Tall Horse Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Wine: Tall Horse Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Western Cape, South Africa
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2008
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A brisk white with a dash of herbaceous grassland aromas and flavours that race across the palate stretching to a lively fresh finish. Appearance: A glowing pale gold with a blush of youthful green. Nose: Alluring wafts of grassland savanna layered with gentle pineapple fruit. Palate: Energetic and dry with brisk citrus and herbaceous flavours that canter to the very lively fresh finish."

ABC Wines review: A mix of tropical fruit and tree fruit aromas are exhibited by this golden yellow wine. Ever so slightly sweet on the palate, the moderately full-bodied flavors are balanced with a nice acidity. The finish, however, is unremarkable. Our score: A fairly typical South African sauvignon blanc that we rate the on the high side of average.

Winery website: Tall Horse Wines.

Maui Blanc Pineapple Wine NV

Wine: Maui Blanc Pineapple Wine NV
Origin: Maui, Hawaii
Blend: 100% Pineapple
Alcohol content: 11.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A soft, semi-dry wine made from the juice of Maui grown pineapples. Its pineapple flavor is subtle with a lingering finish. This wine can be served for all occasions and is a great compliment to Pacific Rim cuisine."

ABC Wines review: A golden yellow in color, this wine has (not surprisingly) a strong aroma of fresh pineapple with a few herbal notes. Rather sweet on the palate (but not excessively so), the flavors lack depth and complexity. The finish is surprisingly long and smooth though is missing a bit of acidity for balance. A nice wine to serve with spicy Asian dishes. Our score: Better than we expected but priced on the high side. Average at best.

Winery website: Maui's Winery.

Phebus Torrontes 2007

Wine: Phebus Torrontes 2007
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: 100% Torrontes
Alcohol content: 14.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2008
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: Pale gold with a distinct greenish tint, this wine has aromas of citrus and fresh herbs with some delicate spice notes. Crisp on the palate, the fruit flavors come alive with a touch of minerality. The finish is amazingly long and complex. This fine wine can easily and successfully be paired with a wide variety of cuisines. Our score: At under $9 this Excellent wine is a terrific value.

Winery website: Domaine Vistalba. As of the date of this review, there is no mention of this wine on the company's website.

Bougrier Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Wine: Bougrier Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Loire Valley, France
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 12.0%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2008
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: Light gold in color and lightly scented with citrus aromas with notes of fresh cut grass, this wine has a strong mineral character on the palate with little fruit flavor. The finish is undistinguished and leaves a slightly odd, almost oily taste in the mouth. Our score: We had this wine with chicken salad sandwiches which tended to improve our overall impression. Still, it's rather expensive for a relatively weak wine. Below Average.

Winery website: Bougrier Vins. This wine is not mentioned on the winery's website.

Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc 2006

Wine: Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc 2006
Origin: Sonoma County, California
Blend: 100% Pinot Blanc (stainless steel 6 months, 10% new French oak 3 months)
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2008
Purchase Price: $10.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Aromas of honeysuckle, pear and lime are accented with with a hint of hazelnut. Rich and complex tropical and citrus fruit flavors lead to a creamy finish balanced with crisp green apple tartness."

ABC Wines review: Floral aromas of citrus and grapefruit are exhibited by this wine. Full-bodied and almost creamy on the palate, the fruit flavors are accompanied by a brisk mineral-like character that lead into a tart, somewhat astringent finish. We enjoyed this food-friendly wine with chicken fajitas. Our score: One the high side of Average.

Winery website: Valley of the Moon Winery.

Anakena Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Wine: Anakena Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Valle Central, Chile
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2008
Purchase Price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A delicate and crisp pale gold Sauvignon Blanc. This wine shows good aromatic intensity, with notes of white peach and black current bud. At the palate it is elegant, fresh, and with a long finish. Delicious as an aperitif, or with poultry, seafood, salmon, and salads. Ideal serving temperature is 10-12ºC."

ABC Wines review: Fresh gooseberry, citrus, and grass aromas with floral notes are displayed by this wine. Crisp and clean on the palate, the flavors are nicely balanced. The finish begins with a mild acidity and ends with some atringency. A nice wine as an aperitif or with light salads or sandwiches. Our score: Recent Chilean sauvignon blancs rival their New Zealand counterparts in quality and at much lower prices. Above Average, Nearly Excellent. We also rated the Anakena Sauvignon Blanc 2006 vintage Above Average to Excellent.

