Cusumano Insolia 2007

Cusumano Insolia 2007
Origin: Sicily, Italy
Blend: 100% Insolia
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Glass cap
Purchase Date: June 2008
Purchase Price: $12.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: This wine, made from a grape that is native to Sicily, comes in a dark bottle with a unique glass cap closure. A golden yellow in color, the fragrance is of tropical fruits, notably pineapple, with some interesting herbal notes. The palate is smooth and well balanced, and develops a brisk acidity. The finish is exceptionally long with a nice blend of flavors that continues to evolve. A rich wine to serve with your best meals. Our score: This is our first taste of this varietal so it is impossible to make direct comparisons. Nevertheless, this is a terrific wine. Excellent.

Winery website: Cusumano (in both Italian and English).

Columbia Crest Two Vines Sauvignon Blanc 2005

Columbia Crest Two Vines Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: July 2008
Purchase Price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "This Sauvignon Blanc sports aromas of green apple, citrus, and hints of freshly mown grass. The bright fruit flavors are accentuated by racy acidity and end with a cleansing finish."

ABC Wines review: This wine has aromas of citrus and stone fruit with bright grassy notes. Smooth with a moderate body on the palate, the slight sweet fruit flavors are somewhat muted, replaced by a brisk acidity. The finish is fairly long though not particularly memorable. Serve this wine with most pasta dishes. Our score: A bit on the "old" side for this varietal, still this wine, especially at the price paid, rates on the high side of Average.

Winery website: Columbia Crest Winery. An image of the bottle could not be located. The displayed image is for the Grand Estates collection, though is similar in appearance to the wine reviewed.

Frey Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Frey Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Mendocino, California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.9%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Tropical flavors of pineapple and passion fruit married with delicate French oak complement spicy ethnic cuisine. This wine is a pleasing blend of fruit from Lake and Mendocino counties. Try it with goat cheese rolled in an endive leaf, topped with fresh minced herbs."

ABC Wines review: Aromas of overripe tropical fruit with herb and spice notes are evident upon opening this wine. Somewhat watery with little fruit character on the palate, the flavors quickly diminish into an acidic, woodsy, and distinctly unpleasant finish. Our score: Very disappointing and gives organic wine a bad name. Quite possibly the worst wine we've tasted in years. Undrinkable.

Winery website: Frey Vineyards. This wine is no longer available from the Frey website. The bottle image is similar, though not identical, to the wine reviewed.

Palma Real Rueda Verdejo 2007

Palma Real Rueda Verdejo 2007
Origin: Rueda, Castilla y Leon, Spain
Blend: 100% Verdejo (?)
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $10.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Bright yellow color. Aromatic with nose of white flowers and a faint grassiness. Medium-bodied with instant grip and a sensation of grassiness (less strong than in Sauvignon); aromas of lechèe; a good texture and quite a long finish. Drinks well now but, if kept 4 or 5 years, will develop more complex nutty aromas."

ABC Wines review: Nicely fragrant, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit with some peach and faint herbal notes. Clean and crisp on the palate, the tropical fruit flavors are present in a medium body accompanied by a mild acidity. The nuanced finish is pleasantly long and satisfying. A good choice for cold chicken dishes or summer salads. Our score: A complex and delicious wine. Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Winery website: None found. No image of the bottle or label could be located.

Target (Trinchero) Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Target (Trinchero) Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: None; Wine Cube (boxed wine)
Purchase date: July 2008
Purchase price: $17.99 (3 liters)

Taste profile from the winemaker: Made with fruit from vineyards in Santa Barbara, the Delta and Lodi, the wine is a typical California take on the varietal, being both a little fruity and a little grassy, with floral highlights, some fat to its body, and more of a finish than customarily is found in boxed wines.

ABC Wines review: A brilliant pale gold in color, this wine is mildly fragrant with primary aromas of citrus and some vegetal, possibly bell pepper, notes. Rather weak on the palate, there is surprisingly little fruit flavor. The finish is relatively short and somewhat acidic. The lack of notable character in this wine ironically makes it very food friendly. Our score: A simple wine by any measure with the best that can be said about it is that it is not bad. It is not inexpensive, though. The Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc frequently on sale for around $5 a 750 ml bottle, for example, is comparably priced and a far superior choice. There is a convenience factor to be considered with this wine cube, but in the end this wine is Below Average.

Winery website: Target wines are made by Trinchero Winery

Jean-Claude Bougrier Vouvray 2007

Jean-Claude Bougrier Vouvray 2007
Origin: Loire Valley, France
Blend: 100% Chenin Blanc
Alcohol content: 12.0%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: A clear, pale yellow in color, this wine has a pleasing fragrance of tropical fruit. Noticeably sweet on the palate with a moderately full body, any fruitiness is overshadowed by weak honeyed flavors. The finish is smooth but tends to leave a sensation of candy residue in the mouth. Our score: Though the sweetness of this wine may help balance particularly spicy cuisines, it's not one we would choose for this purpose. Below Average.

