California Wines & Wineries

Alyris Vineyards, “The Audition” Chardonnay – A Great Combination

Posted on July 22, 2020

The Alyris Vineyards

To get a perspective on this boutique and artisan winery located in Napa Valley, see a previously published story at: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2017/04/18/alyris-vineyards-2/ . Here you can read up on Ewan and Cyndi Downie, the owners of the winery and Rudy Zuidema, their winemaker. In the article you can read why their estate vineyards, located on the back side of Mt George provide a great environment, especially for their award winning deep and mouth quenching Cabernet Sauvignon. Click on: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2018/11/08/alyris-vineyards-presents-their-piece-de-resistance-carnal-wine-company/

The 2015 Alyris “The Audition” Chardonnay

Most wine aficionados know that California Chardonnay does best in specific areas as Sonoma (coast & Russian River), Santa Cruz Mountains, Central Coast, Livermore Valley & Napa Valley (Carneros Region) make some of the best Chardonnay wines from these vineyards. This is due to the cooler temperatures of the Pacific Ocean, the Russian River, San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay drawing the fog into the regions. No exception is the 2015 Alyris “The Audition” Chardonnay. Always one of my personal favorite Chardonnays, regardless of price. The wine is aged in 100% French oak barrels for 22 months. On the eyes a dark golden color with medium heavy viscosity. On the nose, honeysuckle and traces of pineapple are the two main aromas that waft into your senses along with floral notes. On the palate, these two flavors explode into ripeness with spices of pear, nutmeg and allspice in the background. Always a great soft finish with just a touch of minerality and fullness in the mouth. Alyris 2014 “The Audition” won a Double Gold Medal at the 2016 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. The 2015 is equal or even better!! Today the 2015 is available but limited quantities at $45. Also the 2016 is available at $45. Small production lots, so if interested contact them on their website.

The Food Pairing

Served with fresh scallops cooked exquisitely by Susan Kelly in olive oil, pepper and a pinch of brown sugar. Baby asparagus with mushrooms cooked with olive oil and garlic salt. A fresh garden salad with blue cheese dressing as a side dish. This goes as one of our best pairings of the year! Alyris “The Audition” goes on my list of The Best Wines of 2020 for two years in a row.

Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
http://alyrisvineyards.com/