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.
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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