Winery website: Anakena Wines

Martin Codax Albarino 2006

Wine: Martin Codax Albarino 2006
Origin: Rias Baixas, Galicia, Spain
Blend: 100% Albarino
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: July 2008
Purchase Price: $11.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Appearance: Showcasing a pale yellowish color with touches of bright gold. The wine is aromatic with hints of fresh herbs, peach and apple. Palate: Rich, dry and crisp; the wine is complex and full-bodied with flavors of ripe apples, peach, apricot, melon, grapefruit and lemon zest melded together with a bright minerality."

ABC Wines review: A very pleasant blend of tropical fruit aromas (pineapple and melon) with very light tree fruit blossom notes is exhibited by this wine. On the palate it is smooth, flavorful, and full-bodied. A touch of mineral character is added into the finish which, as the only relatively disappointing aspect of this wine, is rather flat and short. Enjoy (as we did) with sauteed chicken tenders and fresh vegetables. Our score: Albarinos are rapidly becoming a varietal we look for while shopping. This one is Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Winery website: Martin Codax

Steel Creek Gewurztraminer 2006

Wine: Steel Creek Gewürztraminer 2006
Origin: Central Coast, California
Blend: 100% Gewurztraminer
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2008
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: This wine has aromas of dried tropical fruit. Initially semi-dry on the palate, the flavors slightly increase in sweetness into the finish which itself has a somewhat scorched honey character and little acidity for balance. Try this wine with spicy Asian cuisines. Our score: There are better choices. Below Average.

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

Yalumba Viognier 2007

Wine: Yalumba Viognier 2007
Origin: South Australia
Blend: 100% Viognier
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The 2007 Y Series Viognier has aromas of fresh ginger and candied grapefruit with hints of white flowers. The palate is full-bodied with grapefruit and apricot flavours, and displays a persistent finish, matched with typical silky and harmonious viognier texture. This wine will reward when enjoyed with dishes containing goats or rich fetta cheeses."

ABC Wines review: A green-gold in color, this wine has aromas of citrus and pineapple with citrus blossom notes that carry forward onto the palate which adds a very pleasing acidity resulting in a well-balanced flavor profile. The very long finish has a mild smoky character. This wine can easily be paired with a wide variety of cuisines; try it with barbecue chicken or pork. Our score: One of the better wines of this varietal we've tasted recently. Above Average to Excellent.

Winery website: Yalumba Winery.

Chateau Belingard Bergerac Sec 2007

Wine: Chateau Belingard Bergerac Sec 2007
Origin: Dordogne Valley, France
Blend: 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon
Alcohol content: 12.0%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Flowers, boiled sweets and exotic fruits on the nose of this wine is an optimal blend; fresh on the palate with long lasting aftertaste."

ABC Wines review: Tropical fruit aromas with citrus and floral notes are exhibited by this wine. Rather dry on the palate, the mild fruit flavors have a somewhat unpleasant chalky mineral quality. The finish is moderately long and increasingly astringent. Our score: We're disappointed this wine blend lacks complexity and depth. Below Average.

Winery website: Chateau Belingard Vin de Bergerac.

Tin Roof Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Wine: Tin Roof Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Santa Rosa, California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2008
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Offers layers of bright, juicy, citrus fruit flavors that gain elegance from a refreshing, underlying minerality. It’s an ideal match for lighter seafood dishes, roasted chicken, Caesar salad and mildly spiced Asian cuisines."

ABC Wines review: Aromas of a blend of citrus and some tree fruit (pear) are evident in this varietal wine. The palate is crisp and clean with a light to medium body. The finish has a nice balance between mineral dryness and a mild acidity. This food-friendly wine may be served with a wide variety of cuisines. Our score: Above Average to Excellent. We also rated the Tin Roof Sauvignon Blanc 2005 vintage above average to excellent.

Winery website: Tin Roof Cellars.

Harlow Ridge Pinot Grigio 2005

Wine: Harlow Ridge Pinot Grigio 2005
Origin: Napa Valley, California
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: A light yellow-gold in color, this wine has unusual blend of aromas - peach, almond, honey and spice. The palate is sweeter than one might expect but without much fruit character and with little acidity for balance. The finish is fairly long but lacks depth or complexity. Our score: Had we tasted this wine without the label, we would have never guessed it was a pinot grigio, but instead some obscure varietal. Or maybe it simply hasn't aged well. Regardless, it's not very good. Well Below Average, nearly Inferior.

