With 14.1% alcohol,and costing about $20, the 2001 Franciscan Oakville Estate,  Cuvee Savage, in Napa, scored 16+ points on the Dionysian scale of a possible 20.

This 15 year-old  Chardonnay, fermented with wild yeast, which is an old world tradition, was buttery, creamy from the lees,  and had enough citrus to be refreshing. The oak was just enough, but the alcohol was too high, and if not so balanced, it would have scored lower.

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Coming from the cool Carneros region, this Chardonnay was an enjoyable drink even though it may have peaked a few years back.

Served with basic chicken noodle soup and a crusty French roll, the wine and the meal were ideal for a snowy New Jersey evening. In vino veritas.

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Home made chicken noodle soup pairs with nearly every white wine and also many light reds. Try it often.