2007 Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay Robert Young Vineyard

WineAlign

• By David Lawrason
  6/23/2010, (See more on WineAlign...)

  (Chateau St. Jean Robert Young Chardonnay, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County white) Login and sign up and see review text.

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  4/20/2010, (See more on Garagiste...)

  (ROBERT YOUNG Ch St Jean Chardonnay) UPDATE: Savoie/Idylle For those of you that ordered the Domaine de l'Idylle Cruet a few months ago... While it doesn't always happen, occasionally winery errors work in our favor. We stayed late last night to unpack our shipment from the Savoie (so we could turn it around ASAP for your summer imbibement) and it looks like Domaine de l'Idylle sent us the 2009 Cruet (blanc) instead of the 2008 that we offered last winter. While I would usually be annoyed by a different vintage, in this case, it's a bit like finding a pot of gold. 2009 was one of the finest vintages in the environs of Cruet since the 1960's and, if this wine is any indication, look out. For "research" purposes I opened a bottle last night and it is like a tonic of the Savoie. With only 10.5-11.0% alcohol and a pungent, lime-drenched quality that is reminiscent of fingernails being ripped down the side of a chalkboard (in the best way, of course), this light-medium bodied delight is every bit as advertised by the winery - it is like tasting the side of a thirst quenching, snow-capped mountain. I just tasted it again (after 24 hours of air) and it's even better than last night (why didn't I order extra???) Idylle is a very small winery - keeping track of vintages is not their strong-suit - alpine cheese, ski wax and wine most certainly are. So, for those do you that ordered the 2008, instead of waiting around for it to show up, please let Melisa know if you do not want the 2009 instead of the 2008 - you do not need to email her if you want the 2009 as a replacement, it will be shipped to you automatically (or you can pick it up if you are local). Something tells me Melisa is not going to receive very many emails: melisa@garagistewine.com In addition, before everyone emails Niki to see if we have any of the 2009 Cruet to offer, it's completely sold out - we don't have any and we can't get more until the 2010 vintage (I tasted the only leftover bottle we had). Idylle's production is so small, it's almost like a home winery that caters to skiers as they descend the slopes for lunch. In other words, they're as real as it gets. - Jon Rimmerman ************************ Robert Young Dear Friends, It's not Cruet but, as a foil to our 2007 Belle Terre offer last month (one that caused an Al Capone-style shakedown in the industry - boy did that offer reverberate around the globe - gheez), I thought it appropriate to present the antithesis from the same vintage and same producer. Instead of the 2007 Belle Terre's creamy/oaked persona, tonight it's the non-malo stablemate from an equally terrific fruit source. Chateau St. Jean's "Robert Young" Chardonnay is one of the more well-known examples of high-end California white wine on the market. In production since the late 1970's, the wine has stood the test of time and my guess is that most of you have tasted it at some point over the last 2-3 decades. The difference lately has been a renewed dedication to a "small production" ethos despite a high volume/boderline commercial production in the thousands of cases. This dedication to high standards is admirable and the quality of late is discernable across most of their Chardonnay range. The upgrade presents itself with the 2007 vintage and the Robert Young in particular has rather lofty goals for its bottom of the barrel price. Just like the Belle Terre offer, the 2007 Robert Young is one of the last great bargains in California Chardonnay. While I have nothing against the Belle Terre and its richer style, the piquant mantra of Garagiste site firmly behind the style of the Robert Young. If you read Parker's description below, it will be obvious. Think Chablis meets Prudhon St. Aubin meets Sonoma Chardonnay and it will be close to the style of the 2007 Robert Young - one that is surprising indeed for the Golden State. I would classify this wine as an oenophile's wedding wine extraordinaire - it will please just about every palate in some way and while it may not be the very best at any one thing, it does a number of things very well... ONE SHIPMENT ONLY at this crazy price: 2007 Chateau Saint Jean Chardonnay "Robert Young" Vineyard Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA CA8611 CA8611