Saturday, January 31, 2009

Chateau Saint-Florin Blanc 2007

Chateau Saint-Florin Blanc 2007
Origin: Bordeaux, France
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (60%), Semillon (40%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review and rating: A light- to medium-yellow in color, this Bordeaux blend has a pleasant aroma of lime and fresh hay with slight vegetal (think asparagus) notes. Quite smooth on the palate, tropical fruit flavors develop to balance the tart citrus character. The finish is fairly long but on the weak side, and leaves a clean, crisp mineral taste. Our score: A very food-friendly wine that can easily be served as an aperitif. Quite nice. Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Robe of light straw yellow. Intense, complex nose with notes of green limes, black currants, and box-tree. Slight hint of musk. The palate is marked by Sauvignon Blanc's typical fruitiness. Well-balanced and highly perfumed with flavors of black currants. A dry clean fresh finish of green tones."

Winery website: None found.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Shoofly Buzz Cut White Blend 2007

Shoofly Buzz Cut White Blend 2007
Origin: McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Langhorne Creek, Australia
Blend: Viognier 35%, Riesling 26%, Chardonnay 16%, Verdelho 14%, Semillon 9%
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A lush blend of juicy, tropical Verdelho and exotically perfumed Viognier combine with Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling to create a refreshing, firmly structured wine. Rich and vibrant flavors of tropical fruit, apricot, and grapefruit work wonders on the palate."

ABC Wines review: This white wine blend has a fragrance of melon and other tropical fruits with distinct floral notes. The wine is of medium body on the palate with full fruit flavors continuing to develop into the finish which adds a touch of acidity and is of moderate length. This would be an ideal wine to serve with spicy Asian cuisines. Our score: We were dubious at first about the blend but this wine surprised us. Attractively priced, it is Above Average.

Winery website: Shoofly Wines.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Ironstone Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Ironstone Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "This New Zealand style Sauvignon Blanc has a lovely pale yellow-green color and is loaded with aromas of apricot jam, roses, sweet lime and grapefruit with a hint of fresh cut grass. It is a delightbully refreshing style that reveals complex flavors of sweet tropical fruit and pink grapefruit with a lovely hint of vanilla cream that finishes crisp and dry."

ABC Wines review: An herbal citric and slightly floral aroma with fresh grass notes is exhibited by this wine. Of light to moderate body on the palate and initially ever so slightly sweet, the fruit flavors are surprisingly subdued though are nicely balanced with a mild acidity. The finish has a dry mineral character that lingers. A good wine to serve with vegetarian dishes or with a crisp chef's salad. Our score: Not a bad choice for an unoaked California sauvignon blanc. Still, just Average at this price point.

Winery website: Ironstone Vineyards and Winery.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

La Baronne Blanc 2006

La Baronne Blanc 2006
Origin: Vin de Pays Hauterive, France
Blend: Grenache Blanc 60%, Vermentino 40%
Alcohol content: 14.0%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: Golden yellow in color, this wine has aromas of citrus and honey with notes of orange rind. The palate is of light to medium body and adds a distinct herbal character to the fruit flavors. The finish is mildly acidic, fruity, and of reasonable length. Allowing this wine to breathe a bit seemed to slightly improve its overall complexity. Decidedly not one to serve as an aperitif, it is, however, a nice wine to pair with a chicken pasta dish. Our score: Average, maybe a touch better.

Winery website: Famille Ligneres.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

MAN Vintners Chenin Blanc 2008

MAN Vintners Chenin Blanc 2008
Origin: Coastal Region, South Africa
Blend: 100% Chenin Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Tropical fruit, guava and melon aromas, crisp and bold sweet citrus backed by refreshing acidity and minerality characteristic of our coastal vineyards. A versatile food wine to go with most poultry, fish and salad dishes. Also fabulous as an aperitif for a hot summer afternoon. Serve chilled."

ABC Wines review: A light greenish gold in color, this wine has a fresh, herbal citrus aroma. The palate is not particularly flavorful, but has a subtle tropical fruit-like sweetness that is balanced with a crisp, dry stone almost chalk-like character. The finish is fairly weak and not memorable. We found this wine paired well with a mildly spicy Asian dish. Our score: About Average.

Winery website: MAN Vintners.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Danzante Pinot Grigio 2007

Danzante Pinot Grigio 2007
Origin: delle Venezie, Italy
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A dry, white wine with golden reflections. The bouquet is intense with enticing fragrances of fresh citrus fruit and flowers. On the palate, its silky, well-balanced body is enhanced with hints of pineapple, grapefruit and spices that carry through to a crisp, dry finish. Enjoy it by itself as an apperitivo or with fish, seafood or poultry."

