Compare & Contrast: A Study in Whites

We needed something to go with roast chicken, so we decided on various whites from France (and one from California). It was interesting to note the differences between 2 whites made from the same grapes, but from 2 different regions in France.

All wines were purchased from K&L.

Cremant de Limoux Aimery Sieur d'Arques "1531"
Price: $9.99
Everyone seemed to like this bubbly, especially for the price. We've already gone out and bought more!

2003 Carbonnieux Blanc, Graves
Price: $24.99
Especially rich and full for a "light" white. Definitely a crowd favorite.

2004 Franck Millet Sancerre Blanc
Price: $12.99
Best value in the bunch. Bright, citrus, beggin' for oysters.

2004 Bourgogne Blanc, Domaine Paul Pernot
Price: $18.99
K&L says it best. See link.

2002 Sonoma-Cutrer "Le Pierres" Chardonnay
Price: $32.99
Judging from some faces in the group, this was not a favorite. California chardonnay - blah! Too oaky -- blah! Starts off like a lean, minerally French white, but trips over a TON of oak in the finish. Too bad, at this price, the group preferred the others.