Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Marques de Caceres Rioja Blanco 2007

Marques de Caceres Rioja Blanco 2007
Origin: Rioja, Spain
Blend: Viura (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase price: $7.99

Our review: Pale gold in color, this wine has a floral fragrance with peach, melon, and tropical fruit notes. Similar fruit flavors are evident on the palate but are weakly developed. A mild acidity extends into the finish which is somewhat watery and astringent, but otherwise undistinguished.

Our rating: We were rather disappointed with this wine. We served it with a pasta dish, but we think it might pair better with shellfish. We rate it on the low side of Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pale straw color with some brilliant highlights. Very fresh bouquet that brings to mind mineral notes, apples and pears with a slightly exotic touch. This intensity on the nose comes through again in the mouth with full fruit flavors and outstanding freshness that lingers on the palate."

Marques de Caceres Rioja Blanco 2007icon is available to purchase from Wine.com.

Winery website: Bodegas Marques de Caceres.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Hanna Refresher Gift Basket from Wine.com

Here's a wine basket that's sure to please the ABC connoisseur.

Hanna Winery's Estate Sauvignon Blanc is rated 92 points by Wine & Spirits and complements this beautiful hand-woven bamboo basket filled with gourmet treats.

Balanced, bright and long on flavor, this wine is the color of vibrant straw with a touch of green. Cool, zesty peach and tangerine create an infusion of ripe fruit. The end result is a delightful and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc.

This Hanna Refresher Gift Basketicon includes: Hanna Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Ghirardelli Masterpiece chocolates, Sonoma creamy jack cheese, smoked almonds, wine and cheese biscuits, focaccia crisps, French picholine olives, sweet and spicy mustard, and a cheese spreader.

What a perfect way to welcome spring!

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Sunday, March 29, 2009

Barton & Guestier Vouvray 2007

Barton & Guestier Vouvray 2007
Origin: Loire Valley, France
Blend: Chenin Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase price: $12.99

Our review: A pale yellow, this wine exhibits a significant floral aroma with notes of apple, peach, and apricot. The medium-bodied palate has considerable fruit flavor which is quickly surpassed by a honeyed sweetness, not excessive, but considerable nonetheless. The finish, though still sweet and fruity, has a somewhat mineral chalkiness to it.

Our rating: Pair this wine with a cheese platter or possibly with a light dessert. We think it priced too high for what is at best an Average example of this varietal.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A lovely wine with floral notes, peach and pear flavours and a refreshing finish."

Winery website: Barton & Guestier.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Snoqualmie Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Snoqualmie Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.7%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase price: $7.99

Our review: Gentle aromas of citrus and sweet apples are presented by this pale gold wine. Crisp on the palate, the fruit flavors are accompanied by a mineral character that adds depth and interest. The extended finish has a nice complexity though develops a bit too much heat in the end.

Our rating: This would be a delicious dinner wine and may readily be paired with grilled fish or mildly seasoned chicken dishes. We actually served ours with a French onion soup course and it was perfect. Attractively priced, we rate this wine Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Bold and bright aromas fill the nose followed by a rich mouthful of citrus and melon which linger on the palate. This is a very crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc that will pair well with a variety of foods."

Snoqualmie Sauvignon Blanc 2007icon is available to purchase from Wine.com.

Winery website: Snoqualmie Wines.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Placido Pinot Grigio 2007

Placido Pinot Grigio 2007
Origin: delle Veneto, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase price: $8.99

Our review: Pale yellow, this wine has a blend of citrus aromas with notes of peach. Exceptionally dry and tart on the palate, the mineral character dominates the fruit flavor. A slight sweet vegetal flavor (bell pepper) emerges into the brief finish which is weak and unbalanced, too tart and acidic.

Our rating: We didn't enjoy this wine. We served it with a vegetable and pasta stir fry which may have been a poor choice on our part. Still, there are far better selections of this varietal wine at this price point. We rate it Below Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Placido Pinot Grigio 2007icon is available to purchase from Wine.com.

