Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Sobon Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Wine: Sobon Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Amador County, California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $11.99

Taste profile from the winemaker (taken from the bottle label): "Crisp and fruity, a perfect match for seafood and fowl dishes. The aromas are a captivating blend of floral and spicy tones, with a hint of tropical fruit, and toasted coconut. Made with organically grown grapes."

ABC Wines review: This wine has aromas of citrus and herbs with distinct spicy, woodland notes. It is of medium body with good fruit flavors that are nicely balanced by a mild acidity. The finish is somewhat smoky, not unpleasant but a little overdone. Our score: Like many California sauvignon blancs, oak aging masks the characteristics of the varietal that most consumers expect and find pleasing and adds little in return. This wine is at best Average in that regard. The fact that it is wildly overpriced doesn't help.

Winery website: Sobon Wine. As of the date of this review, this wine is not mentioned on the winery website.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Porcupine Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Wine: Porcupine Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Western Cape, South Africa
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker (taken from the bottle label): "Gooseberry and tropical fruit flavours, fresh and dry with lengthy citrus finish."

ABC Wines review: This wine has classic sauvignon blanc aromas of gooseberry and grapefruit with significant notes of grassiness. There is little fruit flavor on the palate; mineral and vegetal characteristics dominate. The very long finish develops some acidity as well as brings out some citrus flavors; nicely balanced overall. We served this wine with broiled fish and a Mediterranean salad. Our score: A bit overpriced for the quality. Still, it's on the high side of Average.

Winery website: Boekenhoutskloof Winery.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Morgan Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Wine: Morgan Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Monterey County, California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $11.99

Taste profile from the winemaker "This medium-bodied wine features tightly focused flavors of green apples, citrus, and a light floral aroma, rounded out by sweet, grassy undertones characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc. Oak aging offsets overly aggressive flavors and adds an elegant texture. The 2007 Monterey Sauvignon Blanc would make a fine compliment to Caesar salads, assorted crustaceans, poultry, and light pork dishes."

ABC Wines review: This California sauvignon blanc has fresh aromas of ripe tropical fruit, notably pineapple, with notes of citrus. The wine is initially just ever so slightly sweet on the palate before a balancing acidity develops. The finish is quite long, smooth, and very fruitful, with little evidence of oak aging that is typical of the varietals from this region. Our score: One of the best California sauvignon blancs we've had in a long time. It is very food friendly; we enjoyed it with grilled chicken sandwiches accompanied by a fresh vegetable salad though we'd be happy to serve it at a fine dinner party. Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Winery website: Morgan Winery.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Don Giovanni Pinot Grigio 2007

Wine: Don Giovanni Pinot Grigio 2007
Origin: delli Venezie, Italy
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 12.0%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker (taken from the bottle label): "This beautiful pale straw pinot grigio displays aromas of peach, lemon-lime, pear and apple, accented with floral blossom. To the palate it maintains a perfect balance of fruit and acidity through its soft and lingering almond finish."

ABC Wines review: This very nice wine has floral aromas of tree fruit, notably red apple and pear, with some barely discernible notes of ripe tropical fruit. The palate is of medium body and has a moderate mineral base to it; the fruit flavors here lean more towards to the citrus. The finish also has a significant citrus character to it leaving the mouth clean and fresh. (We did not detect any of the almond flavors mentioned in the winemaker's taste profile.) Serve this wine at a luncheon buffet with cold fried chicken and vegetable salads. Our score: An impressive, food-friendly wine for under $10. Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Winery website: Giordano Wines.

Host a Murder Mystery Party: A Taste of Wine and Murder

Anything But Chardonnay ("ABC") Wine Reviews periodically provides our readers with current promotions that offer discounts or other incentives for purchasing wine or wine-related products and services through our partner websites. Or sometimes (like now) we highlight fun products or services that have a wine-related theme.

Host a deadly delicious evening of mystery for fellow wine lovers! Invite 6 to 8 friends to help solve the murder of Barry Underwood, a local vineyard owner, in Murder Mystery Party: A Taste for Wine and Murder. Invite your friends to dress up and play the roles of the devious suspects (each with his or her own character booklet with roles and background info): Otto Von Schnapps, Tiny Bubbles, Papa Vito, Marilyn Merlot, Ralph Rottingrape, Hedy Shablee, Bonny Lass, and Bud Wizer. This murder mystery party planner includes recipes, a menu, and music and decorating tips; 8 character booklets; 8 party invitations, envelopes, and place cards; 6 secret clues; and CD with an introduction, a summary of events, and the solution to the crime. (Looking for more mystery parties for adults, teens, and kids, or other ? Visit for all the clues!)

