Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Sterling Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Sterling Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Napa Valley, California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: November 2007
Purchase price: $12.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Light straw in color, this wine offers expansive aromas reminiscent of grapefruit, melon, figs, and pears. Crisp and refreshing in its acidity, the wine has a rich mid-palate and a long, fruity finish. Wonderful with citrus-marinated shrimp, chicken salad, and grilled trout."

ABC Wines review: Pale, nearly colorless, this wine exhibits fresh melon and light citrus aromas. A clean, mineral crispness with a hint of grassiness blends with a fruit forward taste. The finish is very pleasant, ever so slightly acidic, and long-lasting. A wonderful sipping wine, it would also pair well with a wide variety of dishes. Our score: Excellent.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Antinori Campogrande Orvieto 2006

Santa Cristina Antinori Campogrande Orvieto Classico 2006
Origin: Umbria, Tuscany, Italy
Blend: 40% Procanico, 40% Grechetto, 15% Verdello, 5% Drupeggio and Malvasia.
Alcohol content: 12.0%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: January 2008
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Straw-yellow colour with greenish hues; subtle, delicate fruity and floral aromas and a fresh, tangy flavour with a nice sweet sensation in the finish."

ABC Wines review: What a delightful wine! Nearly colorless with aromas of fresh apples, maybe pears. Just slightly dry with a bit of a citrus tartness, the flavors are harmonious and refreshing. The long finish is briefly, unexpectedly, and pleasantly sweet. A terrific wine to serve with appetizers. Our score: Above Average.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Spice Route Sauvignon Blanc 2005

Spice Route Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Origin: Malmesbury South Africa
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 12.0%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: January 2008
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A pale greenish tinge colour. A mineral, chalky nose with hints of gooseberry and classic cool climate aromas. Good acid and fruit balance, with lively fruit. Long fresh finish. The wine will drink well up to two years from vintage."

ABC Wines review: Tropical fruit aromas intermixed with dry stone (chalk?) are evident upon pouring. The flavors are of cooked fruit and vegetables, somewhat acidic with little crispness typical of this varietal. The tart, citrusy finish was a pleasant surprise. Not a bad wine, but not memorable. Our score: Average.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Pepperwood Grove Viognier 2004

Pepperwood Grove Viognier 2004
Origin: California
Blend: 100% Viognier
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: September 2006
Purchase price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pale straw color with aromas of lemon zest and jasmine with a hint of pink grapefruit. The palate is full with green apple, light cinnamon & clove flavors which underscore the ripe apricot and peach nectar and finishes with honeyed tropical notes."

ABC Wines review: Another wine found in the back of the cellar, this viognier is deep golden in color with an aroma of overly ripe fruit and somewhat rancid honey. The spicy, almost smoky, flavors are nearly overpowered by a tart acidity. The finish is somewhat unpleasant. Possibly well past its prime at this point in time or maybe never very good in the first place. Our score: Inferior, nearly undrinkable.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2004

Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Taylor's Vineyard Musque
Origin: California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 14.5%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: December 2007
Purchase price: $12.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The Taylor's Vineyard Sauvignon Musqué displays a depth of character not often found in Sauvignon Blanc. Stone fruit aromas such as melon and Asian pears are evident along with a strong sense of minerality and texture. On the palate, these unique characteristics combine to fool one into thinking barrel fermentation is evident. However, 100% stain-less steel fermentation was used in making this wine. The finish has excellent balance and acidity making it a very food friendly wine."

ABC Wines review: This strikingly different wine has bright, floral, fruity aromas upon pouring. The initial taste is one of mineral crispness. It is followed by full, complex tropical fruit flavors with some herbal, almost spicy characteristics. The finish is long, briefly acidic, and very pleasant. This wine can be paired with a wide variety of foods. Rated 87 points by Wine Spectator in August 2006. Our score: Above average to excellent.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

St. Lucas Torrontes 2006

St. Lucas Torrontes 2006
Origin: Argentina
Blend: 100% Torrontes
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: December 2007
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The torrontes grape produces wines with a bold floral bouquet with hints of rose petals, tropical fruit, candied peach and lychee nut on the nose with a zing of spice and crisp acidity on the palate. The result is a fresh, fruit forward wine that is particularly appealing to wine drinkers who appreciate its lively, easy-drinking character."