Winery website: None found. An image of the bottle or the label could not be found.

Pisano Torrontes 2008

Pisano Torrontés 2008
Origin: Rio de Los Pajaros, Uruguay
Blend: 100% Torrontes
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found. There is no mention of this wine on the company's website.

ABC Wines review: A light straw in color this wine has a pleasing fragrance of pear, melon, honey and spice with floral notes. The palate is moderately full bodied with tropical fruit flavors that taper into an herbal, somewhat vegetal character. The finish is smooth and unusually long. Pair this wine with vegetable or tomato dishes, or serve with Asian cuisines. Our score: This is a terrific wine that is priced very attractively. Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Winery website: Vinos Pisano. An image of the bottle or the label could not be found.

Morande Pionero Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Morandé Pionero Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Curico Valley, Chile
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $6.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Luminous, pale greenish-yellow. Aroma: Tropical fruits and zesty gooseberry. Flavour: Deliciously fruity followed by a crisp, clean finish. Match Food: Aperitif, seafood, sushi and salads."

ABC Wines review: A bouquet of gooseberry and stone fruit with fresh grassy notes is exhibited by this wine. Crisp on the palate, there is a sensation of slight effervescence that accompanies the ever so slightly sweet citrus flavors. The finish is moderately long though with little character. Our score: At $7, this is a terrific value for a very good sauvignon blanc. Well Above Average.

Winery website: Viña Morandé.

Gattavecchi Vernaccia 2007

Gattavecchi Vernaccia 2007
Origin: San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy
Blend: 100% Vernaccia
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $11.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "This ancient wine, straw yellow colour with hints of gold, has a confident yet penetrating perfume and a well- balanced taste with its typical after taste of bitter almond. Given its unique structure it is one of the few wines that enjoys a brief ageing. Ideal with antipasti, risotti, white meats, and all fish dishes."

ABC Wines review: Aromas of tree fruit, such as golden apples and pears, with herbal notes are evident upon pouring this wine. The palate is very crisp with notable mineral character. The long finish develops a tart, almost bitter flavor that is not unpleasant though somewhat unexpected. This wine would work well with any robust chicken or pork dish. Uncork the bottle 10-15 minutes before serving to improve its complexity. Our score: A nice and unusual wine to introduce and serve to family and friends at an evening meal. Above Average.

Winery website: None found.

Rosa Bianca Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Rosa Bianca Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: delle Venezie, Italy
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 12.0%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: Nearly colorless, this wine has a fragrance of citrus and herbs and a touch of fresh cut grass. The fruit-forward flavors have a light to medium body on the palate. The finish has a bright acidity with mineral notes. Serve this wine with snacks or a light lunch al fresco. Our score: A nice change of pace from the typical pinot grigio that is seemingly synonymous with Italian white. Above Average.

Winery website: None found. Note: An image of the bottle or label could not be located.

Fess Parker White Riesling 2006

Fess Parker White Riesling 2006
Origin: Santa Barbara County, California
Blend: 100% White Riesling
Alcohol content: 12.1%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $10.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "This Riesling is well balanced, off dry in style and is sure to delight the senses for a refreshing experience. On the nose, floral hints of honeysuckle abound with notes of orange peel, all-spice and lychee nut. With its refreshing acidity, peaches, honey, apricot and pineapple shine through on the palate."

ABC Wines review: This wine has the gentle fragrance of a blend of tropical fruits, most notably honeydew melon with a pineapple influence. Silky smooth on the palate, the initial fruit flavors rapidly evolve into a sweet, almost overly sweet, mixture of honey and spice. The finish is, though quite long, marred by a sensation, not a flavor per se, of burnt sugar or honey that develops. Not a wine to be served with meals, rather a (small) before dinner aperitif or with a cheese platter. Our score: Previous vintages (not reviewed on this website) have been much better than this one. This disappointing riesling is Below Average.

Winery website: Fess Parker Winery.

Saula Black Label Frascati 2007

Saula Black Label Frascati 2007
Origin: Rome, Italy
Blend: 100% Frascati (typically a blend of Trebbiano, Greco and Malvasia; percentages not known)
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $14.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: Powerfully fragrant, this deeply yellow colored wine has aromas of citrus and tropical fruit with some honey notes. Full in the mouth, the fruit flavors are quite expressive. The incredibly long and somewhat herbal finish adds a mild acidity that is rounded out with a nut-like flavor (possibly due to oak cellaring?). Serve this wine with any fine Italian cuisine. Our score: Priced on the high side, but this is clearly a superior wine. Excellent.

Winery website: None found. Note: An image of the bottle or label could not be located.

