SOLD OUT! Novellum Chardonnay could easily stake its claim as the top Chardonnay value in the world.
A join venture between importer Eric Solomon and all-star vigneron Jean-Marc Lafage, Jeb Dunnuck scored the new 2017 vintage at 92 points and said it “is a total steal at the price.” I agree 100%!
2017 Novellum Chardonnay
92 points – Jeb Dunnuck
SOLD OUT
Trust me, this is no one-hit-wonder. Dunnuck has already scored the 2018 at 91 points, the 2016 scored 92 points, the 2015 scored 90 points, and on and on. This unique Chardonnay comes from 30+ year old, organically farmed vineyards in sunny Southern France, and it’s aged on the lees of a Viognier.
The old vines, a super talented winemaker, and this unique wine making tactic result in a singularly delicious Chardonnay. The old vines yield intensely flavored grapes allowing Monsieur Lafage to craft a luscious and full-flavored wine. And the decision to age the wine on the lees (spent yeast cells) of a Viognier, pushes this one over the top with gorgeous honeysuckle and spice notes.
The resulting wine is beautiful — rich, yet pure and clean and full-bodied, yet possessing nice acidity. My notes are consistent with Mr. Dunnuck’s, who said: “Coming from 100% Chardonnay that was aged on Viognier lees, the 2017 Vin de France Novellum boasts sensational notes of ripe citrus, white flowers, and spice, with loads of classic Catalanes salinity and obvious minerality. Aged in 15% new barrels, it’s medium-bodied, has remarkable purity, integrated acidity, and is a total steal at the price. Drink it over the coming 2-4 years.”
As we move into the cooler days and nights of fall, this is the white wine you should be drinking. Competing with wines that cost two to four times the price, this one already has a loyal following at the store. And with the deep deal pricing in place, I suspect there will be a serious run on this one.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville