Rombauer Chardonnay
If you Google “Cougar Juice,” the first image you’ll see is a bottle of Rombauer Chardonnay. The Urban Dictionary refers to it as, “An alcoholic beverage consumed by older females looking for younger males.”
Also known as “Danville Crack” and “Vitamin R,” Rombauer Chardonnay is widely popular and has been so for many years. It is consistently found on restaurant wine lists around the globe and is readily available at wine shops large and small, warehouse chains and grocery stores. It’s everywhere an erstwhile cougar could easily prowl for. Rrowr!
Personally, I have never been a cougar, because I raised a son and the idea of dating someone my son’s age makes me throw up a little in my mouth. Just can’t go there. I prefer my men like my wine – aged just right. Just sayin’…
Here’s a funny story – I was at a party a few months ago, chatting with a few other women of “cougary” age. As it often does, the subject of wine came up and one of the women said, “I ONLY drink Rombauer Chardonnay.” I chuckled and said, “You know what they call that, don’t you?” She shrugged and said “no.” I told her about Cougar Juice and she promptly replied, ”That’s it! I’m switching to Sauvignon Blanc!” I laughed so hard, I almost peed my pants!
I decided to explore the phenomenon that is “Cougar Juice” myself and purchased a couple bottles of 2014 Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay. Yes, I actually buy wine sometimes.
Let me preface this review by saying that I am a card-carrying member of the “ABC” Club (“Anything But Chardonnay”), because I prefer aromatic white wines to big buttery, oaky Chardonnays. In fact, in my circle of wine-judging friends, we call big, buttery, oak-bomb Chardonnays, “Rombauer style.”
The 2014 Carneros Chardonnay from Rombauer was true to form. For a big, oaky, buttery Chardonnay, it was surprisingly drinkable. Here’s what I got from it: A big snootful of toasted marshmallow, buttered toast, vanilla and toasted oak are enhanced by a slight squeeze of citrus. These aromas continue as flavors in the hugely textured mouth and linger through the long finish. As intense as a multiple orgasm. Hence – Cougar Juice does indeed ring true to its reputation.
For those who prefer aromatic white wines like me, Rombauer also makes a delightful Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. I tasted that one too and loved it. Here are my notes on the 2015 Rombauer Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc: Seductive scents of ripe melon, guava, citrus and cut hay are jazzed up by complex mineral notes. The mouthfeel is zippy and juicy and the finish lingers on and on, begging for another sip.
Just remember this, my wine-loving friends – life is all about choices. Drink what you like and trust your palate.
Cheers!
Sue