Thierry and Guy Fat Bastard Chardonnay 2005

When you're knocking around in your jeans, and you could toy with a Chardonnay from Nimes, for about ten bucks this wine doesn't suck, you might even say it screams; "What a deal".

For a lot of folks their first exposure to Fat Bastard is being on the giving or receiving end of a "white elephant" gift.  But when tasted, most are surprised to find the wine is mighty fine.  Thierry Boudinaud is Head Winemaker, and Guy Anderson is the "whack to the side of the head".  Together they invented the product and concept which has literally defined casual French wine, a category which would have seemed an oxymoron before the Fat Bastard was born some 10 years ago.

Legend has it that upon tasting a certain lot of 100% Chardonnay, sourced from the Languedoc-Roussillon region north of Nimes, barrel aged 4 months on the lees (yeast bodies), there was an epiphany.  "Thierry exclaimed now zat iz what you call eh phet bast-ard. Guy laughed with a belly laugh you could clearly hear in the neighboring town." They never looked back.

Color: Light lemon gold.  Aromas: Pear, starfruit, cold blossoms and hints of oak spice.  Light-bodied and rounded off a bit, the tart apple, oily citrus and lightly nutty spicy flavors finish crisp dry and refreshing.

Excellent value ($9). Closure: Composite "Neocork". Alcohol content: 13.5%

Peter Click must be credited for recognizing the birth of a phenomenon, and bringing the Fat Bastard to droves of awaiting Americans.

Winewaves reviewed the 2004 vintage of Fat Bastard Chardonnay.

Comments

[Lee Coviello]

Trying to locate retailers in Southern California.

[Virginia Janusis]

Where can we buy Fat Bastard wine in Michigan (Detroit suburban area)? Was given a bottle as a gift and we love it!!

[Carmen Clancy]

I saw the name and was instantly intrigued. The best Chard I ever tasted... I look for it everywhere I go shopping at. Your company is outstanding!

[Carmel Davies]

I have recently been in the Us and tried this wine. Could you please tell me if I can buy this in the UK