Winery website: None found. Harlow Ridge is a brand of the Bronco Wine Company.

Indaba Chenin Blanc 2007

Wine: Indaba Chenin Blanc 2007
Origin: Western Cape, South Africa
Blend: 93% Chenin Blanc; 7% Chardonnay
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2008
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Strikes the perfect balance between mouthwatering fruit and crisp acidity. It's packed with luscious tropical, citrus, and white stone fruit, accented with a touch of honey. An ideal party wine, this pairs well with most everything, from salads and light pasta dishes to mild cheeses, sushi, and seafood."

ABC Wines review: Lightly fragrant, this wine has aromas of tree fruit notably green apple and pear. Moderately dry on the palate, the flavors are surprisingly weak, not diluted, just weak. The finish adds some acidity but is short and otherwise not memorable. Definitely not to be served as an aperitif, this wine needs food to bring out its character. Our score: On the low side of Average (and overpriced at that).

Winery website: Cape Classics.

Nederburg Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Wine: Nederburg Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Coastal Region, South Africa
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2008
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Lively colours of lemon and lime introduce this deliciously vibrant wine. Grassy and gooseberry aromas and flavours end in a lingering finish. Its crisp good acidity means it acts as a foil to oily dressings. It is the perfect match for goat’s cheeses, asparagus, smoked fish, prawns, Thai noodle salads and stir-fried calamari and even ratatouille."

ABC Wines review: Grapefruit and gooseberry are the primary aromas in this wine which are accompanied by some vegetal (asparagus) and herbal notes. The palate is quite tart and the citrus flavors have a mineral dryness to them. The finish is mildly acidic and has some astringency, but seems somewhat unbalanced. This wine would work well with a lightly breaded and fried white fish fillet. Our score: Average, maybe a bit better.

Winery website: Nederburg.

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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.

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Fontana Candida Frascati 2006

Wine: Fontana Candida Frascati 2006
Origin: Rome, Italy
Blend: 50% Malvasia Bianca di Candia, 40% Trebbiano Toscano, 10% Malvasia del Lazio
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: July 2008
Purchase Price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Bright, pale straw. Aroma: Delicate fragrance of wildflower and fruit, especially hawthorn and Golden Delicious apples; Taste: Refreshing and lively in character with a dry, elegant, soft and fruity taste."

ABC Wines review: This wine has aromas of citrus and tree fruit with discernible floral and spice notes. Of light to medium body on the palate, the fruit flavors are accompanied by a slight bitterness. The finish is mildly acidic and has a nutty, butterscotch-like, aftertaste. Serve this wine with pasta in a mildly flavored cream sauce. Our score: Priced right, but otherwise just Average.

Winery website: Fontana Candida.

Marques de Riscal Rueda Verdejo 2005

Wine: Marques de Riscal Rueda Verdejo 2005
Origin: Rueda, Spain
Blend: 100% Verdejo
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pale straw-yellow colour. The nose reveals pleasant aromas of blossom and herbs, such as fennel, typical of the Verdejo variety. On the palate it has a fresh, supple sensation with a slight final bitterness which gives it complexity and the very characteristic personality of wines of this variety."

ABC Wines review: Aromas of citrus and herbs with a touch of oak and spice carry forward to the palate of this wine which is of medium body. A brisk acidity develops into the lingering finish which itself is pleasantly complex. Serve this wine with roasted chicken or a richly flavored rice dish. Our score: Well Above Average.

Winery website: Marques de Riscal.

Montes Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Wine: Montes Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Casablanca Valley and Curico Valley, Chile
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pale yellow and 100% fermented in stainless steel. No oak. Selected grapes picked to show best varietal aromas and fruit. Extremely attractive tropical fruits and grassy due to the cool Casablanca climate. A fresh, crispy light, happy wine to the palate. Enjoy as young as possible."

ABC Wines review: Classic aromas of gooseberry and citrus blend with notes of grassiness and herbs are exhibited by this sauvignon blanc. The palate is crisp with a clean, mineral dryness, but otherwise lacks a discernible flavor profile. The finish is brief and unremarkable though it is quite dry. An example of a wine that starts well but ultimately disappoints. Our score. At this price, this wine is Below Average.

