Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Mionetto Prosecco Brut NV

Mionetto Prosecco Brut NV
Origin: delle Veneto, Italy
Blend: Prosecco (100%)
Alcohol Content: 11.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: April 2009
Purchase price: $10.99

Our review: A pale yellow / straw in color and quite effervescent, this wine is very lightly scented with aromas of tree fruit (apples and pears). Exceptionally light on the palate, the fruit flavors, notably apple, come together with a bit of minerality and a touch of toasted nuts. It has an unexpected complexity that is quite enjoyable. There is, however, no finish to speak of.

Our rating: Proseccos are generally delightful wines and this one is no exception. Enjoy as an aperitif or with a fresh green salad or, as we did, with Asian-inspired appetizers. We rate it well Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "This wine has an intense fruity bouquet with a hint of golden apple. Brut, fresh and light in body, well-balanced and easy to drink."

Winery website: Mionetto USA.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Save $5 and Get Free Shipping on Gifts for Mom 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.

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Monday, April 27, 2009

Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase price: $10.99

Our review: Quite pale with tints of green and gold, this wine has fresh grass and citrus aromas with just a hint of tropical fruit (pineapple). Light-bodied and exceptionally crisp on the palate, the citrus flavors are accompanied by a minerality that adds interest but doesn't overpower. The finish is somewhat disappointing, lacking flavor and depth.

Our rating: We served this wine with citrus-marinated grilled chicken, an appropriate choice. But overall, we consider it just Average and not a particularly good value for the price paid. We previously rated the above average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Light green in color. The nose shows tropical and citrus fruits along with herbaceous varietal characters. The palate is generous and fruit driven with classical Marlborough acidity giving structure and length. A fresh and fruit driven Sauvignon Blanc perfect for drinking now."

Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2008icon is available to purchase from Wine.com.

Winery website: Matua Valley.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Simi Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Simi Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Sonoma County, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (95%, Semillon 5%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase price: $13.99

Our review: Pale yellow with hints of gold in color, this wine has a citrus blend aroma with prominent floral (orange blossom) notes. Of moderate body and very smooth on the palate, the ever so slightly sweet fruit flavors are nicely balanced with a mild acidity. A touch of mineral character is introduced into the finish which is lengthy and expressive.

Our rating: This is a very nice wine. We served ours with grilled chicken and stir-fried vegetables and found it most satisfying. It should, however, pair well with most poultry or fish dishes. Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Appearance: Bright, light straw with a slight green cast. Aroma: Liime zest, honey dew melon, fresh grass and green fig lifted by a hint of minerality. Flavor: Citrusy blend of lemon, lime, mandarin and grapefruit, sweetened with green apple and fig layered with minerals and a crisp, clean finish."

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

Winery website: Simi Winery. The bottle image is slightly different from the wine reviewed here.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

35 South Sauvignon Blanc 2007

35° South Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Central Valley, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: April 2009
Purchase price: $9.99

Our review: Pale yellow with a tinge of green, this wine has fresh aromas of grass, lemongrass, and gooseberry with slight kiwi-like tropical fruit notes. Crisp on the palate, the fruit flavors are somewhat muted and decidedly watery. A mineral dryness develops into the finish that is accompanied by an unbalanced acidity. Allowing this wine to remain opened for 10 minutes or so improved (a little) its overall complexity.

Our rating: An undistinguished effort at best. We have generally been impressed with Chilean sauvignon blancs but this one disappointed us. It isn't a bad wine, but it isn't memorable either. We rate it on the low, very low, side of Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: A balanced wine, clean and shiny straw color. Nose: Tropical fruits as pineapple and banana. Palate: On the palate notes of citrus, grapefruit and pineapple, ripe and fresh. Medium volume and nice acidity balance."

Winery website: 35 Sur, Vina San Pedro.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Give the Gift of Chocolate this Mother's Day

Anything But Chardonnay ("ABC") Wine Reviews periodically provides our readers with current promotions that offer discounts or other incentives for purchasing wine, wine-related products and services, or gourmet delights through our partner websites. Below is an offer we recently received that we're pleased to pass on at this time.

