Constantia Landgoed; Constantia, South Africa.
Grape Variety: Chardonnay.
Geographic Region, Appellation: Constantia, South Africa.
Vintage: 2013
Price: R197.95 (SAR) about $16.40 (US$) plus a $20 corking fee.
Purchased From: Vaughan Johnson Wine Shop, Dock Road, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa.
Paired With: Caesar salad with garlic and parmesan cheese. Grilled salmon, bok choy and roasted potatoes and a rutabaga sauce
Tasting:
He said: Chilled before opening. Crystal clear, pale lemon color. Strong vanilla and toasted oak aromas. Smooth, creamy mouth-feel with a buttery, slightly tart mineral taste that continues through a medium-long finish. Classic “New World” Chardonnay, but the mineral in it is unique. A little heavy for drinking alone, but good when paired with the salmon. A nice “New World” creamy, vanilla and woody Chardonnay.
She said: Clear with widely spaced thin legs. One sniff and I knew it was my kind of Chardonnay. Lots of vanilla in both the aroma and taste with a minerality in the long finish. Plenty of body and smooth as silk – with no subtlety. Fabulous pairing! The weight of the wine balanced the taste of the salmon and the flavor of the wine complemented the taste of the fish. The vanilla flavor was a plus and it’s not overly done. It went well with the fish and I enjoyed the sipping before dinner, but have to admit the wine is a bit heavy for sipping. It’s a “New World” Chardonnay and I loved it!
Comments: Purchased from a Cape Town, South Africa wine shop and consumed in the Britannia Restaurant on board the Cunard Queen Mary 2.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Bar code: 6 002113 001350
Imported by: NA