Hello Prince Albert! This week, it’s time for another Chardonnay showdown where I put two Chards head-to-head to see which tastes best or tickles my fancy (maybe a bit of both!). I put the Murphy Goode Chard from 2021 up against a newer item on the shelf, the Cupcake and Netflix collaboration Chardonay from 2022 called Love is Wine. Which Chardonnay was the cream of the crop? Read on to find out!
Strangely enough, I never used to like Chardonnay. I used to find it too flat, too nondescript, too Chardonnay-like. In all seriousness, Chardonnay never used to hit the spot and I would usually reach for a Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc or anything else with a higher level of intensity. The more I tried Chardonnay however, the more I found to love, and I recommend that wine lovers taste as many as they can to form an educated opinion. Yes, I’ve tried bland, boring Chards but invest a few extra dollars and you’ll really start to notice the difference in quality and flavors. Unfortunately, with rising prices in liquor stores, my price range usually needs to hit around $30 to $40 to get a Chard that impresses but there are a few I’ve tasted that I would recommend like the Murphy Goode.
Speaking of Murphy Goode, my wife picked it up for us to taste one evening while I was at work, and she also bought several types of snacks to taste while sipping our Chardonnay. This California white impressed us at it went well with everything we tasted including shrimp caps covered in lobster and cream cheese, popcorn twists (which added that salty, buttery flavor), spinach and artichoke dip served with hot pumpernickel bread and a plate of soft and hard cheeses. It was an indulgent feast of tasty snacks and delicious wine which was made even more impressive by the fact that my wife (who usually lets me picks the wine and food pairings) took initiative and created this mini tasting event just for ourselves.
Moving on to our second Chard, the Cupcake x Netflix collaboration Chardonnay caught my eye on the shelf with its matte golden color which reminded me of the metallic wine cups from a certain show on Netflix. Yes, I’m referring to Love is Blind which I admit is a guilty pleasure in the house of Winsor. This wine is meant to be drank wile watching the hit TV show and while the wine misses in a few spots, it is still generally tasty enough to shut down your brain and enjoy while watching some junk food TV. If you weren’t aware, Love is Blind puts people on a blind date with a wall between the two potential lovers. This way, participants on the show are meant to form a bond or fall in love without ever seeing each other. As you can guess, there are plenty of unique moments and drama to digest. Like the show, I can only handle so much of the wine. It does have a lovely, buttery edge and clean, simple flavors of stone fruit and golden apples, but the simplicity and lack of acidity have me reaching for the Murphy Goode instead. Remember, these are only my personal preferences, and you may enjoy the opposite of what I like.
If you want to mix things up, try one of these wines with some easy-to-make snacks (thank you air-fryer) and one of your favorite shows. If you find yourself drawn towards Love is Blind, then accept the cheesiness and pair it with a good Chardonnay! Here are my wine picks of the week!
Murphy Goode Chardonnay 2021: (California, USA). Dry to off-dry white, medium lemon color. The medium-intense nose sits delicately in the glass with scents of a fresh summer garden (fresh flowers and fruits), orchard fruits (apples, pears), sweet vanilla and a bright note of fresh lemons. On the palate, this wine brings a lovely blend of apples and pears with a bit of sweetness and a creamy, slightly buttery edge of vanilla or butter which has the aroma of soft cheese. Full-bodied with medium acidity, the wine is nicely balanced and finishes with just a touch of toasted oak (leaving hints of buttered toast on the tongue). Lemon curd can be tasted on the initial flavors as well as on the finish where it lingers with honey, lively fruit and some floral notes. This Chard really hits above its price point and pairs exceptionally well with creamy or fried foods. It’s surprising to find a “general” California with such a balance of flavors. Try it out if you’re a fan of Chardonnay! Very good! $28, 13.5% ABV
Cupcake & Netflix Love is Wine Chardonnay 2022: (California, USA). Dry to off-dry white, pale lemon color. The nose is straightforward with immediate notes of creamy butter and vanilla spice, citrus/lemon buttercream, honey, stone fruits and apples. The first taste reveals a simple but fruity Chard with medium-plus body and medium-minus acidity, meaning the wine is soft and mellow with a smooth texture. Fruity flavors of apricots, peaches, golden delicious apples, golden grapes and golden raisins hit the tastebuds with medium intensity, but the concentration is a bit lower, and the flavors fade quickly from the mid-palate into the medium-length finish. The butter/cream note is more textural and never moves into the forefront of flavors. The finish is quite enjoyable with vanilla spice and grape skins but some plant stem bitterness creeps in and the alcohol can be tasted in between the finer flavors. This wine lacks some finesse, and the creamy/buttery element seems artificially tacked on (not acquired from actual oak-aging or winery methods). Definitely a fun sipper while watching one of your favorite shows! Good! $18, 13% ABV Cheers and thanks for reading!
