Puffeney Chardonnay 2004
I’d said a while back that I’d say more about a great wine I had at Stone Barns. The Puffeney Chardonnay is a pretty idiosyncratic wine. It has a distinct, almost oxidized nose, with toasted nuts, fruits and fresh acidity on the finish. It’s not great for sipping, but is fabulous with the food, and is memorable regardless of how you feel about it.
It’s from the Jura region which is famous for Vin Jaune, a unique style of wine that I’ve yet to try. The producer, Puffeney, uses some of the same techniques, e.g., extended lees contact, natural fermentation, exposure to air, etc. to make this wine. What results is a very unique wine that tastes like no Chardonnay you’ve ever had. For me, the best point of reference is the wines of the madmen of Friuli. If you’re feeling adventurous, I’d highly recommend this wine, especially at its price of <$25.
