Saturday, February 28, 2009

Turning Leaf Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Turning Leaf Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: February 2009
Purchase Price: $6.99

Our review and rating: Virtually colorless, this wine has a strong aroma of citrus zest. It is exceptionally tart on the palate, with distinctive flavors of lime and grapefruit. Additional acidity develops into the finish which is lengthy but is otherwise undistinguished. Our score: This is an inexpensive wine and, unfortunately, tastes like one. Not dreadful, but definitely Below Average. We rated the Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "With aromas of fresh citrus-like lemon and lime, and subtle hints of grapefruit. Serve chilled, with a creamy potato-leek soup or an easy pasta tossed with cream sauce-or enjoy with almost any light Sunday brunch."

Winery website: E & J Gallo / Turning Leaf.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Gabbiano Pinot Grigio 2007

Gabbiano Pinot Grigio 2007
Origin: delle Venezie, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: February 2009
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review and rating: Aromas of citrus and grapefruit and kiwi are exhibited by this wine. Fruitful on the palate, a brisk acidity develops midway into the finish that quickly becomes unbalanced. The finish itself has a mineral quality to it with a sense of spice or herbs. Our score: Not a memorable wine. Average for what it is, but over-priced.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A pale green, straw-yellow color in the glass. The nose is filled with layers of citrus and tropical fruit notes with a hint of floral. The palate echoes the nose with vibrant and fresh tropical fruit flavors and finish is long with a lively acidity."

Winery website: Castello di Gabbiano.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Clos du Bois Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Clos du Bois Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: North Coast, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: February 2009
Purchase Price: $11.99

Our review and rating: Straw colored, this wine has fresh aromas of grapefruit, grass, and melon. Quite crisp, almost tart, and of light- to medium-body on the palate, the fruit flavors are accompanied by a mineral, dry stone character with a hint of spice. The finish is lengthy and reasonably pleasant though ends with a touch of unbalanced acidity. Our score: A nice wine, one that can readily be served with a wide variety of entrees, but not likely a good choice for appetizers or as an aperitif. Definitely Above Average, but priced on the high side. We previously rated the above average to excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "This bright, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc has classic aromas of lime, gooseberry and grapefruit. Fresh, ripe melon and citrus flavors lead to a crisp, flinty, long finish."

Winery website: Clos du Bois Wines.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

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Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Blackstone Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Blackstone Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Monterey County, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (96%), Semillon (4%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: February 2009
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review and rating: Greenish straw in color, this wine has aromas of fresh peach and green apple with light citrus notes. Crisp on the palate the fruit flavors slowly develop becoming ever so slightly more sweet into the finish. The finish itself is quite long, but somewhat unbalanced with some mineral character. Our score: Though fairly old, this is rather a nice wine. Serve with vegetarian dishes or a spinach and mushroom omelet. Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Bright and fresh with good texture, acidity and length. "

Winery website: Blackstone Winery.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc NV

Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc NV
Origin: California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: February 2009
Purchase Price: $4.99

Our review and rating: A very pale green in color, this non-vintage wine has tropical fruit aromas of melon and peach with a slight vegetal, almost grassy note. Pleasantly fruitful on the palate (pineapple and green apple), some acidity quickly develops that extends into the finish which itself is rather short and, other than a mineral dryness, lacking in character. Our score: This wine is a very good choice for a light lunch of soup and salad. We last reviewed a Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc in late 2007, rating it Above Average. This particular bottle wasn't quite as good, but definitely on the high side of Average. And at $5 a bottle (on sale), it's an outstanding value.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The perfect wine to pack in your picnic basket, Barefoot Sauvignon is full of the flavors of ripe summer fruit. Sweet notes of honeydew melon, juicy nectarine and white pear."

Winery website: Barefoot Wine & Bubbly.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Les Tours Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Les Tours Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Vin de Pays D'Oc, France
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review and rating: Straw in color, this wine has distinctive aromas of gooseberry, green apple, grass, and just a hint of asparagus. There is a nice balance of fruit flavors (notably peaches), minerals, and acidity on the palate. The undistinguished finish is quite flat and not memorable. Our score: A nice wine to serve with roast chicken and vegetables. Just Average, maybe a touch higher.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Peaches on the nose with pink grapefruit, lime and gooseberry on the palate. This wine is a perfect cross between a Sancerre and a ripe Marlborough, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Good crisp acidity with mineral and stone fruit to balance. Blends nicely with shellfish, especially oysters, pasta salads, grilled shrimp or seared scallops."