Murder Mystery Party: A Taste for Wine and Murder

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Wine: Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker (taken from the bottle label): "Light yellow in colour, this wine has a distinctive Marlborough bouquet of ripe tropical and citrus fruit. The palate is crisp and zesty, with flavours of lemon, passionfruit, and melon."

ABC Wines review: This straw-colored wine has bright aromas of fresh grass, the zest of lime, and notes of kiwi and gooseberry. It is very, almost excessively, tart on the palate with distinct citrus flavors, notably grapefruit. The finish is lengthy but rather flat and undistinguished. Definitely not a wine to be used as an aperitif, it worked very well with our vegetable salad of tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers with a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette. Our score: Immediately recognizable as a New Zealand sauvignon blanc, this wine will not be to everyone's taste, but we found it as well Above Average. We thought last year's vintage was better, rating the Above average to Excellent.

Winery website: Nobilo - Discover Our Wines.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio 2007

Wine: Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio 2007
Origin: delle Dolomiti, Italy
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Traditional white wine vinification at controlled temperatures of around 18-20°C; modern taste, straw-yellow in color, pleasant bouquet, delicate, fruity, dry in flavor, elegant, and well balanced."

ABC Wines review: This wine exhibits an herbal citrus blend of aromas. The fruit flavors on the palate are not particularly pronounced though there is a brisk acidity with some mineral character. The finish is reasonably long and smooth and just slightly overly astringent. Our score: A good Italian white wine to serve with a good Italian meal. Average, maybe a touch better.

Winery website: Mezzacorona - L'Eleganza dei Vini Trentini.

Friday, October 17, 2008

San Sebastian Reserva White Wine NV

Wine: San Sebastian Reserva White Wine NV
Origin: St. Augustine, Florida
Blend: Unknown
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Blended to perfection this dry white wine showcases the best characteristics of several of Florida’s Hybrid Bunch grapes. This wine complements many types of fish and poultry dishes or possible just for sipping and relaxing."

ABC Wines review: This wine has a tropical fruit and honey blend of aromas. A bit crisp and slightly overly acidic on the palate, the fruit flavors lack any real balance or depth. The finish has a somewhat unpleasant woodsy characteristic possibly due to excessive oak cellaring. Our score: We served our bottle with Friday night sandwiches and chips, actually not a bad choice. Florida is not known for its wines, but there are far worse wines from far better known regions. On the low, very low, side of Average.

Winery website: San Sebastian Winery.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Lurton Pinot Gris 2007

Wine: Lurton Pinot Gris 2007
Origin: Valle de Eco, Argentina
Blend: 100% Pinot Gris
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: This wine has aromas of tropical fruit and honey with some very pleasing spice notes. The palate has a brisk acidity that seems to mask the fruit flavors. The finish is quite astringent and though the fruit flavors increase in intensity here they taper off into something that is bitter and unbalanced. Our score: Not a bad wine by any means but somewhat disappointing nonetheless. Just Average.

Winery website: Jacques & Francois Lurton.

WineBasket.com Donates 5% of Spa Basket Sales to Breast Cancer Research during October

Anything But Chardonnay ("ABC") Wine Reviews periodically provides our readers with current promotions that offer discounts or other incentives for purchasing wine or wine-related products and services through our partner websites. Below is a new offer that we're pleased to pass on at this time.

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, WineBasket.com will donate 5% of all spa basket sales for the month of October will be donated to breast cancer research. There are many to choose from including a White Wine and Jasmine Shower Spa Gift Set, the Glorious Garden Gift Basket, or the Olive Spa Treasures Gift Basket.

5% breast cancer donation with every spa basket

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Book a Wine Country Weekend at BedandBreakfast.com

Anything But Chardonnay ("ABC") Wine Reviews periodically provides our readers with current promotions that offer discounts or other incentives for purchasing wine or wine-related products and services through our partner websites. Below is a new offer that we're pleased to pass on at this time.

