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.

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.

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.

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.

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.