Chocolate.com has over 400 delicious gifts to choose from for Mother's Day this year!

Be creative (Mom's chocolate fudge heart-shaped cheesecake) or whimsical (gourmet chocolate covered Oreos embossed with "Mom").

Our favorite: the Dark Chocolate Indulgence, the ultimate showcase of 30 pieces of nuts, caramels, nougats, and ganaches wrapped in a dark-roast chocolate blend.

Celebrate your Mother this year and give the gift of chocolate on Mother's Day.

Mother's Day Gifts from Chocolate.com

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Bogle Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Bogle Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Monterey and Russian River Valley, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.9%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: April 2009
Purchase price: $9.99

Our review: Straw in color, fresh tree fruit (apple and pear) aromas are presented with subtle notes of lemongrass and orange blossom. Soft on the palate, the fruit flavors are quite smooth with a more pronounced citrus character. An acidity develops into the finish which, though rather brief, is nicely balanced.

Our rating: We enjoyed this wine on a warm spring day with chicken salad on a bed of spinach but it is versatile enough to be paired with a wide variety of dishes. We rate it well Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Freshly cut grass and spring herbs tease the nose, while touches of tropical gooseberry and citrus embrace the palate. Absolutely refreshing, this wine has a lovely, full mouthfeel to balance its crisp acidity, not to mention a lasting and memorable finish."

Winery website: Bogle Vineyards.

Monday, April 20, 2009

1 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.

This week only, from today through Friday, April 24, 2009, Wine.com is offering 1 cent shipping on any order of $99 or more.

Just enter code APRIL1CENT at checkout and shipping is just one penny. But hurry! This offer ends 04/24/2009.

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Sunday, April 19, 2009

Winemaker Extraordinaire: A Wine-Themed Casual Game

Here's something fun and different: a casual game that puts you in the role of a winemaker!

Winemaker Extraordinaire

Winemaker Extraordinaire: Maria Bellaventura has just inherited an Italian winery, and is leaving her stress-filled life as a corporate lawyer behind! Grow your own grapes, and travel the world in this Strategy Adventure game. Help Maria transform her small rural winery into an international winemaking empire, and become the Winemaker Extraordinaire she is destined to be.

Also included with each game purchase is a subscription to either Bon Appetit, Allure, Glamour or Lucky!

Winemaker Extraordinaire may be downloaded and purchased for as little as $6.99 with the Big Fish Game Club Jumbo Pack. A demonstration version (85.13 MB) may be downloaded and played for free for one hour.

Watch a preview video below:

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2006

Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2006
Origin: Rhone Valley, France
Blend: Grenache Blanc (50%), Bourboulenc (20%), Marsanne (10%), Roussane (10%) Viognier (10%).
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase price: $8.99

Our review: Light gold in color, this wine has tropical fruit and melon aromas with maybe just a note or two of honey. Of light- to moderate-body on the palate, the fruit flavors are nicely balanced though not terribly pronounced. The finish adds a noticable citrus rind flavor coupled with a slightly smoky, somewhat earthy character, not unpleasant but unexpected.

Our rating: We served this wine with grilled chicken wraps but think it would go better with a soup or stew. About Average overall.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A fine bright straw-gold colour. An elegant nose that shows touches of toast. Good balance with no excess of alcohol, full-bodied and long."

Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2006icon is available to purchase from Wine.com.

Winery website: None found.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Tamas Estates Pinot Grigio 2007

Tamas Estates Pinot Grigio 2007
Origin: Monterey County, California
Blend: Pinot Grigio (83%), Chardonnay (11%), Riesling (6%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase price: $8.99

Our review: Virtually colorless with only the slightest tint of green, this wine exhibits aromas of tree fruit and citrus. A mineral crispness dominates the palate, which also has a quite tart, unbalanced citrus character to it. The finish is overly astringent, and lacks a significant flavor profile.

