Teri and I enjoyed this while dining at Michael's in New York last weekend - $82.00 of the wine list was a bit steep, but it was certainly a fine choice. Served a bit too cold the staff immediately wanted to put this in an ice bucket! The wine knowledgeable sommelier was pleasantly surprised when I refused the ice commenting how rare it is for people to drink white wines at the proper temperature.

My notes sound quite similar to those posted for the 2000 version of this Chardonnay, spicy and intense, with wonderful tropical, Asian spice, and melon, creamy on the palate yet with tremendously focused pure fruit and a gripping palate and a smooth lingering finish. 92 points, drink now-2006.

Thanks for the notes. I've enjoyed several bottles of the '00 and will look for the '01. I found the '00 needed a little time when first tasted about 7 or 8 months ago, but it seems fine now. Do you think the '01 still needs a little time? Btw, $82 is far too much for that wine.

Board-O -

This wine was really singing after about as it warmed up and got some air. If I had some in the cellar (and I may have to seek some out) I would hold for about a year before cracking into it.

Agreed, $82 was overpriced. The only detraction about Michael's were the prices on the wine list - but they didn't charge corkage for the 1997 Volker Eisele I brought in (notes to follow soon).

A more recent note:
Drinking beautifully. I cracked a bottle because I received the Shafer spring 2004 mailer. Tropical fruits combine with pebbles to make the palate a wonder. The finish goes on and on. This is an amzing Chardonnay -- very much like a white burgundy, including the high acid. I'd put this at 92-93 points. Awesome.

OK. You two have convinced me. I've got to get some of this.

Ditto!

I had this Friday night with crab cakes. I have to agree with the rest of you. A fine bottle of chard. Around 92 GA points.

I've got to find this wine before budman does!

Board-O... I haven't seen it in the Pa/NJ/Del area at my usual haunts.

Red Shoulder is a very nice Chardonnay. Certainly one of my favorites. We had this over dinner and everyone considered it one of the best they'd had...and then we had the Aubert.

Two really nice wines though.

Red Shoulder runs about $42 around Dallas as far as I have been able to find. Good, just not a screaming abrgain to my thoughts.

I've seen this wine at around $34 at the local Costcos - I may have to pick up a bottle sometime to give it a twirl. Thanks for the notes.

jt, if you should see the 2000, grab it!

Had this last night with Chicken Saltimbocca. This wine is drinking very well right now. Smooth and creamy with a good purity of fruit. 92pts sounds right to me.

But it is a piece of pulp and the story is drivel. A good/great performance in a B movie does not support an Oscar nod, IMO.