Babich Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Babich Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The aroma of lantana and wild herbs combines with tropical fruits and green apple. The palate is exuberant and intense: fruit salad, nettles and fresh herbs burst into existence and continue through the length of the palate, joined at the end by lime/citrus and mineral notes. A powerful and lengthy Sauvignon."

ABC Wines review: Pale yellow with hints of green, this sauvignon blanc has a strong, but balanced, fragrance of gooseberry, citrus, green apple, and herbs, possibly grass. Crisp on the palate with mineral notes, the fruit flavors develop nicely before tapering off to a brisk, mildly acidic finish. This would be a very food-friendly wine that could be served with a wide variety of cuisines. Our score: Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Winery website: Babich Wines.

Tienen Duende Verdejo 2005

Tienen Duende Verdejo 2005
Origin: Castille and Leon, Spain
Blend: 100% Verdejo
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: No description provided. From the bottle: "Citrus sorbet character and undertones of sweet spice and tropical fruits."

ABC Wines review: A golden yellow in color, this wine has aromas of apple, melon, and apricot with notes of honey which are nicely carried forward to the palate. A mild acidity develops, but the finish, though long, has an odd taste, somewhat spicy but more like overripe fruit. An unusual wine that may be served with chicken dishes. Our score: Average.

Winery website: Tienen Duende Wines. Note: this wine is only available at SuperValu grocery stores (Albertsons, Jewel, Shaws, and others).

Oxford Landing Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Oxford Landing Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: South Australia
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 11.0%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Very pale straw in colour with lively hints of green. The nose shows lifted citrus and passionfruit with hints of grass and nettle, leading to a palate of refreshing green tropical fruit and citrus flavours. Early flavour ripening has resulted in a wine with classic, lively flavours and a zesty, natural acidity."

ABC Wines review: A blend of grassy and tropical fruit aromas are presented by this wine. Smooth and creamy on the palate, there is a hint of initial sweetness followed by brisk acidity. The fruit flavors, notably citrus, are, however, somewhat muted on the palate. The finish trails off fairly quickly though a hint of citrus remains. Our score: Above Average.

Winery website: Oxford Landing Australia.

Carmen Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Carmen Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Curico Valley, Chile
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $6.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Greenish yellow colour with clean herbal, floral and silex aromas. A delicious wine, crispy, with fresh citrus juicy fruit, grapefruit, minerality and orange leaves hints. Nice varietal tipicity, fresh and long finish."

ABC Wines review: A nice aroma of gooseberry and grassiness is exhibited by this wine. The palate is a balance of citrus and herbs with a mineral, almost chalky, character. The fruit flavors dissipate rather quickly leaving a mild acidity on the finish. At this price, a good value as an everyday wine for a variety of cuisines. Our score: Average, possibly a bit better.

Winery website: Viña Carmen.

Steel Creek Pinot Grigio 2006

Steel Creek Pinot Grigio 2006
Origin: California
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found. From the bottle label: "Bright and fresh with crisp pippin apple flavors. Notes of banana and quince with jasmine floral overtones come through the finish."

ABC Wines review: This pale yellow, nearly colorless, pinot grigio has a pleasing fragrance of sweet citrus with some pear notes. The palate is initially light and smooth but nicely evolves with moderate crispness and balanced acidity. The finish is fairly weak but is a minor flaw. An ideal wine for sipping, to serve with appetizers, or to accompany an outdoor luncheon. A terrific wine for which there appears to be little information available; seek it out. Our score: Above Average to Excellent.

Winery website: None found. No image of the bottle was available.

Indaba Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Indaba Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Western Cape, South Africa
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Refreshing gooseberry, citrus and tropical fruit flavors are backed by a racy jolt of acidity in this crisp, clean Sauvignon Blanc. Notes of bell pepper and fresh cut grass follow through on the zingy finish. It makes a great partner for salads, crabcakes, grilled vegetables, and citrus-accented seafood dishes."

ABC Wines review: A balanced fragrance of fresh grass with more vegetal (bell pepper and asparagus) than fruit (notably green apple) aromas. Initially slightly sweet and somewhat intense on the palate with a tropical fruit blend being the primary flavor, it quickly develops into a distinctly unpleasant finish that has a medicinal quality to it. Very disappointing. Our score: Well Below Average.

Winery website: Indaba Wines, distributed by Cape Classics.

Osborne Solaz Viura 2006

Osborne Solaz Viura 2006
Origin: Tierra de Castilla, Spain
Blend: 100% Viura (Macabeo)
Alcohol content: 11.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Straw yellow with steel edges. Clean and brilliant. Bouquet: Intense yet refined aromas of tropical fruit and anis. Elegant and straightforward. Palate: Balanced, fresh and smooth."

ABC Wines review: This wine exhibits aromas of dried fruit with earthly, possibly nutty, overnotes. The palate is somewhat weak with indistinct fruit flavors. The finish begins dry with some astringency but diminishes quickly. This wine would pair well with broiled fish. Our score: At best Average at this price point.

Winery website: Osborne Solaz.

