Norm's Tasting Note: Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay

Norm’s Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

normwine@bellsouth.net

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2013 Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay

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We had a special seafood dinner the other night with our cousin, which featured fresh caught sea trout and a bottle of one of the Chardonnay Queen’s most favorites, the 2013 Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay. I wrote about this wine about six months ago, but I must confess it has gotten even better, and I now score it at 93. The rich buttery, apple-pear flavors just knock your socks off! Below is what I wrote some months back.

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2013 Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay

Sometimes it is good to visit an old friend, and such was the case the other night when we opened a bottle of Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay, which happens to be one of the Chardonnay Queen’s favorites. I have not written about the Chalk Hill in three or four years, and the 2013 vintage is one of the best in a long time! The wines from the chalky white soil in the region remind me of the great white burgundies from Montrachet, with their strong mineral character and crisp, and somewhat steely taste.

This is a classic Chardonnay for an everyday price. The bouquet reminds one of a basket of apples fresh from the orchard, accompanied by a spray of wildflowers. The flavors are abundant with apple being the most assertive, with a touch of tropical fruit, graced by a hint of citrus in the background. This is a well rounded Chardonnay which has the mineral backdrop characteristic of the chalky soil, and has a creamy mouth-feel leading into a crisp, but lingering finish. The alcohol content is 14%.

Adding the Rodney Strong Chalk Hill to a plate of Shrimp Scampi and fresh asparagus was delightful. This Chardonnay tastes like Chardonnay, which is not as common as it once was, and means that it would pair well with anything you enjoy with Chardonnay. Norm’s score is 91.

The Score of 91 has been raised to 93 after an additional six months in the bottle, and a wonderful dinner of Trout Caribbean and Maryland Crab cakes. This wine will be terrific with anything you would drink Chardonnay with!

score: 93

price: $ 15 - $19

Norm

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