Two White Wines After Just A Little Aging

I have been clearing my "cellar", opening white wines that have been there for awhile.

It is interesting how two have changed in a matter of months.

More full and beuatiful on the nose and tounge.

The first was the Argiolas S'elegas Nuragus di Cagliari reviewed last July. A 2005 vintage fresh and bursting with flavor. It was a perfect summer wine. One bottle left of the case a few months later revealed more character. The aroma and flavor had become deeper, fuller. The lemon and green apple flavors has settled into a deeper peach, dried apricot, raisin flavor. The bright acid and tannins had also mellowed. Argiolas is a dependable producer aided by Sardinia's sunny climate. You can rely on this wine from vintage to vintage. In fact it has won awards every year since 1999.

Delightfully with Mediterranean style preparations of chicken, fish or vegetarian dishes, or simply with olives and cheese or hummus it is a pleasure to the senses.

The next was even more surprising. A South African Chardonnay that I had set aside after buying because I did not like it. A 2003 Meerlust from the estate of the same name in the Stellenbosch, on the tip of Africa near Capetown.

On first taste the wine was too grassy, metallic, unbalanced. It tasted unripe. I was very disappointed. But a year later it is very different. More like the Wine Spectators description "This has alluring mineral, dried pineapple, fig, pie crust and matchstick flavors, with a long, detailed, smoky finish. Delicious, character-filled wine." Wine Spectator

I found it to have bright yet creamy, yellow apple, lichee, nut and honey flavor with a full rewarding mouthfeel and a lasting finish.

I love South African wines for all the romance and intrigue of that part of the world where wines have been produced since the 1700's. Johannes Albertus Myburgh bought Meerlust in January 1757 and the estate has been producing fine wines ever since.

I am running back for more of this marvelous Chard.