Freie Weingartner Wachau Gruner Veltliner 2006

Freie Weingärtner Wachau Grüner Veltliner 2006
Origin: Wachau, Austria
Blend: 100% Grüner Veltliner
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $11.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A classic straight Grüner Veltliner with typical notes of white pepper and grapefruit. Dry, light and fruity, it is a typical Wachau."

ABC Wines review: This wine has aromas of green apple and citrus that are carried forward to the palate which adds fresh, brisk acidity. There is not much follow-through, however, in the somewhat disappointing finish. A good summer wine that can be served with a wide variety of light dishes. Our score: In general, a decent wine but rather expensive. Average at this price.

Winery website: Domäne Wachau. Note: The image of the bottle is for the 2007 vintage.

Kendall-Jackson Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Kendall-Jackson Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Primarily Lake County, California
Blend: 94.8% Sauvignon Blanc, 4.7% Semillon, 0.5% Sauvignon Musque
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: May 2008
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Lime, melon and Anjou pears intermingle with sweet and tropical fruits such as fig and kiwi to create this delightfully refreshing wine. Hints of grapefruit highlight the mineral qualities of this wine’s suprisingly long finish."

ABC Wines review: Fragrant aromas of tropical fruits, notably pineapple and melon, are exhibited by this wine. Quite smooth on the palate, the blend of fruit flavors is balanced by a gentle minerality. The long, mildly acidic finish is nice. This is a very food-friendly wine and could easily be served with a wide variety of cuisines. Our score: Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Winery website: Kendall-Jackson Vineyard Estates. Note: An image of the bottle could not be located.

Reserve St. Martin Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Reserve St. Martin Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Languedoc, France
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: June 2008
Purchase price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A wine of great finesse, lovely freshness, and citrussy notes. It is a great aperitif. Served chilled."

ABC Wines review: This wine has aromas of blended citrus with significant lime notes. The palate is quite dry, somewhat astringent, and oddly rather flavorless though with brisk acidity. The finish is quite long but not memorable. Would pair well with with a simple grilled fish or chicken dish. Our score: On the low side of average.

Winery website: None found. Imported by Pasternak Wine Imports.

Cono Sur Riesling 2007

Cono Sur Limited Release Riesling 2007
Origin: Bio-Bio Valley, Chile
Blend: 100% Riesling
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: July 2008
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Bright, appealing yellow-green colour. A wine of deleicate grace and aromatic intensity. The nose is fresh and crisp, with citrus and floral notes. In mouth citric flavours like grapefruit mingle in with mineral hints. This riesling is fresh and young, with great volume and minerality."

ABC Wines review: This riesling has aromas of tree fruit, notably apple, with floral fruit blossom notes. The palate is rather complex with hints of sweetness balanced by mineral crispness. The finish is moderate and somewhat dry. An interesting wine to serve with sandwiches or to include in a picnic basket. Our score: On the high side of Average.

Winery website: Viña Cono Sur. Note: Several rieslings are mentioned on the winemaker's website, but a "limited release" was not found. The depicted bottle and the taste profile are taken for the one closest to the wine reviewed.

Ventisquero Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2005

Ventisquero Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Origin: Casablanca Valley, Chile
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: July 2008
Purchase price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Pale green with silver notes. Aroma: Delicate and elegant, stands out its freshness, with fruity notes, especially citric, such as lemon and grapefruit, also pineapple and pear, some flowers, certain herbs and mineral notes. Taste: Perfect balance that stands out its freshness and mineral notes. Medium body with a smooth and fresh end that lingers in the mouth. "

ABC Wines review: Deeply colored, almost amber, this wine has an intense fragrance of honeyed, almost overripe tropical fruit. The fruit flavors are carried forward to the palate that is not exactly sweet but not particularly dry either. The finish is rather long though unremarkable. Not a sipping wine or one to be used as an aperitif, it requires a substantial meal of chicken or pork to bring out its character. Our score: There are better Chilean wines at this price point. Average at best.

Winery website: Viña Ventisquero

Colombelle White Wine 2007

Colombelle White Wine 2007
Origin: South-West France
Blend: 70% Colombard, 30% Ugni Blanc
Alcohol content: 11.5%
Bottle closure: Screw cap
Purchase date: July 2008
Purchase price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colombard: This typical Gascogne variety lends a special fruity note to wine, a powerful and unique aroma with hints of citrus fruit, mango, pineapple or passion fruit. Ugni Blanc: This variety brings a floral bouquet, as well as vivacity and balance. "

ABC Wines review: Nearly colorless, this white wine blend has a fragrance of citrus and tropical fruit with floral notes that is carried through to the palate. Slightly sweet, the body is fairly weak, almost watery, with flavors of melon and pineapple. The finish is brief and not memorable. This wine is best served alone or with light snacks; it would make a terrific and relatively inexpensive wine to serve at gatherings of friends and family. Our score: Average to somewhat better than average.

Winery website: None found.