Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Fetzer Valley Oaks Pinot Grigio 2007

Fetzer Valley Oaks Pinot Grigio 2007
Origin: Mendocino County, California
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: April 2008
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Fruit-forward in character, with flavors of citrus, ripe apple and a touch of vanilla, balanced with some minerality and a finish you can’t ignore. There are hints of fresh flowers in the nose, even earthy, back to the Garden delights."

ABC Wines review: The aromas of this wine are of freshly cut apples with some pear notes. Very smooth on the palate, the balanced fruit flavors are quite refreshing. There's just a touch of sweetness on the finish. A good choice for sipping or with snacks, even pizza. Our score: Well Above Average.

Winery website: Fetzer Vineyards.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Beaulieu Vineyard Pinot Grigio 2005

Beaulieu Vineyard Coastal Estates Pinot Grigio 2005
Origin: California
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: April 2008
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: Not found. This varietal is not currently listed on the Beaulieu Vineyard website which itself seems at least 5 years out of date.

ABC Wines review: Aromas of peach, pineapple, and melon are exhibited by this wine. A bit crisp on the palate, the pineapple is the dominant flavor. The finish is brief, slightly acidic, and not remarkable. A very good wine to order at an outdoor cafe over a late lunch or with appetizers. Our score: On the high side of Average.

Winery website: Beaulieu Vineyard. Note: An image of the bottle could not be located.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Fortress Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Fortress Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Lake County, California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc Musque Clone
Alcohol content: 14.2%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: April 2008
Purchase price: $11.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The inviting floral aromas lead to a well balanced wine on the palate with flavors of citrus, key lime, ripe kiwi, peach and melon. Its creamy texture offers a rich mouth-feel and lingering finish. Drink either as an aperitif or pair with shellfish, seafood, poultry, pasta, or mildly spicy and fusion fare."

ABC Wines review: This is a very fragrant wine with aromas of tropical and stone fruits. The palate is disappointing, overly acidic with little fruit flavor. The finish is nice, though a bit too hot, and brings out the oak cellaring that a part of the grape's harvest received. The label states "grass is for cows" clearly indicating the winemaker's preference to omit the fresh grassiness that is characteristic of better sauvignon blancs. Our score: At this price point, Average at best.

Winery website: Fortress Vineyards. Note: An image of the bottle could not be located. The image above is of the label for this wine superposed on a generic white wine bottle.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Beringer Founders Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Beringer Founders Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: April 2008
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A bright silver lime color and wonderful citrus, fig and vanilla aromas. This wine [employs] less oak to preserve the brightness and zest of this varietal."

ABC Wines review: Fresh aromas of lemon and lime are exhibited by this wine. Full and smooth on the palate, the flavors are a bit more vegetal than fruity with some crisp mineral notes. The finish brings out the oak character typical of California sauvignon blancs with accompanying heat. A decent wine but there are better choices at this price point. Our score: Average.

Winery website: Beringer Vineyards. Note: As of the date of this review, this wine is not referenced on the winery's website. The image of the wine bottle is from an earlier vintage.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Callaway Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Callaway Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: April 2008
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The nose of this medium-bodied, refreshing wine offers hints of citrus, grapefruit and lime aromas. Full flavors of passion fruit, ripe melon and kiwi grace the palate."

ABC Wines review: Lightly fragrant, this nearly colorless wine has aromas of stone fruit and lime. The palate is quite tart, a bit too acidic, and surprisingly weak in flavor, almost watery. The finish is brief and overly astringent. Our score: Below Average.

Winery website: Callaway Vineyard and Winery. Note: the image of the wine bottle is from an earlier vintage.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Simi Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Simi Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Sonoma County, California
Blend: 97% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Sémillon
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: April 2008
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Appearance: Bright, light straw with a slight green cast. Aroma: Fig, grapefruit and honeydew melon notes with light hints of mineral. Flavor: Zesty lemon and lime with touches of melon and a clean, light mineral finish."

ABC Wines review: The citrus and gooseberry aromas layered with just a touch of fresh cut grass carry forward to the palate of this wine which adds brisk, dry mineral notes to the flavors. There's also the slightest hint of honeydew melon sweetness. The finish is somewhat muted but pleasing nonetheless. A very food-friendly wine that can be paired with a wide variety of dishes, or enjoyed alone while relaxing with a good book. Our score: Attractively priced, this wine is well Above Average, just shy of Excellent.

Winery website: Simi Winery.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Arrow Creek Pinot Grigio 2006

Arrow Creek Pinot Grigio 2006
Origin: California
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: April 2008
Purchase price: $6.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Lively aromas and flavors of lime, peach, honeysuckle and fresh minerals. The wine’s vibrancy is complemented by a supple, oily texture, and punctuated by a rich taste of figs and toasted nuts in the finish."