Admittedly not specifically related to wine, but can you imagine booking that special bed-and-breakfast weekend and not enjoying a bottle of fine wine after you check in? BedandBreakfast.com is a comprehensive worldwide listing of bed and breakfasts, B&B homestays, country inns, urban bed and breakfasts, guest houses, lodges, cabins, historic hotels, small resorts, guest ranches, farmhouse accommodations, and working farm and ranch vacations. B&B database searches allow you to find the ideal bed and breakfast inn, whether you are looking by location, amenities, online bookings, recipes, special packages, or last-minute availability. We suggest you look for a wine country inn and enjoy the local cuisine and wine.

Find Great Deals at BedandBreakfast.com!

Sterling Pinot Grigio 2007

Wine: Sterling Pinot Grigio 2007
Origin: Sonoma County, California
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker (from the bottle's label): "Showcases vibrant fruit aromas of apricots, peaches and honeysuckle with pleasant floral notes and a refreshing, clean finish."

ABC Wines review: This wine exhibits a fragrance of ripe tropical fruit. The palate is ever so sweet initially but quickly unfolds into a blend of tropical fruit flavors of moderate body balanced with a mild acidity. The finish is undistinguished but is long and pleasing nonetheless. A nice wine to serve with chicken dishes (though we confess we had it with hamburgers topped with ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce). Our score: Above Average, just short of Excellent.

Winery website: None found.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Sawtooth Riesling 2006

Wine: Sawtooth Riesling 2006
Origin: Idaho
Blend: 100% Riesling
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A fruit salad of aroma’s, apricot, peach and pear give way to bright fruit flavors and crisp acidity with a hint of sweetness and a clean finish."

ABC Wines review: Aromas of guava nectar, pineapple, and even a little banana are exhibited by this wine. The palate is sweet but not overly so; it does lack sufficient acidity for balance. The finish brings out an unusual, slightly unpleasant flavor, almost a texture, that is completely at odds with the wine. Our Score: Better rieslings at lower prices are available from Idaho's neighbors to the west. Below Average.

Winery website: Sawtooth Winery.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Buffalo Grove Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Wine: Buffalo Grove Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Santa Rosa, California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $6.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: An herbal citrus aroma is exhibited by this yellow-gold colored wine. The fruit and spice flavors are rather strong on the palate but lack individual characteristics. The finish has some initial heat then becomes more rounded. The label implies, though does not specifically state, this sauvignon blanc was barrel aged. Our score: An inexpensive wine that tastes inexpensive. Below Average.

Winery website: None found.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Domaine La Hitaire White Wine 2007

Wine: Domaine La Hitaire White Wine 2007
Origin: Gascogne, France
Blend: 65% Ugni Blanc, 30% Colombard, 5% Gros Manseng
Alcohol content: 10.5%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Magnificent intensity of this “open wine” with floral and citrus aromas and beautiful nuances of exotic fruits. The taste is round, full of ripe fruits, rich in sensations, enhanced by a frank and citrusy finish. A perfect example of lightness and balance that makes this wine a real companion of thirst and pleasure."

ABC Wines review: Golden in color and very aromatic with a ripe tropical fruit and floral fragrance, this wine is slightly effervescent on the palate as the fruit flavors unfold. The body is light and crisp. The finish is unbalanced being initially rather too acidic before tapering off to a somewhat bitter end. Serve this wine with grilled or broiled fish. Our score: Priced high for just an Average wine.

Winery website: Domaine la Hitaire.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Lurton Torrontes 2007

Wine: Lurton Torrontes 2007
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: 100% Torrontes
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: Lightly scented with tropical fruit aromas that become alive on the palate. The flavors have a rich character to them and feel full on the palate. The finish is quite smooth though somewhat subdued. A terrific, food-friendly wine to serve with a wide variety of dishes. Our score: This is rapidly becoming one of our favorite varietals. Just shy of Excellent.

Winery website: Jacques & Francois Lurton.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Harvest Savings at My Wines Direct

Anything But Chardonnay ("ABC") Wine Reviews periodically provides our readers with current promotions that offer discounts or other incentives for purchasing wine or wine-related products and services through our partner websites. Below is a list of offers recently received that we're pleased to pass on at this time.