ABC Wines review: This wine has a fragrance of citrus and tropical fruit with soft floral notes. Smooth and of medium body on the palate, the tropical fruit flavors are initially slight sweet before a brisk acidity develops accompanied by some mineral dryness. The finish is nicely balanced. This is an ideal wine to serve as an apperitif, with a cheese and fruit appetizers tray, or with a light lunch. Our score: Above Average, just short of Excellent.

Winery website: Danzante Italian Wines.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Benziger Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Benziger Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: North Coast (Lake and Sonoma Counties), California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Stainless steel fermentation preserves the bright, crisp character of our Sauvignon Blanc. Grassy aromas introduce flavors of lemon, melon and grapefruit. Generous fruit is enhanced by a refreshing acidic structure and harmonious mouthfeel. Enjoy with white fish, summer salads or fresh fruit."

ABC Wines review: A fresh grassy fragrance highlighted with strong citrus notes is displayed by this wine. The palate has a crisp, clean feel with flavors of lime and just a hint of tropical fruit. A slight mineral character develops into the finish which has a nice acidity though is not overly complex. Serve this wine with appetizers or lighter meals; we enjoyed it with a freshly made corn chowder. Our score: Above Average, nearly Excellent. We rated the Benziger Sauvignon Blanc 2004 just average.

Winery website: Benziger Family Wines.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Ti Point (Kirkland Signature) Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Ti Point (Kirkland Signature) Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The 2007 vintage is pale green in color with lemon shades. Aromas of white flowers, smoky gooseberry and red grapefruit notes. It has medium-high alcohol from the palate all the way through the finish. Light and refreshing, this vintage has intense depth and concentration of fresh-cut hay and tropical pineapple that move on to a slight mineral finish. A soft and round mid-palate evolves into a lovely, limey acid finish creating length and persistence."

ABC Wines review: This wine exhibits classic aromas of gooseberry and grass, typical of the sauvignon blancs from New Zealand. On the palate, citrus flavors come forth with a fine balance of acidity and a slight flinty character. Tropical fruit flavors can be discerned into the long, very smooth (though slightly overly astringent) finish. A fine example of this varietal at an exceptional price. Our score: Excellent.

Winery website: Costco.com.

Monday, January 12, 2009

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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 an offer recently received that we're pleased to pass on at this time.

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Sunday, January 11, 2009

Cycles Gladiator Pinot Grigio 2007

Cycles Gladiator Pinot Grigio 2007
Origin: Central Coast, California
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "As bright and appealing to the eye as the wonderful array of fruit and floral characteristics are to the nose. The flavors are reminiscent of a blend of sweet grapefruit, lemon zest and a hint of honeydew melon. The acid provides structure and crispness that sustains the finish without overpowering the fruit with tartness."

ABC Wines review: Exceptionally pale in color, this wine has aromas of crisp apple and pear with a slight, but noticeable citrus note. Quite crisp on the palate, the fruit flavors initially come alive but dissipate into the finish that disappoints as it becomes rather watery, lacking body. Our score: We think this would be a good picnic wine to accompany cold sandwiches and a fresh fruit salad. Just Average though.

Winery website: Cycles Gladiator Winery.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Pacific Rim Chenin Blanc 2007

Pacific Rim Chenin Blanc 2007
Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington State
Blend: 100% Chenin Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.1%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The wine is vividly bright with flavors of pear, quince and grapefruit essence with an eruption of floral aromas. An inspired complement to shellfish, grilled fish, soft cheeses and Middle Eastern food."

ABC Wines review: A very pale yellow with greenish tones, this wine has aromas of citrus (grapefruit and lime) with some fresh grassy, maybe vegetal notes. The flavors on the palate are similar, though somewhat unbalanced, slightly sweet but lacking acidity. The finish is quite brief though a citric sensation does linger for a bit. Our score: A good wine to pair with mildly spicy Asian dishes; we served it with teriyaki meatball appetizers. Average, maybe a touch higher.

Winery website: Pacific Rim Winemakers.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Hey Mambo Swanky White 2007

Wine: Hey Mambo Swanky White 2007
Origin: California
Blend: Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Sauvignon Blanc (percentages not known)
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Zork
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The hue of brilliant canary diamonds, this wine bursts open with aromas of a summertime farmers market, with ripe apricots, peaches, lavender bouquets and orchid blossoms. Not to be taken lightly, this swanky white is passionately floral and delectably juicy. Its layers of crisp acidity unfold amid flavors of fresh lime, gala apples, grapefruit and lemongrass."

ABC Wines review: The zork is new to us, but is easy to open and has a nice cork-like "pop" to it when pulled. The wine is very fragrant with notes of tree fruit blossoms, peaches, and a little honey. An acidity rapidly develops on the palate slightly masking the fruit flavors of which green apple and lime are the most discernable. The finish is quite pleasant, long and smooth. This would be a very versatile wine on the dinner table, pairing well with a wide variety of dishes. Our score: Well Above Average.

Winery website: TOG Wines.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

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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. Or sometimes we highlight sites that offer something new and different for the wine buyers.

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