ABC Wines review: This wine has a light citrus scent with subtle floral high notes. The palate is quite spicy, of medium body, with relatively little distinguishing fruit flavor. It has a nice, pleasing if otherwise unmemorable finish. A good wine, priced right, for a light lunch or a salad of fresh, crisp greens. Our score: Average.

Winery website: Arrow Creek Vineyards. Note: Note: An image of the bottle could not be located. The image above is of the label for this wine superposed on a generic white wine bottle.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Beaulieu BV Coastal Estates Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Beaulieu BV Coastal Estates Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Napa Valley, California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: April 2008
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pale, green-yellow color. Distinctive grapefruit, honeydew and lemon zest aromas are very forward and fresh, with a touch of green apple adding a high note. Medium bodied, with melon-citrus fruit flavors framed by ripe acidity."

ABC Wines review: A fresh blend of citrus and sweet herbal aromas are exhibited by this wine. The palate has a solid mineral base, citric flavors, and a tart finish. A food-friendly wine, it could easily be paired with a wide variety of dishes. Our score: Above Average.

Winery website: Beaulieu Vineyard. Note: The winemaker taste profile appears to apply to the 2001 vintage, the most recent one listed on the BV website.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Jacob's Creek Riesling 2007

Jacob's Creek Riesling 2007
Origin: South East Australia
Blend: 100% Riesling
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: April 2008
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Vibrant, pale green in appearance. Bouquet: Floral lime blossom with a subtle citrus peel nuance. Palate: Appealing flowery lime and zesty citrus fruit flavours are balanced with a natural mineral acidity, which provides vitality and length to the palate."

ABC Wines review: This wine has a light fragrance of citrus with just a hint of fresh picked herbs. The aromas are carried forward onto the palate with a citric acidity balanced by dry, mineral crispness. The finish lacks depth but doesn't detract from the wine. A good sipping wine or pair with a tomato and basil bruschetta. Our score: Above Average. (We rated the Above Average as well.)

Winery website: Jacob's Creek.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

The Jibe Sauvignon Blanc 2005

The Jibe Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: April 2008
Purchase price: $10.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Pale straw with green hues and brilliant clarity. Aroma: A fresh, lively bouquet of passionfruit and melon with ripe herbal overtones. Palate: Ripe tropical flavours are layered with fresh herbal qualities, while delicate yeast lees influences add weight and complexity to the palate. The finish lingers crisp and dry in a perfect blend of flavour and acidity."

ABC Wines review: This wine exhibits an abundance of fruitful aromas with sweet floral and herbal notes. The flavor is unexpectedly flat, with more vegetal than fruitlike characteristics but has a refreshing mineral crispness. The finish is quite astringent with little flavor. This wine improves markedly if left opened for 15-20 minutes. On the whole, not a bad sauvignon blanc but compared with the exceptional wines of this varietal from New Zealand (and even other wines from its own parent), very disappointing. Our score: Just Average.

Winery website: The Jibe is a member of the Nobilo Wine Group, a Constellation company.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Murphy-Goode Fume Blanc 2004

Murphy-Goode Fumé Blanc 2004
Origin: Sonoma County, California
Blend: 94% Sauvignon Blanc, 6% Sauvignon Musqué
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: April 2008
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A mouthful of refreshing fruit flavors – citrus, nectarines and white peaches – with an aromatic hint of lemongrass. A blending component of 6% Sauvignon Musqué adds floral components and rounds the wine’s texture. The wine’s succulent fruit and good acidity complements fresh seafood, particularly shellfish."

ABC Wines review: This sauvignon blanc (made in the California fume fashion with considerable oak fermentation and aging) has soft aromas of stone fruit and citrus. The flavors are surprisingly fresh with gentle oak notes and have a bit of citric-based acidity. The finish is smooth and long-lasting, lacking (in a good way) the woodsy character of other fume blancs from this region. Our score: Above Average.

Winery website: Murphy-Goode Winery. Note: An image of the bottle could not be located. The image above is of the label for this wine superposed on a generic white wine bottle.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Beringer Founders Estate Pinot Grigio 2006

Beringer Founders Estate Pinot Grigio 2006
Origin: California
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 12.0%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: April 2008
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "This carefully crafted wine offers refreshing aromas and flavors of citrus, melon and tropical fruit. Enjoy with a variety of seafood, light appetizers and white sauce pasta dishes. Serve chilled."

ABC Wines review: Nearly colorless, this wine exhibits aromas of lime and honeydew melon. Very light on the palate, the fruit flavors are not particularly pronounced but are pleasing with a mineral dryness. The finish is brief but not memorable. A fine wine for a light lunch or to accompany vegetable-based appetizers with a creamy dip. Our score: A bit better than Average.

