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Wednesday, July 17, 2002
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal WINE OF THE WEEK: Gil Lempert-Schwarz Flavorful white wine hides behind strange name
The name of this wine from western Australia, Mad Fish Chardonnay, sounds almost like one of those New Age energy beverages, but behind the quirky facade hides a nice little white wine. The Mad Fish story begins at the aptly named Madfish Bay. In Australia, local folklore tells of small fish being herded by large fish, jumping around like "mad fish." Other tales perhaps are more factual and report that when the two tides meet in the bay the fish are confused and behave madly. Either way, there's nothing fishy about this lovel y chardonnay. Although Australia has not been known for its white wines, the country is slowly coming around to compete with other white wine-producing powerhouses such as California, New Zealand and Chile. In the glass, Mad Fish Chardonnay is a clean, light-straw-yellow color with a bright greenish-yellow to clear rim and medium viscosity. On the nose, there are immediate warm notes of floral white fruit, grape blossom, dried apricot, vanilla bean, wood and minerals. On the palate, the wine expands its range with good fruity flavors of peaches, apples and vanilla as well as subtle oak. There is a fine balance in the wine. It opens up with some volatile acidity through the midpalate but that dissipates and it then shows good structure and play between fruit and acidity. This wine would be the perfect companion to a nice summery cauliflower souffle with hollandaise sauce, or even steamed white asparagus. Serve slightly chilled to 52 degrees and open an hour before consumption. Wine: Mad Fish Chardonnay Grape: Chardonnay Region: Western Australia Vintage: 1999 Where to buy: Lee's Discount Liquor Price: $5.99 Gil Lempert-Schwarz writes his wine column each Wednesday. Write him at P.O. Box 50749, Henderson, NV 89016-0749 or e-mail him at corogls@lvcm.com.
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