ABC Wines review: This wine, made from torrontes grapes indigenous to Argentina but thought to be distantly related to malvasia grapes, has crisp, clean floral and freshly cut apple scents. A dry, somewhat mineral initial taste lacking a significant fruit profile is followed by a fairly acidic finish. Allowing this wine to remain opened for 10 to 20 minutes and warmed to nearly room temperature improves its overall characteristics and complexity. Our score: Different, but just average.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Villa Maria "Private Bin" Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: December 2007
Purchase price: $11.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "This Sauvignon Blanc is bursting with ripe gooseberry, citrus lime, melon and exotic herbal aromas. It is a fresh and ripely flavoured wine with fantastic intensity, finishing with crisp and racy acidity. Enjoy now until 2009."

ABC Wines review: Fresh tropical fruit aromas blend exceedingly well with a slate mineral crispness as this wine is first poured. The intense flavors with vegetal and grassy notes fill the mouth leaving a brisk, clean, and a bit spicy finish. This exceptional wine can be enjoyed alone or with light dishes. Rated 89 points by Wine Spectator in December 2006. Rated 90 points by Wine Enthusiast in September 2006. Our score: Excellent.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Turning Leaf Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Turning Leaf Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: January 2008
Purchase price: $5.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Delicate. Sleek. Like a welcome tropical breeze. Our Sauvignon Blanc with delightful scents of ripe tropical fruits and hints of fresh flowers, is perfect for everyday moments as well as sophisticated occasions. Expect the subtle tastes of ripe melon and white nectarine accented with the freshness of lemon zest."

ABC Wines review: This wine exhibits pleasing, fresh fruit aromas. Initially a bit sweet, it finishes somewhat dry. The flavor profile is of mixed, consisting of somewhat overripe tropical fruits, and is not memorable; there are no grassy or herbal notes typical of this varietal. Though not a terrific wine by any means, it is better than many others costing twice as much. At $6 it is a wonderful value. Our score: Average.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Cavit Pinot Grigio 2006

Cavit Pinot Grigio 2006
Origin: Delle Venezie, Italy
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 12.0%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: January 2008
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "... crisp, light character, bright straw gold color, and appealing fruit flavors and refreshing scents, [this wine] is a wonderful apéritif and equally splendid with pasta in cream sauces, risottos, veal, chicken and fresh seafood dishes."

ABC Wines review: On first taste, a medium dry wine with subtle fruit aromas. The overall flavors, however, seem a bit muted; the body lacks complexity and is weak, almost watery. But the finish is strong with a significant mineral dryness. Our score: Average.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Marlborough New Zealand
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: January 2008
Purchase price: $12.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Expressive aromatics of gooseberry and tropical fruits epitomise classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and this wine embraces these characters. The wine is refined and elegant with a generous mid palate finishing with significant length."

ABC Wines review: This discerning, exceptional wine has a crisp, refreshing mineral dryness that perfectly complements its sophisticated tropical fruit flavors. There is a subtle hint of grass and herbs on the long, smooth finish. A perfect wine for a wide variety of dishes. Rated 90 points by Wine Spectator in April 2007. Rated 87 points by Wine Enthusiast in November 2007. Our score: Excellent.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Parkers Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2005

Parkers Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Origin: Sonoma County California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: September 2007
Purchase price: $11.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "This Sauvignon Blanc exhibits flavors of grapefruit and rich melon from warmer areas resulting in a wine with exquisite balance, pairs well with fish and light salad dishes."

