I’ve been writing this column for a couple of years now, and I found myself recently with nothing NEW to share. In my last column, I shared three great reds. While there’s 14 inches of snow at my home in Michigan as I write this, spring really is just around the corner. I asked a favored wine broker to share six white wines with me. The requirements: all were rated 90+ points by a recognized critic, and all cost less than $40 per bottle. I hosted a group of friends who all really like wines, but none of who are aficionados. Here’s the countdown to the top three wines from the evening.
Number 3: TRIG POINT “Signpost” Chardonnay 2016
From world-renowned winemaker Nick Goldschmidt, his Trig Point wines are a family operation he runs with his wife, Yolyn. A “trig” is used by land surveyors to establish boundary lines, and Nick spent his childhood holidays “helping my mathematical genius father setting out survey lines from Trig points on the tops of hills. He used these trigs as a reference—so do I when it comes to well-known vineyard sites.” An essentially perfect growing season, 2015 was one of the easiest harvests in as long as anyone can remember! A mild winter, early bloom, no major heat spikes, and a smooth, uncomplicated growing season. Produced from 25+ year-old Old Clone vines that deliver a great value, this Chardonnay featuring bright lemon, pear, creamy apple, and fig with a crisp, has a food-friendly finish in the French tradition. Retails for $22.
Number 2: CHASSEUR Chardonnay Yellow Rock Vineyard 2013
Concentrated and quite unique, it’s full-bodied with savory and floral trop. Aged 16 full months in oak barrels custom-made in Burgundy, it’s rated 92 points from Robert Parker. The Connoisseur’s Guide ranked Winemaker Bill Hunter at #5 in their “Top 10 California Winemakers” list. Retails for $40.
Number 1: REMOISSENET Père & Fils Bourgogne Blanc 2015
It’s universally agreed that 2015 Burgundies are the best vintage overall in modern history—and this may be the best White Burgundy value you will likely ever see! All hand-harvested, pressed whole cluster and fermented using only natural wild indigenous yeasts, it’s fresh and lively, with a silky texture featuring fresh lime, citrus, and white fruits. It’s beautifully balanced with a crisp classic mineral finish. A new favorite of mine; I love them Montrachets! Retails for $30.