Mirassou Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Mirassou Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A zingy wine that features tropical fruit and melon notes highlighted by subtle grassy characters. The crisp acidity and bright fruit make it easy to pair with a wide variety of food. 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: Citrus and green apple are the characteristic aromas of this wine. The palate is smooth, somewhat creamy, and a bit sweet. The finish starts nicely, crisp with a mild acidity, but ends with a somewhat unpleasant aftertaste. Not a good wine as an aperitif but should do well with mildly acidic dishes. A fine everyday wine if available at much less than the price we paid. Our score: Average.

Winery website: Mirassou Winery.

Lo Tengo Torrontes 2005

Lo Tengo Torrontes 2005
Origin: Argentina
Blend: 100% Torrontes
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $10.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Crisp and dry, this wine exudes lush tropical fruit aromas. Its elegant personality makes it the perfect partner to dance the night away."

ABC Wines review: A rich, golden amber in color, this wine exhibits a powerful aroma of spicy, almost smoky, honeyed tropical fruit. The fruit flavors are, however, somewhat muted and are reminiscent of grain-based alcohols. The long finish is initially hot though mellows fairly quickly. The stark qualities of this wine smooth out and improve a bit after the bottle has been opened for 20 minutes. It would pair nicely with a spicy, tomato-based dish. Our score: Average, maybe a bit higher.

Winery website: None found. Interesting note: The bottle has a 3D label depicting a couple dancing the tango.

Spier Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Spier Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Western Cape, South Africa
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pale green in colour, the wine shows green fig, passionfruit and grassy aromas. A dry and tangy palate of rhubarb and flint gives a lingering, minerally finish."

ABC Wines review: This wine has a fragrance of tropical fruit with notable herbal characteristics. Smooth on the palate, the fruit flavor is carried forward, initially with a slightly sweet sensation followed by a dry, slate-like feel. The finish is rather long and pleasant. A fine wine to serve with appetizers or with a light lunch. Our score: Well Above Average.

Winery website: Spier Wines.

Tohu Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Tohu Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $10.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Light straw, with lemon-lime tones. The nose is dominated by vibrant currant-leaf and gooseberry and green bell pepper aromas, some freshly cut herb nuances, and a hint of ripe citrus. The palate is full flavoured, with lively acidity and clean fresh finish."

ABC Wines review: A heavy aroma of gooseberry and tropical fruit with some spicy, herbal notes distinguish this wine. The palate is full and rich with a brisk, mineral characteristic. The finish is quite acidic though relatively brief. Probably best suited for lighter meals, however it is a bit expensive compared to similar quality wines. Our score: Above Average.

Winery website: Tohu Wines. Interesting fact: Tohu wines are produced by the world's first Maori owned wine company.

Vina Chilcaya Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Vina Chilcaya Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Colchagua Valley, Chile
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Brilliant pale straw in color. Flavors of lime leaf, nectarine and grapefruit make this wine a delight to experience either with meals or as an aperitif. It has a mineral-like structure that never tires on the palate."

ABC Wines review: Very fragrant, this wine exhibits balanced aromas of freshly cut stone fruit with notes of citrus. Dry with some mineral crispness on the palate, the flavors evolve somewhat before finishing weakly with just a bit too much acidity. Opening the bottle 10 minutes before serving improves its overall character. Probably not ideal as an aperitif though it should pair well with many cuisines. Our score: On the high side of Average.

Winery website: None found.

Yellow Tail "The Reserve" Pinot Grigio 2006

Yellow Tail "The Reserve" Pinot Grigio 2006
Origin: South Eastern Australia
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: May 2008
Purchase price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: Apple, pear and lime flavors combine with floral hints, while light acidity provides a crisp finish.

ABC Wines review: Lightly scented, this pinot grigio has a pleasant blend of fruit aromas with lime notes being the most prominent. The palate is quite weak, tasting of diluted fruit flavors though there is a nice crisp mineral-like quality. The finish is unremarkable. Our score: On the low side of Average.

Winery website: [yellow tail].

Jenica Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2005

Jenica Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Origin: California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: May 2008
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: No description provided.

ABC Wines review: This wine has an herbal citrus fragrance with notes of fresh cut grass. The palate is very fruit-forward, with sweet tropical fruits dominating before tapering off to a somewhat drier, astringent finish. There is something of an off-flavor to the finish that is mildly unpleasant. At this price, a poor value. Our score: Below Average.

Winery website: Jenica Peak Coastal Series Wines. Note: this wine is only available at SuperValu grocery stores (Albertsons, Jewel, Shaws, and others).

Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Lontué Valley, Chile
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: May 2008
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Crisp and refreshing, [this wine's] fruity aroma of citrus blossoms and peaches is well balanced by delicate herbaceous undertones. Fruity and floral characteristics enhanced by a pleasant acidity intensify the wine’s freshness and smooth lingering on the palate."

ABC Wines review: This wine's citrus aromas are paired with tropical fruit and melon notes. Smooth on the palate, the fruit flavors are enhanced by a soft mineral crispness. There is a bit of herbal, possibly vegetal, character as well but it is somewhat muted. The finish is rather weak and mildly acidic. A nice wine for tomato-based pasta dishes. Our score: Average.

Winery website: Santa Rita Wines.