Usher in the harvest season with savings of 10% off plus $0 shipping on a hand-selected six pack of seasonal favorites from around the world at My Wines Direct. This wine pack is sure to please with a bold French Syrah and a spicy Spanish Temranillo. Customers can receive 10% off plus free shipping by using code HARVEST10 at checkout. This offer expires October 31st.

Save $10 off the Harvest Hits pack with coupon HARVESTHITS. Expires 10/31/08.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Stella Pinot Grigio 2007

Wine: Stella Pinot Grigio 2007
Origin: Umbria, Italy
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pale yellow color with greenish reflections. Vibrant on the palate with fresh fruit and balanced acidity. Light and refreshing, recommended as an aperitif with antipasti, pasta courses and seafood."

ABC Wines review: Light aromas of fresh tropical and citrus fruits are evidenced by this wine. The palate has a significant mineral character that complements the mild fruit flavors and accompanying acidity. The finish is not memorable. A good wine to serve as an aperitif or with appetizers, or possibly with a light Caesar salad. Our score: About Average.

Winery website: None found.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Cottesbrook Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Wine: Cottesbrook Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: This exceedingly pale wine, virtually colorless with just the merest hint of green and gold, exhibits the fresh grassy and citrus aromas typical of this New Zealand varietal. The palate is crisp with considerable minerality balancing the citrus, primarily grapefruit, flavors. The finish is somewhat weak and but not disappointing. A good choice for an aperitif or with appetizers. Our score: Considering how expensive New Zealand sauvignon blancs have become recently, this isn't a bad choice for under $10. Above Average.

Winery website: None found.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Rene Barbier Catalunya White Wine NV

Wine: Rene Barbier Catalunya White Wine NV
Origin: Catalunya, Spain
Blend: 40% Xarello 30% Macabeo 30% Parellada
Alcohol content: 11.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $5.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Lemony yellow in colour with elegant, greenish tones. Intense aromas of mainly apple and pineapple with a light citrus background. In the mouth it is fresh and tasty with a light acidity and balance."

ABC Wines review: A greenish yellow in color, this wine has floral aromas of red and yellow apples with some mineral notes. A very slight initial sweetness on the palate quickly evolves into a citrus flavor with a balanced acidity. The finish isn't notable but does linger. Our score: Priced very attractively, this is a light, fun wine that can be enjoyed at parties. Above Average.

Winery website: René Barbier.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Cavia Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Wine: Cavia Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.2%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2008
Purchase Price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Color: Pale yellow with shades of green. Nose: Aromas typical of the varietal reminiscent of citrus fruit and soft herbaceous notes. Palate: Flavor is well-rounded, with strong acidity that is reminiscent of ripe citrus fruit."

ABC Wines review: This wine has a fresh, citrusy and grassy fragrance. Crisp on the palate, the fruit flavors are balanced with a brisk minerality and acidity. The cleansing finish is of moderate length. Our score: Serve this wine (as we did) with broiled chicken and roasted potatoes. Above Average.

Winery website: Bodega Antigal Winery and Estates.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Hermes Moschofilero 2005

Wine: Hermes Moschofilero 2005
Origin: Mantinia, Greece
Blend: 100% Moschofilero
Alcohol content: 11.0%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: Lightly scented with tree fruit aromas and notes of herbs and nuts. The palate is quite spicy and has a considerable amount of acidity. It also has a somewhat oily character to it. The finish initially seems brief, but is actually quite long with subtle flavors developing over time. Our score: An acquired taste, and certainly not one to be used as aperitif, foods paired with this wine need to have strong flavors to balance the boldness of the wine. Average, maybe a bit better.

Winery website: None found.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Conte Priola Pinot Grigio 2007

Wine: Conte Priola Pinot Grigio 2007
Origin: dell Veneto, Italy
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 11.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2008
Purchase Price: $6.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: This wine has a pleasant aroma of citrus and herb with a slight woodsy, possibly more nut-like, note. Of medium body on the palate, the fruit flavors are balanced with a nice acidity. The finish is weak, lacking depth and character. Our score: Certainly priced right, consider this Average wine for your next dish of pasta with red sauce.

Winery website: None found.
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