Winery website: None found.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.6%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review and rating: Pale yellow with distinct greenish tints, this wine has a very pleasing aroma of tropical fruit with just a hint of grassiness. Delightfully fruity on the palate, there is a nice balance between the flavors and a citric-based acidity. The finish is reasonably long though has a slight earthy characteristic, not unpleasant, but somewhat inconsistent with the rest of the profile. Our score: We very much enjoyed this wine. It is generally food friendly and would go particularly well with barbecued chicken or pork. Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Cool ocean air in Monterey and the Russian River Valley allows the grapes to ripen slowly resulting in tropical flavors and aromas. The warmer region of Napa Valley provides flavors of melon and juicy peach as well as complex textures. Fruit from Lake County adds the citrus tones and the acidity and mineral aspects that balance our blend creating a clean, crisp finish."

Winery website: Joel Gott Wines.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2006

Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2006
Origin: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Blend: Chenin Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review and rating: A greenish-gold in color, this wine has an aroma of honey and tree fruit, mostly apple. Fairly full-bodied on the palate, there is a nice balance between the initial sweetness and a mid-palate acidity. The fruit flavors are surprisingly subdued, though. The finish is rather short and somewhat smoky. Our score: Probably showing its age at this point, this wine nevertheless would be very food-friendly, pairing with a wide variety of dishes. We rate it about Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Starbright colour with a vibrant green tinge. Beautifully expressive sweet fruit aromas of yellow Golden Delicious apples, ripe pears and floral notes dominate the bouquet. A tropical fruit salad of melons, guavas and pineapples fill the palate. Sunripened Chenin has a subtle honey and raisin flavour which adds to the layered complexity and smooth silky texture on the finish."

Winery website: Simonsig Stellenbosch.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes 2008

Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes 2008
Origin: Valle de Cafayate, Argentina
Blend: Torrontes (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $10.99

Our review and rating: This wine has aromas that are gently floral, with notes of citrus, orange, and honey. The palate is quite fruity but not sweet, and quickly develops a nicely balanced acidity. The finish is pleasantly mellow and smooth with fruit flavors continuing to evolve over a lengthy period of time. It is intriguing without being complex. Our score: This is an ideal wine to serve as an aperitif, with appetizers, or to accompany a light lunch. We rate it Excellent. (It's interesting to note our progression with respect to torrontes. In our first taste of the varietal in December 2007 we called it different, but just average. Over 2008 we grew to appreciate it more, to the point we look forward to finding a new bottle to explore.)

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Enticing aromas that are strikingly similar to Viognier, with hints of peach pit, white pear, flowers, and orange citrus fruit. On the palate, it has a beautiful structure and acidity along with enticing fruit flavors that keep you coming back for another sip. Plenty of body for a wine that shows such delicate aromas and flavors. Fruity, floral and yet still quite dry, this wine has to be tasted to be believed. Best enjoyed in its youth either by itself, or as a wonderful partner with smoked meats, mild to medium-strong cheeses, and seafood (especially crab)."

Winery website: Dominio del Plata.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Cousiño-Macul Doña Isidora Riesling 2006

Cousiño-Macul Doña Isidora Riesling 2006
Origin: Valle del Maipo, Chile
Blend: Riesling (100%)
Alcohol Content: 14.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review and rating: Aromas of melon, pineapple, and apple with some herbal notes are exhibited by this wine. Surprisingly dry on the palate, the fruit flavors are somewhat muted, overshadowed by a minerality that continues into the finish which itself seems unbalanced, a little too acidic. Our score: A wine to be served with cold dishes, possibly sushi, or even a fruit and cheese platter. It should be noted that the wine does seem to improve slightly after being opened for a short period of time. Priced rather high, we rate it on the low side of Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "In order to preserve the purity of the fruit, the wine is not aged in wood and the result is an intensely aromatic wine, with typical notes lightly reminiscent of kerosene, apple blossom and lime. Medium bodied, it has mouth-filling flavours of apple, fennel, apricot and lemon zest, with a lovely balance between a good acidity and notes suggesting a slight sweetness."

Winery website: Viña Cousiño Macul.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Waterbrook Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Waterbrook Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 14.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase price: $7.99

Our review and rating: An aroma of tree fruit and honey with notes of spice and oak are evident in this wine. The moderate body has smooth tree fruit (apple, pear) flavors moderated by a mild acidity. The finish brings out more of the oak cellaring, adds some heat, and is of considerable length. Our score: A nice wine that should pair well with grilled chicken or fish and herb-roasted potatoes. Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A classic Sauvignon Blanc nose rounded out with aromas of pears and a hint of oak. A crisp palate of lime, fresh pressed McIntosh apples and pears lead to a clean finish with lingering fruit notes."

Waterbrook Sauvignon Blanc 2006icon is available to purchase from Wine.com.

Winery website: Waterbrook.
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