1997 Duck Walk Vineyards, Chardonnay, Watermill, Southhampton, Long Island, NY 12.5% alc./vol. Price: $9.00
Chardonnay, the grape traditionally known, along with Pinot Noir, as the grape of the Burgundy region of France, is one of the "noble" varieties. This is the highest level of accolade a grape can hope to achieve. It means, basically, that the wine produced from this grape is age-worthy and can be grown in large quantities in various climates with a reasonable degree of success.
The 1997 Duck Walk Chard is very light, nearly transluscent. Its aroma is oaky, along with a strong smell of brie. The wine is crisp and tart, with the most overwhelming characteristic being a lingering taste of brie. The French oak aging (eight months in this case) is apparent. I found it a bit too hot on the palette. Its aftertaste is mouthpuckering.
Overall rating: 2 1/2 out of 5 Phillies.
Frank Marcopolos