Ah, white Burgundy – why does it always make the WC smile so?
The first thing to know about this wine is to ignore most of the tasting notes and reviews you might see. Otherwise, you won’t want to drink it.
It’s too oaky. It’s not buttery enough. It’s too rich. It’s not complex enough.
Sigh. Why must we ruin all the things we love (and yes, baseball, that includes you)? The Big Guy brought this bottle of the Le Setilles ($30, purchased, 13%) over to WC world headquarters last fall, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
And why not? It’s a fine bottle of chardonnay from France’s Burgundy, made by a fine producer — and even sort of affordable (in that weird, white Burgundy way). Know that this vintage is not exactly the same as some others; it’s richer and fuller, without the freshness and green apple fruit that often marks the Les Setilles. Instead, look for not quite juicy stone fruits and a bit of lemon. The oak, of course, is as integrated as it should be for this style of wine.
Does it matter that it’s different?
Nope – because, as the late and much missed Diane Teitelbaum told me all those years, wine isn’t supposed to taste the same every year.
A vintage note: There is still lots of the 2018 left, as well as the 2019 and 2020. I’d opt for the 2018, if only because the age will make the wine more interesting. And prices are all the place, too – as little as $20 at some stores.
Imported by Frederick Wildman and Sons
Four choices for Christmas wine 2016 to help you enjoy the holiday