Friday, May 30, 2008

Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Rodney Strong Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Sonoma County, California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: May 2008
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Light, crisp, and highly aromatic, the warmer climate Alexander Valley fruit gives the wine ripe pear and melon character, while the ocean cooled Russian River fruit offers citrus, mineral, and traditional herbaceous qualities. Together, the two valleys make a classic Sonoma County sauvignon blanc that is fresh, lively, and will drink beautifully over the next 1 to 2 years."

ABC Wines review: Lightly fragrant, the primary scents are of citrus and herbs. Crisp on the palate, the fruit flavors are slightly more dominant here and are accompanied by some mineral notes. The finish is somewhat weak, almost watery, and slightly acidic. An average effort that would be extremely versatile in pairing with dishes, but disappointing at this price point. Our score: Average.

Winery website: Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

4 Bears Sauvignon Blanc 2005

4 Bears Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Origin: Dry Creek Valley, California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: May 2008
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Rich and complex with aromas of ruby grapefruit, citrus and tropical fruit. On the palate, the combined flavors of fresh melon, fig and lime are balanced perfectly to form a crisp, mouthwatering texture and a lingering finish."

ABC Wines review: The wine exhibits aromas of fresh grapefruit and pineapple. The palate has an unexpected, almost chalky texture that is not unpleasant but different. The fruit flavors are somewhat muted, however. The finish is smooth, after a few seconds producing a bit of brisk acidity. A nice effort that should pair well with a wide variety of cuisines. Our score: Above Average.

Winery website: 4 Bears Winery.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Redcliffe Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Redcliffe Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: May 2008
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Light straw. Bouquet: Aromas of citrus and melon underscored by notes of fresh hay and bell pepper. Taste: Full-bodied and lively, with intense flavors of grapefruit and passion fruit set against a backbone of racy acidity."

ABC Wines review: Typical of better New Zealand sauvignon blancs, this wine has a fresh, grassy, outdoors aroma with notes of lemon and lime. The fruit-forward flavors are fairly intense, slightly sweet, and full-bodied. The finish is incredibly smooth. This wine would be an ideal choice as an aperitif, to serve with appetizers, or at an outdoor luncheon. Our score: Excellent. Last year we rated the 2005 vintage Above Average, Nearly Excellent.

Winery website: Redcliffe wines are imported by Palm Bay International.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: May 2008
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Light green in colour, passionfruit and citrus fruits fill the nose complimented by complexing flint. The palate is filled with tight passionfruit, melon and lemon fruit. This is all kept in check by the distinctive and chalky Marlborough acidity."

ABC Wines review: This wine exhibits pleasant aromas of gooseberry and stone fruit. The palate is fruit-forward and mildly acidic. The mineral crispness extends into the finish which is long and pleasing. This would be a very nice wine to serve with grilled dishes. Our score: Above Average.

Winery website: Matua Valley Wines.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Rolling Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2006

Rolling Estate Wines Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2006
Origin: New South Wales, Australia
Blend: 52% Sauvignon Blanc, 48% Semillon
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: May 2008
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Aroma: Shows nice Kiwi and Lime fruits. Palate: The palate is delicate but lively in structure, with good intensity on the mid palate and a crisp lingering finish. It shows excellent balance, with lovely primary fruit notes complemented by subtle acidity."

ABC Wines review: A pleasant bouquet of tropical fruits, notably pineapple with maybe a hint of melon, and citrus is presented by this wine. The palate is crisp and clean with just a bit of astringency though there is not much fruit flavor. The finish is mildly acidic and unremarkable. A versatile wine that would pair well with many cuisines. Our score: Average.

Winery website: Rolling Estate Wines. Note: The image of the wine bottle is from a different vintage than the one reviewed.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Boutari Moschofilero 2006

Boutari Moschofilero 2006
Origin: Greece
Blend: 100% Moschofilero
Alcohol content: 11.5%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: April 2008
Purchase price: $11.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A refreshing try white wine with enticing citrus, floral and melon aromas. The result is a crisp, fresh, well-balanced wine that complements a wide variety of cuisines."

ABC Wines review: Lightly scented, this wine's aroma is primarily a blend of citrus with a slightly more prominent lime note. Crisp and dry on the palate, the flavors have a significant mineral character. The finish is clean, slightly acidic, and just barely off-dry. A nice wine to serve with most dishes, but a little on the expensive side. Our score: Average, maybe a bit better.

Winery website: Boutari Wines (in Greek).

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: April 2008
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Explosive aromas brimming with lemon, lime and citrus blossom mingle with gooseberry and passionfruit to proudly proclaim this wine’s varietal. A generous, fruit-forward palate shows juicy citrus flavors of lime, grapefruit and tangerine, balanced by bright, crisp acidity. The pleasant finish persists on the palate with great length of flavor."

ABC Wines review: This wine has a complex aroma consisting primarily of citrus with some stone fruit notes. The palate has a crisp acidity that is nicely offset by a slight and unexpected, but not unpleasant, sweetness. The finish is clean, though brief. A very good summer wine to serve with a wide variety of dishes. Our score: Above Average.

Winery website: Geyser Peak Winery.
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