Friday, December 14, 2007

Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc 2005

Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Origin: Columbia Valley Washington State
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: November 2007
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The mostly stainless steel fermentation makes this a crisp, clean, refreshing style of pure Sauvignon Blanc. The wine shows aromas and flavors of sweet citrus and dried herbs. We have been striving for more true 'varietal character' with this wine by picking a little earlier, having slightly heavier canopies and laying off the oak. This is a Very food versatile wine–try it with salad courses, appetizers or zesty chicken dishes."

ABC Wines review: This smooth tasting wine has a complex combination of flavors and aromas. The initial taste of citrus and tropical fruit is accompanied by a refreshing crispness with a hint of herbs. The wine has a long, very pleasant finish. It should pair nicely with a wide range of foods, or just for late afternoon sipping. Rated 88 points by Wine Spectator in 2007. Our score: Above average to excellent.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Redcliffe Sauvignon Blanc 2005

Redcliffe Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Origin: Marlborough New Zealand
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: November 2007
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Ripe grapes [give] this wine an intense bouquet which combines appealing berry and passion fruit aromas. Melon and tropical fruit flavours on the palate are balanced by crisp acidity and a lingering finish."

ABC Wines review: Bright, fresh grassy aromas typical of New Zealand sauvignon blancs are on display here. The mineral crispness of the wine is balanced by blended, though muted, fruit flavors. A mildly acidic and quickly dissipating finish are all that mar this otherwise fine effort. Rated 86 points by Wine Spectator in 2006. Rated 87 points by Wine Enthusiast in 2006. Our score: Above average, nearly excellent.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Stonegate Sauvignon Blanc 2003

Stonegate Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Origin: Napa Valley California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 14.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: March 2005
Purchase price: $11.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "... this wine exhibits tropical fruits, spices, citrus aromas, and supple fruit flavors with a dry, crisp finish."

ABC Wines review: We found this wine, which we no doubt intended to consume in 2005, at the back of the cellar. More earthy than grassy, its flavors lean toward tropical fruit with little citrus. It has a not unpleasant smoky taste typical of California fume blancs that lends itself more as a dinner wine than an appetizer or social wine. Rated 86 points by Wine Spectator in 2005. Our score: Average.

Friday, December 7, 2007

Zellerbach Estates 2004 Sauvignon Blanc

Zellerbach Estates Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Origin: Sonoma County, California
Blend: 100% sauvignon blanc
Alcohol content: 14.2%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: November 2007
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Soft, flowery and well balanced, this sauvignon blanc should please every wine drinker's palate."

ABC Wines review: Light, very pleasant aromas of fresh tropical fruit are followed by the smooth, herbaceous and grassy flavors of this sauvignon blanc. Most of the pleasure in this wine is at the front of the mouth; the finish is a bit abrupt. This would be a perfect accompaniment for grilled chicken, steamed broccoli, and farfalle tossed with a bit of olive oil. Our score: Above average.

Note: Zellerbach Estates is part of the McNab Ridge Winery group.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Tin Roof Sauvignon Blanc 2005

Tin Roof Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Origin: North Coast California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: December 2007
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "... offers layers of bright, juicy, citrus fruit
flavors that gain elegance from a refreshing, underlying minerality. It’s an ideal match for lighter seafood dishes, roasted chicken, Caesar salad and mildly spiced Asian cuisines."

ABC Wines review: Crisp and clean describe this effort by the vintners of Murphy Goode wines. The mineral notes are nicely balanced by fruit and vegetal flavors and the finish is quite smooth. Though it lacks the fresh grassiness typical of this varietal, it is certainly among the best of these wines from California and a fine choice for everyday dining. Our score: Above average to excellent.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Clean Slate Riesling 2006

Clean Slate Riesling 2006
Origin: Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Germany
Blend: 100% Riesling
Alcohol content: 10.5%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: December 2007
Purchase price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "... a clean, crisp taste profile with pure fruit flavors complimented by lively acidity, which is the trademark of Rieslings from Mosel-Saar-Ruwer. This appealing balance of fruit and crispness works well with a wide array of cuisines ..."

ABC Wines review: This disappointing wine lacks complexity. Moderately sweet, the fruit flavors are not well characterized and are overshadowed by a taste of honey. The finish is a bit crisp with mineral notes yet somehow flat. It paired reasonably well, however, with a spicy vegetable omelet. Over score: Below average, even at $8.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Benziger Sauvignon Blanc 2004

Benziger Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Origin: North Coast California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: August 2007
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Stainless steel fermentation gives this wine
a delicious crisp, cleanness that enhances its citrus flavors and floral aromas. The generous fruit is supported by the acidic structure and the impressive mouthfeel. The brightness of the wine is revealed in every sip."

