Luli Santa Lucia Highlands 2008 Chardonnay
After much deliberation and some good tips from this newsgroup, I opted to celebrate our 50th Anniversary at our favorite local restaurant. We went there one day early to avoid the noise pollution (otherwise known as a screaming out-of tune Folksinger with guitar and amplifier) that would be present on the actual day, which is today.
To complement my chosen special dish of Veal Carcioffi and my companion's Veal Piccata, both served with Angel Hair Pasta, I wisely accepted the knowledgeable sommelier's enthusiastic recommendation of a Chardonnay that I had never heard of.
It turned out to be a revelation of slightly green tinged Golden Joy in a bottle. Intense floral elements filled the air as the cork was drawn. Having started around 60% of its life in stainless steel vats before being transfered to neutral barrels, there was a rounded texture without overbearing Oak tones. Lovely legs rolled down the sides of the glass and the 14.1% alcohol content put forth an ideal balance of rich grape element without drowning out the sublime inherent delicacy.
Perhaps I will be in the poorhouse after yesterday's memorable dinner sitting by the window watching the serene Guadalupe flow by, but one could not pick a happier way to arrive there.
Godzilla