Norm's Tasting Notes

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

Questions and Answers

10-14-13

Hi Norm,
I recently bought a 2011 Sterling Vintner's Collection Chardonnay, which was delicious.  When I returned to the store, the 2011 was sold out, but the owner assured me that the 2012 would be of equal taste.  Well, I bought a case and was unpleasantly surprised to find it tasted extremely oaky and bitter.  Should I age it or I am stuck with an undrinkable case of wine??
Thanks,
Patty

Dear Patty,

I am certainly sorry you had such an unfortunate experience, although it is not uncommon.  Many who give advice in wine stores are often really just trying to make a sale, rather than really help their customer.

My first suggestion would be to never buy more than one bottle of wine without tasting it, or having read a good review, or to have gotten some good advice from a trusted source.  If the store where you bought the wine is run by a good merchant, then they should let you exchange the remaining bottles for another label, even though they are not required to do so.  It only makes for good business.  If they refuse, I would not do business with them again.

Wine varies from one vintage to another, some better, some not as good.  In some cases there can be large changes in the taste of the wine due to differences in the source of the grapes, or the weather, or even a change in wine makers.

The Sterling which you bought can contain grapes sourced from all over the state of California and could cause a variance in taste.  I would first try to decant a bottle and let it breathe for about an hour.

If that does not suit your palate then perhaps six months or more of aging might mellow it out.  I hope the merchant where you bought it will allow you to exchange it.

Good Luck!

Norm

Norm’s Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

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