Winery website: None found.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Big House Birdman Pinot Grigio 2008

Big House Birdman Pinot Grigio 2008
Origin: Central Coast, California
Blend: Pinot Grigio (79%), Chenin Blanc (6%), Malvasia Bianca (6%), Viognier (5%), other white (4%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2009
Suggested retail price: $14.99

Our review: A pale greenish-yellow in color, this wine has aromas of green apple and lime with distinct floral, almost orange blossom, notes. Delicious on the palate, the fruit flavors come alive and are followed by a nicely balanced acidity. The finish brings out the more subtle citric aspects of the wine.

Our rating: An very fine pinot grigio, interesting without being overly complex. This wine would work well as an aperitif or at a garden luncheon. Not quite excellent on the score sheet, but we're going to round up and rate it so.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The serious gravitas of this wine permeates all of its characteristics; a bold and weighty nose of citrus fruits, the full palate with touches of grapefruit and melon, strong acidity that balanced and a long, lingering quenching finish."

Winery website: Big House Wines.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Protocolo Blanco 2007

Protocolo Blanco 2007
Origin: La Tierra de Castilla, Spain
Blend: Airen (90%), Viura (10%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase price: $7.99

Our review: Straw in color, this wine has a very pleasing aroma of tropical fruits and melon with very slight notes of spice. Nicely structured on the palate, the fruit flavors develop quickly and are accompanied by a mild acidity that adds a soft smoky character in the finish. The finish itself isn't all that long but is clean with no lingering aftertaste.

Our rating: A new varietal for us, and what a delightful surprise. This wine can easily be paired with a variety of dishes; we served ours with Tuscan chicken in a rich, deeply flavored sauce. And at $8, a bargain. Treat your guests to something unexpected; consider this well Above Average wine for your next gathering of friends or family.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Protocolo Blanco 2007icon is available to purchase from Wine.com.

Winery website: None found.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Ruffino Orvieto Classico 2007

Ruffino Orvieto Classico 2007
Origin: Orvieto, Italy
Blend: Grechetto (50%), Procanico (30%), Verdello (10%), Canaiolo Bianco (10%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase price: $08.99

Our review: Very slightly scented, the aromas are of apple and pear fruit with slight floral notes. The light bodied palate brings out the tree fruit flavors which are accompanied by a mild acidity that develops into the finish which becomes somewhat unbalanced and slightly bitter with almost a charred nut character; not unpleasant but not consistent with what preceded it.

Our rating: A nice, if not terribly memorable, wine to serve with appetizers or snacks. We might have expected a bit more depth considering the percentage of grechetto used. We served it with mildly seasoned chicken satays. Something different from the everyday white wine, but in the end, just Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Straw yellow. Aroma: Fresh and fragrant with delicate flowery notes of meadow flowers and clover accompanied by fruity hints of green apples and greengages. Taste: Fresh and harmonious with good body and an aftertaste reminiscent of citrus fruits."

Ruffino Orvieto Classico 2007icon is available to purchase from Wine.com.

Winery website: Ruffino DAL 1988.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Sterling Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Sterling Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Mendocino County, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase price: $15.99

Our review: Pale to the point of being colorless, this wine has bright, fresh aromas of lime and grapefruit with subtle vegetal notes of bell pepper. Dry and of light body on the palate, the tart citrus flavors slowly develop and are accompanied by a mineral crispness. The slightly too astringent finish is exceptionally long and seems to add subtle tropical fruit flavors as it tapers off.

Our rating: The organic grapes for this wine were sourced from a single vineyard lending a pure character to the wine. Ideal as an aperitif or to serve with appetizers, the wine could also be paired with a light lunch al fresco. Well chilled, we rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A clear pale straw and offers aromas of lime, guava and a hint of fig. The flavors are a bright, mouth filling medley of ruby grapefruit, lemon lime and tropical notes of guava, papaya, and passion fruit. The wine lingers and would pair well with various cheeses, ceviche, sushi, and pastas Alfredo or primavera."