Our rating: This is a disappointing effort, especially at this price point. It is largely the wine equivalent of lemonade and should probably be considered as such, served on a hot summer day with barbequed chicken on the grill. Our score: Below Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Vibrant aromas and flavors of grapefruit, green apple, and citrus complemented by hints of green grass and mineral with a crisp, refreshing mouthfeel."

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

Winery website: Tamas Estates.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc 2007

Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc 2007
Origin: Napa Valley, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (92%), Semillon (8%)
Alcohol Content: 14.3%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: March 2009
Suggested retail price: $18.00

Our review: Pale gold in color, this wine has tropical fruit (papaya) and green apple aromas with floral, citrus blossom notes. The flavors on the palate are similar, generally smooth and of medium body. There's a minerality present that imparts a slightly crisp edge. The extended finish starts a bit sweet then adds some woodsy heat from the oak cellaring.

Our rating: A classic, though well Above Average, California take on sauvignon blanc. The oak here is slightly overdone, and while it adds depth it also masks some of the more subtle characteristics of this varietal. A good dinner wine, it would pair nicely with most poultry, fish, or pork dishes. Allowing this wine to remain open for 10-20 minutes seemed to improve its overall complexity.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Rich aromas of lemon verbena, orange blossoms and a tinge of minerality lead to fresh, mouth-watering flavors of white peach and humquats ensconced in creamy texture. Vibrant and expressive, with a beautiful balance of weight and zesty acidity, this elegant wine closes with a long, memorable finish."

Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc 2007icon is available to purchase from Wine.com.

Winery website: Robert Mondavi Winery.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Montecillo Blanco 2007

Montecillo Blanco 2007
Origin: Rioja, Spain
Blend: Viura (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase price: $7.99

Our review: Greenish gold in color, this wine exhibits aromas of tree fruit (golden delicious apple) with slight floral notes. Of light- to medium-body on the palate, the fruit flavors have a mineral character resulting in a crisp, clean taste. The finish brings out a brief citric acidity but is otherwise not memorable.

Our rating: Priced attractively, this would make a fine everyday wine and should pair very well with most pasta dishes. We consider this varietal wine to be Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pale yellow in color with green highlights, clean and brilliant. Fruity citrus aromas. Fresh on the palate with well balanced acidity, subtle citrus flavors and a very pleasant, ample finish."

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

Winery website: Grupo Osborne.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Big House White 2007

Big House White 2007
Origin: California
Blend: Muscat Canelli (29%), Viognier (25%), Sauvignon Blanc (18%), Malvasia Bianca (18%), Vermentino (6%), Muscat de Gaillo (4%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2009
Suggested retail price: $9.99

Our review: Pale yellow in color, this wine has a pleasant blend of citrus, apple, and peach aromas with floral overnotes. Of medium body on the palate, the fruit flavors are nicely balanced with a crisp acidity. The finish is surprisingly long but seems in contrast to, and in some ways conflict with, with the initial experience.

Our rating: A good sipping wine or one to serve with a light lunch or to accompany a picnic. We rate it on the high side of Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Presents itself like a true Bomba de Fruita, showing a strong floral nose that’s balanced with honeysuckle, white peaches and even lychee. The palate opens up to summer cantaloupe, peach, apricot and tropical fruits, ending with a nice pleasant finish."

Winery website: Big House Wines.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Now Double the Selection of 90+ Point Wines under $20 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.

Wine.com has doubled their selection of highly rated wines priced $20 or less. So customers looking for great values, take a look at what they have to offer. We're customers ourselves, and highly recommend the wine and service Wine.com offers.

And don't forget, there's only 5 days remaining where you can save 20% on more than 300 wines with the purchase of any 6 clearance sale wines at Wine.com. Enter code SPRING20 at checkout to enjoy an additional savings on select wines that are already reduced. This offer ends 04/14/2009.