Winery website: Vina Montes.

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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.

Wine.com is offering special savings from now through the end of October on the purchase of wine and wine club memberships. Use promo code FALL50 to save 5% on your order of $50 or more. Use promo code FALLFIVE to save $5 on your order of $75 or more. Use promo code FALL10 to save $10 on your order of $150 or more. Use promo code FALL20 to save $20 on your order of $250 or more. Finally, there are special savings on wine club memberships. Use promo code FALLCLUB to save 15% off any 12-month wine club membership. The appropriate promo code should be entered at checkout. Remember, this special fall sale is on through October 31, 2008.

Chateau Lafont Menaut Sauvignon Blanc 2003

Wine: Chateau Lafont Menaut Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Origin: Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
Blend: 90% Sauvignon, 10% Semillon
Alcohol content: 12.0%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker (loosely translated from French): "The wine is crystalline gold with green tints. The nose offers a beautiful aromatic dominated by citrus fruits and white flowers. A fresh, pleasant and fruity character supported with a wooded edge. After a frank attack, the wine increases and opens onto a lovely aromatic intensity to the dominant citrus. The balance is harmonious and highlights a pleasant freshness. The finale ends with a beautiful length where the wooded and floral character takes over."

ABC Wines review: This deep yellow wine has aromas of citrus and stone fruit coupled with honey and oak notes. The palate is refreshing, though a bit on the acidic side. The acidity continues to develop into the finish to the point of being somewhat "hot", somewhat surprising, and unexpected, for a relatively low alcohol wine. It is in the finish that the characteristics of this wine's oak cellaring come through. Our score: The acid and oak seem overdone here but might help balance a strongly flavored dish. On the low side of Average.

Winery website: None found.

Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc 2007

Wine: Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc 2007
Origin: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Blend: 100% Chenin Blanc
Alcohol content: 14.0%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A youthful wine showing fresh ripe melon with a mellow, round, mild and honeysuckle fruit palate and refreshingly long finish."

ABC Wines review: Very refreshing tropical fruit and melon aromas with some sweet, spicy notes are exhibited by this wine. The palate is initially semi-dry, less sweet than one might expect, and very flavorful. A crisp acidity develops into the finish that unfortunately lacks depth and balance. A good wine to serve with shellfish. Our score: Priced right for what it is, but on the whole not better than Average.

Winery website: Ken Forrester Vineyards. The image of the bottle is slightly different than that reviewed here.

Cister da Ribeira White Wine 2007

Wine: Cister da Ribeira White Wine 2007
Origin: Douro, Portugal
Blend: 30% Codega do Larinho, 30% Gouveico, 20% Viosinho, 20% Rabigato
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Appearance: Clean, clear, and bright pale yellow color. Nose: Tempting floral notes mixed with tropical fruits and citrics. Mouth: Good acidity, refreshing and soft, well-balanced."

ABC Wines review: A pale silver-gold in color, this white wine blend has a pleasing fragrance of tropical fruit (pineapple) and tree fruit (pear) with citrus notes. Slightly acidic on the palate, the flavors are muted and seem rather diluted. The finish brings out more acidity, though not to excess, but doesn't otherwise develop the flavor any further. A light wine to be served with light dishes, or even as an aperitif. Our score: Average, possibly a bit better.

Winery website: Quinta de Ventozelo.

Santa Julia Torrontes 2005

Wine: Santa Julia Torrontes 2005
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: 100% Torrontes
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Yellow silver, with pale green reflections. Aroma: Notes of roses, orange peel, white peach, fruit salad, chamomile and some herbs. Taste: fresh and light body with pink grapefruit flavors, ripe fruit like peaches and pears. Balanced with great finesse in aromas and flavors."

ABC Wines review: This wine exhibits an intriguing blend of aromas, citrus and spice, with some orange blossom floral notes. Smooth on the palate, the fruit flavors are accompanied by a clean, mineral crispness. The finish adds a mild acidity and brings out the spice notes from the nose. A fine wine for grilled fish accompanied by a bright, fresh salsa. Our score: A great value for this quality of wine. Above Average, just shy of Excellent.

Winery website: Familia Zuccardi.

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