Winery website: Sterling Vineyards.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Dancing Bull Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Dancing Bull Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (96%), Semillon (4%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase price: $11.99

Our review and rating: A light yellow in color with green tints, this wine has mild aromas of citrus and grass with slight herbal notes and maybe a little sweet spice (vanilla). A mineral dryness is initially present on the palate but is quickly replaced by a medley of citrus fruit flavors, well balanced with a brisk acidity. The finish adds an faint oak-like quality but is otherwise smooth and pleasantly long. Our score: An interesting take on this varietal, we rate it Above Average, approaching Excellent. This is a considerable improvement over the from a year ago which we found disappointing. This versatile wine would be exceedingly food friendly; we served it with a lightly seasoned Asian dish.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The wine is crisp and clean with bright citrus tanginess balanced with a hint of cut grass herbaceousness usually found in New Zealand wine. The nose is packed with aromas of lime and kiwi, with subtle notes of fresh cut grass and boxwood. The mouth has a crisp acidity and focused grapefruit and lime freshness balanced by tropical flavors of guava and mango."

Winery website: Dancing Bull.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Pinot Grigio 2007

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Pinot Grigio 2007
Origin: Monterey County, California
Blend: Pinot Gris (84%), Sauvignon Blanc (10%), Gewurztraminer (3%), White Riesling (2%), Semillon (1%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: March 2009
Suggested retail price: $11.

Our review and rating: Light gold in color, this wine exhibits aromas of tree fruit (notably apple and pear) with distinct spice notes and just a touch of grassiness. Quite crisp on the palate, the fruit flavors quickly develop and are coupled with a brisk acidity that extends into the finish which itself is of moderate length. Our score: Pair this Above Average wine with flavorful poultry dishes. We served ours with a rich chicken pot pie that considerably enhanced the overall experience.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Boasts an enticing aroma of fresh, ripe pears with appealing peach, vanilla and floral spice scents adding complexity. Round and creamy on the palate, its succulent pear, peach and tropical fruit flavors culminate in a clean, refreshing finish that invites pairing with food."

Winery website: Robert Mondavi Private Selection.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (85%), Semillon (15%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase price: $9.99

Our review and rating: Pale gold with hints of green, this wine has aromas of tree fruit and citrus with very slight floral notes. The palate has a pleasing blend of fruit flavors nicely balanced with a mild acidity. The long finish adds just a touch of smokiness. Our score: We enjoyed this wine with roasted turkey sandwiches but it would pair extremely well with any mildly seasoned poultry dish. Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The mostly stainless steel fermentation makes this a crisp, clean, refreshing style of Sauvignon Blanc. The wine offers fresh aromas and flavors of lemongrass, apple and melon. Semillon, which contributes an appealing fig character and a beautiful soft, adds a rich quality to the wine."

Winery website: Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Little Penguin Riesling 2007

Little Penguin Riesling 2007
Origin: South Eastern Australia
Blend: Riesling (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $7.99

Our review and rating: Light greenish gold in color, this wine has a bright, fresh citrus aroma with faint herbal notes. The palate is initially pleasantly crisp and semi-dry with citrus and green apple flavors. A notable acidity builds into the finish though dissipates fairly quickly. Our score: A nice, if not memorable, wine to serve with a light lunch or to place in a picnic basket. About Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: The Little Penguin. Note: This wine is not mentioned on the winery website (which doesn't look as if it has been updated since 2007.) The bottle image is similar, but not identical, to the wine reviewed.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Special March Savings at My Wines Direct

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

My Wines Direct is offering two special deals for March.

Save $10 on the Tour the World of Wine Pack. 3 reds (Spain, Argentina, California) and 3 whites (France, California, Australia), now just $84.95 and free shipping. Use code Tour10 at checkout.

Save $5 on the purchase of ANY product. Use code SAVEMARCH5 at checkout.

Both these offers expire 03/31/2009.

Click on the banner link below to begin shopping at My Wines Direct.

My Wines Direct - Napa

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

St. Julian Simply White NV

St. Julian Simply White NV
Origin: Lake Michigan Shore, Michigan
Blend: Unknown
Alcohol Content: 11.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase Price: $7.99

Our review and rating: A very pale yellow, this wine has aromas of yellow delicious apples, honeydew melon, and a touch of vanilla which are carried forward onto the palate. Full-bodied, the sweetness of the fruit flavors diminishes somewhat into the finish which is brief but otherwise without much character. Our score: It's probably not surprising how much a label influences our opinion of a wine. Yet this generic white wine from Michigan is surprisingly good, though admittedly overly sweet. Probably not generally available outside the Midwest, it's a good choice for a cheese and cracker platter, or even with (dare we say it) popcorn while watching a DVD at home. Average for what it is, maybe a touch better.

