Jeanne Marie Chardonnay

The 2021 Jeanne Marie Chardonnay offers a snapshot of California's sun-kissed vineyards and the region's mastery over the Chardonnay grape. For years, the Jeanne Marie label has been synonymous with Californian elegance, crafting wines that resonate both with the vibrancy of the New World and a nod to traditional wine-making practices. This vintage continues the legacy, presenting a Chardonnay that balances richness with finesse.

David Gordon has been the wine director at Tribeca Grill, the famed New York City restaurant since 1990. Owned by restaurateur Drew Nieporent and Robert DeNiro, the world famous actor, Tribeca Grill features a dynamic wine program with a list of over 1800 selections and is a Grand Award winner from the Wine Spectator-one of only 6 in New York City.

David created the Jeanne Marie label to offer great value California wine by utilizing the many contacts he has in Napa and Sonoma to source the finest grapes available. Producers such as Caymus, Lewis Cellars and Miner Family provided grapes and helped with the winemaking for earlier cuvees. The wineries that are currently used wish to remain anonymous, but the quality has remained very high.

TastingNotesNose: The nose is immediately greeted by a bouquet of fresh green apples, ripe pears, and a subtle hint of tropical fruits. As the wine opens up, undertones of buttery vanilla and a touch of toasted oak waft through, adding depth and complexity.

Palate: On the palate, the 2021 Jeanne Marie Chardonnay is both refreshing and opulent. It boasts a creamy texture, underpinned by a vibrant acidity that keeps the wine lively. Dominant flavors of citrus fruits meld seamlessly with notes of melon, peach, and a hint of buttery brioche. As the wine evolves, nuances of minerals and a delicate spice emerge, adding layers to its profile.

Finish: The finish is long and gratifying. It leaves behind a lingering impression of ripe orchard fruits, complemented by a gentle hint of oak and a whisper of crème brûlée sweetness.

FoodPairingThe 2021 Jeanne Marie Chardonnay pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Seafood aficionados will love it alongside grilled prawns, buttery scallops, or a classic lobster bisque. For those seeking vegetarian options, consider creamy risottos, especially those with wild mushrooms or truffle. Poultry dishes, such as chicken in a white wine and herb sauce or roasted turkey with cranberry relish, complement its profile impeccably. Lastly, a cheese board with camembert, brie, and gouda offers a delightful experience, allowing the wine's fruitiness to shine while contrasting its creaminess.

TastingNotesNose: A harmonious blend of aromatic profiles greets the senses. Freshly picked Golden Delicious apples, Bartlett pears, and a breeze of tropical fruits dominate the forefront. As one delves deeper, there's a nuance of creamy vanilla, suggestive of oak integration, intertwined with a hint of almond blossom.

Palate: Vibrant yet lush, the palate of the 2021 Jeanne Marie Chardonnay is a study in balance. There's a creamy mouthfeel, indicative of malolactic fermentation, which presents flavors of Meyer lemon curd, white peach, and a touch of pineapple. This fruit-forward profile is accentuated by subtle undertones of toasted brioche and a whisper of minerality, characteristic of Californian terroir.

Finish: Graceful and extended, the finish offers a dance between citrus zestiness and the softer notes of buttery shortbread, leaving one with a lasting impression of California's prowess with this grape.

FoodPairingWith its Californian charm, the 2021 Jeanne Marie Chardonnay shines when paired with dishes that mirror its rich yet vibrant character. Think Dungeness crab cakes, a creamy pasta Alfredo, or even a roast chicken adorned with herbs and lemon. For those inclined towards a vegetarian palate, a rich butternut squash risotto would be sublime. And for a final touch, consider a cheese board where the velvety textures of Camembert or Triple Crème Brie echo the wine's own creamy depth.