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Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Hess Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Hess Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Lake County, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 14.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase price: $13.99

Our review: Pale gold in color, this wine has a very pleasant tropical fruit aroma (notably pineapple and melon) with quite distinct spice notes (vanilla). Almost silky on the palate, the fruit flavors are deep and expressive, beautifully balanced. The finish is complex and lengthy; the oak cellaring comes out here but doesn't overpower.

Our rating: An exceptional wine. We enjoyed ours with roast turkey and believe poultry is the best pairing though we suspect it would be a fine choice for almost any meal. We rate it Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The wine is a blend of Clone 1 and Musque clone. In order to preserve the crisp acidity and expressive aromatics, some lots were fermented in stainless steel tanks, while others were fermented in neutral oak barrels to lend a pleasant weight to the mid-palate. White peach, pineapple and ambrosia melon in the nose lead into more traditional varietal characters of gooseberry and lemongrass. Enjoy as an aperitif or with chicken in a lemon-caper sauce."

Winery website: The Hess Collection.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Penalolen Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Penalolen Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Limari Valley, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase price: $9.99

Our review: Yellow gold in color, this wine has a very fresh herbaceous aroma with notes of citrus and orange blossom. Of light body and initially quite crisp, the fruit flavors are quickly accompanied by a mineral dryness on the palate. An acidity develops into the finish which, though long and pleasing, lacks depth.

Our rating: An ideal wine to be served as an aperitif or a light lunch, it is versatile enough to paired with many other cuisines. We very much enjoyed this Above Average, nearly Excellent wine.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The use of pure, ripe fruit gives this wine a powerfully rich and complex flavor free from oak or residual sugar. The aromas of mandarin orange and fresh cut flowers, combined with good acidity, make this Sauvignon Blanc a classic partner for food." (From the bottle label.)

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

Winery website: None found. The bottle image is slightly different from the vintage we reviewed.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Salneval Albarino 2007

Salneval Albarino 2007
Origin: Rias Baixas, Spain
Blend: Albariño (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase price: $9.99

Our review: Medium gold in color, this wine has pleasing aromas of tropical fruit and orange blossom. The fruit flavors, most notably orange, are vibrant on the palate and nicely balanced. The finish is slightly disappointing; there is some depth and complexity but it's brevity doesn't allow for full development.

Our rating: We enjoyed this wine with broiled chicken over lightly sauteed pasta. It would also work well alone or with an appetizer platter. We rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Light straw in color, the nose of this Albariño is seductive with honey, pear and tropical fruit and a slight mineral component. It is racy and zesty with citrus and floral flavors in the mouth, yet is round and soft at the same time."

Salneval Albarino 2007icon is available to purchase from Wine.com.

Winery website: Condes de Albarei. Note: As of the date of this review, this wine is not mentioned on the winery website. The taste profile was taken from the distributor's description.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Quivira Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Quivira Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Sonoma County, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 14.1%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: March 2009
Suggested retail price: $18.00

Our review: Yellow gold in color, this wine has an aroma of citrus (grapefruit) and the fresh outdoors (grass) with faint floral notes. Pleasantly crisp on the palate, there's more mineral than fruit character present. The complexity of the wine increases into the finish where a bright acidity develops and the fruit flavors deepen somewhat.

Our rating: A distinguished effort that would make an elegant addition to any dinner party. We enjoyed our bottle with a hearty chowder, not quite as refined as this wine but delicious nonetheless. We rate it just shy of Excellent.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Quivira Wine. Note: This wine was made from grapes grown at the 100% certified organic Fig Tree vineyard.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Save 20% on 6 or more Select Wines 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 today through April 14, 2009, you can save 20% on more than 300 wines with the purchase of any 6 clearance sale wines at Wine.com. Enter code SPRING20 at checkout to enjoy an additional savings on select wines that are already reduced.

Plus, you can save up to 50% on select gift baskets. Wine.com is marking down a lot of great gift baskets to clear their shelves and bring in new inventory. Take advantage of this by savings on their lowest prices of the year on select gift baskets.

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