Winery website: Beringer Vineyards. Note: As of the date of this review, this wine is not referenced on the winery's website. The image of the bottle is from an earlier vintage.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Malborough, New Zealand
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: January 2008
Purchase price: $13.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Pale straw with touches of green. Aroma: Classic Sauvignon characters of cut grass and tropical fruits are dominant on the nose. Palate: Unfolds with flavours of passionfruit, gooseberry and subtle herbaceousness. The wine is mouthfilling with good texture and finishes well with cleansing acidity and great length."

ABC Wines review: Clean, crisp aromas of citrus and fresh cut grass are released upon pouring this wine. Very smooth on the palate, there's a surprising touch of initial sweetness followed by intense tropical and stone fruit flavors that are accompanied by a mineral dryness. The only weakness noted here is in the finish which seems a bit rough. A perfect wine for an outdoor luncheon or with a garden salad. Rated 91 points by Wine Spectator (April 2008). Our score: Just shy of Excellent.

Winery website: Kim Crawford Wines.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Beringer Alluvium Blanc 2005

Beringer Knights Valley Alluvium Blanc 2005
Origin: Sonoma County, California
Blend: Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc in approximately equal amounts with small amounts of Chardonnay and Viognier
Alcohol content: 14.1%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: October 2007
Purchase price: $11.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "With the two main varietals of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc the acidity in the wine keeps the lush fruit flavors of tropical fruit, floral, and lemon-verbana aromas."

ABC Wines review: The oak cellaring of this green-gold wine is quite evident in the strong aromas of burnt honey and citrus. Crisp on the palate, the fruit flavors are full, almost creamy, and are accompanied by considerable acidity. The woodsy finish with herbal notes is an acquired taste. Definitely not for sipping, this wine should be paired with roasted poultry or a substantial stew. Open this wine about 20 minutes before serving to improve its complexity. Wine Spectator has rated other recent vintages of this wine very highly (88 to 92 points). Our score: No doubt a fine choice for those who appreciate oak cellared wines, it just doesn't work for us; Average at best.

Winery website: Beringer Vineyards. Note: the exact blend percentages for this vintage could not be ascertained.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Raymond Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Raymond Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Napa Valley, California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.9%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: December 2007
Purchase price: $13.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "This wine's opening aromas of grapefruit, lemon, lime and orange blossoms are followed by hints of hibiscus and lemon grass notes. Upon entry, the mouth fills with flavors of ripe grapefruit, pineapple, lemon, lime and orange. A balanced, medium-bodied wine with crisp, lively acidity and a pleasant, smooth finish."

ABC Wines review: This is a lovely wine. Fresh citrus with a bit of floral green apple aromas are exhibited upon pouring. Very smooth on the palate, the flavors are of tropical fruit and citrus accompanied by subtle grassy notes and a pleasant mineral crispness. The finish is gently acidic and very long-lasting. A food-friendly wine, this sauvignon blanc can be paired with a wide variety of dishes. Our score: Excellent.

Winery website: Raymond Vineyards.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

MacMurray Ranch Pinot Gris 2005

MacMurray Ranch Pinot Gris 2005
Origin: Sonoma Coast, California
Blend: 99% Pinot Gris, 1% Other
Alcohol content: 14.2%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: March 2008
Purchase price: $11.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "An expressive fruit-forward character, exhibiting rich aromas of white peach and honeydew melon. The bright aromas and complex varietal characters of citrus and elements of spice add both weight and interest to the wine. The flavors of peach, melon and fig are melded together in a rich core, resulting in a round mouth feel which compliments its crisp, clean finish."

ABC Wines review: This wine has a pleasing fragrance of fresh melon with white fruit notes. The dried fruit flavors are balanced with a mineral crispness on the palate. The rather acidic finish is briefly hot before smoothing out. This wine should pair well with most grilled dishes. Our score: Above Average.

Winery website: MacMurray Ranch.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Rosenblum White Wine 2005

Rosenblum Château La Paws Côte du Bone Blanc White Wine 2005
Origin: California
Blend: 32% Viognier, 32% Chardonnay, 31% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Roussanne and 2% Marsanne
Alcohol content: 14.6%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: March 2008
Purchase price: $11.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "This lovely wine shows refreshing pear, melon and mango in the bouquet, followed by flavors of apple, peach and creamy vanilla."

ABC Wines review: This white wine blend presents aromas of ripe tropical fruit with notes of honey. The palate has an initial burst of herbal sweetness followed immediately by a tart acidity. The fruit flavors are oddly somewhat muted and diffuse. The oak cellaring (only 5% but seems more here) is brought out in the earthy, dry finish. Our score: Average, maybe a bit lower.

Winery website: Rosenblum Cellars.
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