One of Samuel Beckett’s characters in The Expelled said,“I have always been amazed at my contemporaries’ lack of finesse, I whose soul writhed from morning to night, in the mere quest of itself.” Finesse is not always a good thing, especially when in the service of self-abasement.
But, in wine, finesse is always desirable. The Flowers 2009 Chardonnay performs a ballet in the mouth.
Despite its creamy texture it is very light on the palate, even delicate. Red apple, white flowers, walnut, a hint of honey, and lemon flavors dart like a thousand tiny arrows carried by persistent but never biting acidity and refreshing minerality. Subtle toast rounds out the flavor profile and introduces the long citrus-infused finish.
On the Chardonnay spectrum, this one tends toward the cool to moderate weather flavors and restrained but deftly presented oak. Yet it has plenty of power. I paired it with naked crab cakes that struggled to match the wine’s intensity—a saffron alioli would have helped. It was a perfect match for the side dish of swiss chard and caramelized onions—don’t be shy about pairing this with strong flavors.
At around $40 this is not inexpensive, but if you decide to splurge a bit this will not disappoint.
14.2% alcohol. Opened on 8/2/2012.
Good: Finesse
Bad: I can’t find a flaw
Distinctive: Charming use of oak
Exploring the Philosophy of Food and Wine 