Taste profile from the winemaker (from the bottle label): "The aroma of fresh-picked grapes, sweet fruit flavors and crisp lingering finish make Simply White one of life's simple pleasures."

Winery website: St. Julian Winery.

Monday, March 9, 2009

One Cent Shipping on $99 or more at Wine.com

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

From Monday, March 09, 2009 through Friday, March 13, 2009, Wine.com is offering 1 cent shipping on orders of $99 and more. Wines, gift baskets, or any combination of products are eligible. Enter promo code DAYLIGHT at checkout to pay just a penny for shipping.

Click on any of the banners below to start shopping for wines and pay just 1 cent for shipping at Wine.com!

Premium wines and gourmet gifts wine.com Taste the most popular wines

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Willamette Valley Vineyards Riesling 2007

Willamette Valley Vineyards Riesling 2007
Origin: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Blend: Riesling (100%)
Alcohol Content: 10.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review and rating: Pale gold in color, this wine has aromas of honey and fresh pear with floral notes. The palate is of medium body and has a sweet, but not cloyingly so, taste that is nicely balanced with a mild acidity. The finish is relatively brief, a tad overly sweet, but otherwise unremarkable. Our score: Although probably best served with an appetizer platter, we'd also suggest pairing it with Asia/Pacific cuisines. We rather liked it, and rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A semi-sweet medium bodied Germanic-styled wine. Vibrant aromas of peach, pear, citrus and honeysuckle flowers. The explosive mouth-filling flavors mirror the aromas with star fruit and steely apple malic acidity, giving a sweet-tart balance. Clean and refreshing with a crisp mouth-watering finish."

Winery website: Willamette Valley Vineyards.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Sauvignon Republic Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (retaste)

Sauvignon Republic Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (retaste)
Origin: Russian River Valley, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.8%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review and rating: Exceptionally pale, this wine has a pleasant fragrance of tropical fruit, notably pineapple and kiwi. The palate, however, lacks the crisp fruit flavors often typical of this varietal, and though of moderate body, it has a flat feel to it. The finish develops a smoky character with some heat at the end. Our score: This is a rare retaste of a wine we previously reviewed. A comment was left suggesting we may have tasted a bad bottle. It's possible. Although we did enjoy this bottle more than the last, we still think the wine seems somewhat unbalanced and lacks complexity. We should point out the wine improved significantly after being opened 20-30 minutes and being merely cool as opposed to chilled. Certainly not a bad wine, just there are so many others that are better at this price point. Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Classic pale-straw color with rich pineapple, grapefruit, and tropical fruit layers and a touch of herbal “green” sauvignon notes. Multiple vineyard sources allowed the assembly of a blend that showcases fruitiness and refreshing acidity supported by a surprising richness and length of finish."

Winery website: Sauvignon Republic.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Origin Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Origin Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Valle Central, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: February 2009
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review and rating: Light gold in color with green tints, this wine has crisp aromas of grass and gooseberry with notes of lime zest. The palate has subdued fruit flavors, but does develop a brisk acidity that lasts into the finish which is rather short and undistinguished. Our score: This generic wine, available only at certain grocery stores, is far over-priced for what it is, and a poor representation of this varietal from Chile. We expected more and were disappointed. Below Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "None found."

Winery website: None found.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Rutini Trumpeter Torrontes 2006

Rutini Trumpeter Torrontes 2006
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: Torrontes (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $11.99

Our review and rating: A soft golden in color, this wine displays bright vibrant aromas of tropical fruit with some floral notes. Smooth on the palate, the flavors have a hint of sweetness before a round, nicely balanced acidity develops. The finish is complex, adding some earthy spice character to the evolving fruit flavors, and is of considerable length. Our score: A fine wine to serve at an elegant dinner party. Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "An intensely aromatic and distinctive wine with predominant aromas of white peaches, and hints of jasmine and rose. This summery white wine displays a pleasant freshness with citrus notes and a long, full finish."

Winery website: Rutini Wines.
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