2012 The Arsonist Chardonnay

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$24 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

This wine is produced by Crew Wine Company, a collection of four main brands and a few cats and dogs, of which The Arsonist is one.  The principal labels have all been featured at Carpe Vino:  Matchbook, Mossback, Chasing Venus and Sawbuck.

Crew is owned by the Giguiere family (Lane, John and Carl), which launched R.H. Phillips Winery in 1983 and made famous by the wildly popular Toasted Head Chardonnay.  The winery went public in 1995 and then cashed out in 2000 when the business was sold to Vincor (at which John served as president and CEO until 2005).

The Arsonist Chardonnay is predictably well crafted and delicious. . .because these folks know how to make and market wine.

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Luscious, fleshy, rich and round, mouth coating, full bodied. Take your pick; this big Chardonnay has it all. We selected the best barrel lots of our Dunnigan Hills fruit to create The Arsonist Chardonnay. Aromas of toasty oak, caramel apple and crème brûlée mingle with cinnamon and barrel spice. Upfront flavors of buttery toast are layered over fresh mango and star fruit. A touch of Russian River Valley Chardonnay adds zest to the finish. Integrated sweet oak characters harmonize with a big buttery palate and loads of tropical fruit. Pair The Arsonist Chardonnay with poached lobster in drawn butter, chicken liver mousse or a creamy Alfredo sauce over anything.”

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