ABC Wines review: This sauvignon blanc is very aromatic when first poured, with heavy floral and fruit notes. There is little of the grassy aroma that is typical of this varietal. It is fairly acidic with a long finish. Allow this wine to sit opened for a few minutes to improve its flavor. Pair it with something having a bit of sweetness. Our score: Average (just barely).

Monday, December 3, 2007

Alianca Vinho Verde NV

Alianca Vinho Verde NV
Origin: Portugal
Blend: Azal-Branco, Loureiro and Pederna
Alcohol content: 9.0%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: October 2007
Purchase price: $6.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "... [a] crisp and fresh, medium-dry white wine, is low in alcohol, light, fruity, and well-balanced."

ABC Wines review: This Portuguese vinho verde, literally "green wine", is intended to be consumed within a year of bottling (or, since it is non-vintage, immediately upon purchase). It is very crisp, ever so slightly sweet, with flavors of citrus and green apples and a barely noticeable effervescence. It would work well served as an aperitif, with hors d'oeuvres, or even with an afternoon snack. Our score: Average.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Clos du Bois Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Clos du Bois Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: North Coast California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: November 2007
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "This crisp wine displays citrus aromas with
grapefruit and melon flavors."

ABC Wines review: This exceptionally light wine exhibits just a hint of citrus when opened and poured. The flavor profiles are somewhat muted upon first taste and hard to distinguish, though the finish is smooth, crisp, and long-lasting. This would be an excellent wine to pair with light dishes such as salads or sandwiches. Our score: Above Average to Excellent.

Note: As of the date of this review there is no mention of this wine on the Clos du Bois website.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc NV

Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc NV
Origin: California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: November 2007
Purchase price: $6.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "... an elegant wine with enticing aromas
of honeydew and nectarines. Flavors of pear and lime complement the soft, smoky finish."

ABC Wines review: These award-winning non-vintage sauvignon blancs have a consistent quality from year to year. The soft fruit flavors, primarily melon, are offset by a mineral dryness that gives the wine a nice balance. A very good everyday wine that can usually be purchased for well under $10. Our score: Above Average.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Jacob's Creek Riesling 2005

Jacob's Creek Riesling 2005
Origin: South East Australia
Blend: 100% Riesling
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: November 2007
Purchase price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "... an outstanding example of a fruit driven, citrus, fresh and vibrant, varietal style. This wine is suitable for drinking with a wide variety of light food dishes. Bouquet: Fresh, lifted lemons and limes with underlying ripe tropical fruit notes. Palate: Fruit driven lively lemons and limes. Soft and flavoursome with natural mineral acidity creating balance and length of flavour."

ABC Wines review: This semi-dry riesling surprised us. It has a wonderful bouquet, light and refreshing. The tropical fruit flavors with a hint of citrus and mineral notes are well balanced, if not particularly pronounced. This wine is probably best paired with appetizers or a light salad. At $8, it's a very good value. Our score: Above Average.

Winery website: Jacob's Creek.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

R. H. Phillips Night Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2004

R. H. Phillips Night Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Origin: California
Blend: 86% Sauvignon Blanc, 14% Semillon
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: November 2007
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "... fresh and zesty, with vibrant citrus, green melon and cut grass aromas and crisp, mouthwatering, melon and tangerine flavors. To accentuate its fresh, bright fruit, we ferment our Sauvignon Blanc entirely in stainless steel tanks with no oak aging and bottle it within six months of the harvest."

ABC Wines review: An average sauvignon blanc, there is a nice balance between the fruit and vegetal characteristics although neither is significantly pronounced. Though relatively dry, it lacks the crisp, mineral notes of better sauvignon blancs. If available at less than the price we paid, it represents a good value. Our score: Average.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Sebeka Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Sebeka Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Western Cape, South Africa
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: November 2007
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "... a vibrant, fruit-driven New World style wine
that features bold tropical citrus flavors accented by subtle mineral notes. The crisp acidity and bright tropical fruits evident in this wine pair well with a wide variety of foods, but especially Asian and Indian cuisines. This wine is at its best if enjoyed within one year of release, but should be able to age in the bottle for up to two years."

ABC Wines review: This is a delicious sauvignon blanc, though the "subtle" mineral notes are a bit more pronounced here. The citrus flavor tends toward lime, but is not dominant, and gives the wine its crispness. At less than $10, it is a terrific everyday wine. Our score: Above Average.
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