Wine tasting: Chardonnay

Yes, as I suspected, there were chardonnay skeptics. But I liked nearly everything we tried. Favorites in bold. Thanks to all who came!

1. Launois "Cuvée Reserve" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne ($35): a blanc de banc (which is to say, all chardonnay grapes), this is my new favorite "basic" champagne, now that Perrier Jouet's nonvintage brut is $40.
2. 2010 Château de Maligny/Domaine de l'Églantière Chablis 1er Cru "Fourchaume" ($24): several people were reminded of oysters by this briny chablis. Very nice while cold, but threw some serious sulfur odors. 
3. 2010 Catena Zapata "Catena Alta" Chardonnay Mendoza ($26): a consensus favorite, clean, bright, no trace of the heavy notes that have discredited California chards. Tanzer 92pts
4. 2009 Ramey Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ($30): the classic California profile -- oak, butter. But actually very good, with a little acid on the finish. If all California chards were like this, perhaps the reputation would still be positive. Wine Spectator 91 pts.
5. 2010 Chateau St. Jean "Robert Young Vineyard" Alexander Valley Chardonnay ($20): good value, smoky notes on the palate, fermented in oak but with no malolactic fermentation. Wine Spectator 92pts.
6. 2006 Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey St. Aubin 1er Cru "Champlots" (~$35): the first of two wines from Burgundy, more understated than the earlier wines. Good but not great and hard to recommend over the other Burgundian. Wine Spectator 90pts.
7. 2010 Domaine Louis Jadot (Andre Gagey) Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc "Clos de la Croix Pierre" ($26): the other consensus favorite of the evening, but not typical of chardonnay or Burgundy. Bright, good acid, almost like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Blanc. Excellent and on sale (regular price ~$36).
8. 2011 Vasse Felix Chardonnay Margaret River Western Australia ($22): Good, but not special compared to either #3 or #7. Tanzer 91pts
9. 2010 Brewer-Clifton Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay ($25): my least favorite of the evening, seemed a bit off balance and not nearly as good as #3 or #7. Parker 91 pts.