ABC Wines review: Sweet fruit scents barely mask the alcohol aromas from this rather disappointing sauvignon blanc that tends more towards the fume blancs (somewhat inexplicably) favored by California vintners. The wine lacks complexity and is flat though the finish is dry. Not a sipping wine, but should pair reasonably well with something rich and creamy. Our score: Below average, especially for the price paid.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Fairview Viognier 2006

Fairview Viognier 2006
Origin: Coastal Region, South Africa
Blend: 100% Viognier
Alcohol content: 14.5%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: December 2007
Purchase price: $10.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The combination of fruit from various vineyards is carefully blended so as to get the best out of the various components. The Fairview grapes provide freshness and fragrant upfront fruit, while the dryland component provides depth, richness and full mouthfeel. Whole bunch pressing retains the freshness, which balances well with the fragrant flavours."

ABC Wines review: Viogniers can be tricky, but this one hits all the right notes. Light, tropical fruit, almost floral aromas. The dryness of the wine is underscored with a rich, complex flavor with a hint of its oak cellaring. The finish is very smooth. Would pair well with most Asian cuisines. Our score: Above average.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Martin & Weyrich Pinot Grigio 2006

Martin & Weyrich Pinot Grigio 2006
Origin: Central Coast California
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: December 2007
Purchase price: $11.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Well-balanced, with intriguing scents of citrus zest, figs and pears, our Pinot Grigio is delicious with many kinds of antipasti (appetizers) and primi piatti (first courses)."

ABC Wines review: This is a delightful wine, with light, bright scents of fruit and citrus. There is just a whisper of effervescence that accompanies the wine's mineral crispness. A bit acidic on the finish. Perfect with appetizers or light salads. A gold medal winner of several competitions in 2007. Our score: Above average, nearly excellent.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Blue Monkey Sauvignon Blanc 2005

Blue Monkey Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Origin: Sonoma County California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: December 2007
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Survive the wild with Blue Monkey Sauvignon Blanc, a wedge of Gruyere and a loaf of hearty bread. This wine cuts the jungle heat with cool refreshing fruit and the exotic floral aromas lead into layered flavors of ripe melons and lemons."

ABC Wines review: This wine, very dark in color, almost amber, has a smoky aroma that masks the fruit and citrus notes. It lacks a fresh crispness and has an acidic, somewhat bitter, taste with a flat, though not unpleasant, finish. Too strong to pair with appetizers or as an aperitif, this wine would work best with a heavy dish. Our score: Below average.

Monday, January 7, 2008

Pepi Sauvignon Blanc 2005

Pepi Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Origin: California
Blend: 94% Sauvignon Blanc, 6% Malvasia Bianca
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: December 2007
Purchase price: $10.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Bright Sauvignon Blanc varietal aromas of grapefruit, lime and melon. Light bodied and elegant with crisp acidity. A very refreshing bottle of wine, perfect for sipping with lunch while enjoying a sunny day."

ABC Wines review: Clean, bright aromas of fresh citrus with just a hint of spice are evident upon pouring. The initial taste is pleasantly crisp with muted mineral notes. The finish, however, is somewhat acidic and a bit disappointing. Pair it with mildly seasoned stir-fried chicken or pork. Our score: Average, particularly at this price point.

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Sonoma County, California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: December 2007
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Lively varietal aromas of grass, fresh citrus and herbs with slight taste of melon. Fresh and crisp, with lively body and a lingering finish."

ABC Wines review: Fresh, tropical fruit and melon flavors are exhibited in this nicely balanced wine. Though not as crisp as some wines of this varietal, it retains some mineral notes. The finish is dry. Very good alone as an aperitif, it also pairs well with vegetable and pasta dishes. Rated 87 points by Wine Spectator in 2007. Our score: Above average.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: December 2007
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "This bleached blonde beauty is reminiscent of fresh green apples, pineapple and has hints of hibiscus blossoms. The concentration of zesty lemon and gooseberry fills your mouth leaving notes of thyme and melon behind. The bright acid in this wine gives you a zing while the fruit keeps your mouth watering for more."

ABC Wines review: This rather flat wine lacks the complexity typical of a good sauvignon blanc. The fruit flavors, notably tart apples, are somewhat bland. The wine is fairly dry and there's a hint of crispness but in the end it's a bit of a disappointment. Our score: Below average.
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