Saturday, October 31, 2009

Cielo Pinot Grigio 2008

Cielo Pinot Grigio 2008
Origin: delle Venezie, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2009
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Light golden straw in color, this wine has dominant citrus aromas with distinct spicy, almost smoky notes. Light- to medium-bodied on the palate, there isn't much fruit flavor here; there is a hint of spicy sweetness though. The finish is of moderate length, but otherwise unremarkable.

Our rating: This is an interesting wine, with lots of subtleties, but not one of much depth. We served our bottle with a mildly seasoned chicken and rice dish, possibly not the best pairing; grilled seafood, or maybe even barbecued chicken, is probably a better match. Priced a little on the high side for what it is, we rate it just Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Light straw, this wine exhibits fresh grassy, vegetal aromas with significant citrus notes. Initially slightly tart on the palate, slightly sweet tropical fruit flavors emerge to provide good balance. A minerality develops into the finish, which is long and crisp.

Our rating: This is a fine example of this varietal from New Zealand, and attractively priced. Serve with appetizers or a crisp salad topped with grilled chicken. Allowing the wine to remain open a few minutes before serving improves its overall complexity. Our rating: Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A pale straw colour, this classically styled wine shows lifted melon, citrus and fresh tropical notes on the nose. These flavours follow through to the richly structured palate which has a long crisp finish."

Winery website: Vavasour Wines.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Gazela Vinho Verde NV

Gazela Vinho Verde NV
Origin: Portugal
Blend: The predominant variety is Loureiro, with PedernĂ£, Trajadura and Azal being used in smaller amounts
Alcohol Content: 9.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2009
Purchase Price: $5.99

Our review: Silver straw in color with a very light effervescence, this wine has a bouquet of tree fruit (notably pear) and apple blossom. Initially slightly bitter and tart on the palate, the fruit flavors are quickly balanced by a touch of sweetness. There isn't much of a finish (nor is one really expected).

Our rating: We really enjoy vinho verdes, low in alcohol and perfect for sipping on a lazy afternoon (or really, for that matter, at any time). This one is a typical example, not exceptional, but unusually complex. We rate it on the high side of Average (and at $6, a terrific value). Most vinho verdes are non-vintage, and are best when consumed as soon as possible after bottling, so look for the most recent date you can find on the bottle (usually on the export label). This rated bottle has a 2009 date.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A very light yellow citrine colour, with a slight fizz that enhances its bouquet, flavours and freshness. Aromatic and engaging, its citrine and tropical fruit notes have a lively and stimulating acidity, very well balanced by a slight touch of sugar."

Winery website: Sogrape Vinhos.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

CK Mondavi Pinot Grigio 2008

CK Mondavi Pinot Grigio 2008
Origin: California
Blend: Pinot Grigio (76%), Sauvignon Blanc (12%), Chenin Blanc (6%), Viognier (3.5%), Muscat (2.5%)
Alcohol Content: 12.9%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2009
Purchase Price: $6.99

Our review: Golden straw in color, this wine has a bouquet of sweet apples (e.g. golden delicious) and apple blossom. There's not a lot of depth on the palate, but the fruit flavors are nicely balanced with a moderately brisk acidity. The finish is slightly chalky.

Our rating: This is an example of an inexpensive wine done well. Very versatile, it's a good party wine where there might be a wide variety of foods. The slightly unpleasant finish is much less noticeable when the wine is consumed with a meal. We rate it overall about Average, but at $7 it's a very good value.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A medium-bodied wine filled with aromas of wildflowers, peaches and pears. Fresh, tropical flavors combined with a touch of spice lead to a delightfully crisp finish."

Winery website: CK Mondavi.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Porcupine Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Porcupine Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Western Cape, South Africa
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Straw in color, this wine has light aromas of citrus and orange blossom with slight notes of lemongrass. The smooth fruit flavors are balanced with some minerality on the palate. The finish is quite pleasing, and of moderate length.

Our rating: We very much enjoyed this bottle of wine. It's a softer, gentler version of some of the more aggressive sauvignon blancs typical of New Zealand or Chile. Very food friendly, it probably pairs best with seafood. We previously rated the Porcupine Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2007 on the high side of Average, but we think this vintage is even better, rating well Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker (from the bottle label): "Gooseberry and tropical fruit flavours, fresh and dry with lengthy citrus finish"

Winery website: Boekenhoutskloof Winery.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Yellow Tail Sauvignon Blanc NV

Yellow Tail Sauvignon Blanc NV
Origin: Australia (86%), New Zealand (14%)
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2009
Purchase Price: $5.99

Our review: A blend of sweet bell pepper, citrus (maybe lemongrass), and floral aromas are exhibited by this pale yellow wine. Light-bodied, the palate tends towards the slightly sweet, though an acidity is present that balances the fruit flavors. There is little finish.

Our rating: Though Yellow Tail is known for its wide variety of inexpensive wines from Australia, this is the first time we've seen a Sauvignon Blanc. And as of the date of this review, there's no mention of the varietal on the company website. Overall, it rates on the low side of Average, but at $6 it's a great deal. A good choice for lunch, or to take along on a picnic.

Taste profile from the winemaker (from the bottle label): "Flavors: Fresh tropical fruits, passionfruit and lime. Enjoy: With good friends and your favorite seafood dish."

Winery website: [yellow tail].

Monday, October 19, 2009

Cantine Riondo Prosecco Spago Nero NV

Cantine Riondo Prosecco Spago Nero NV
Origin: Veneto, Italy
Blend: Prosecco (100%)
Alcohol Content: 10.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: October 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Pale straw in color, this wine has gentle aromas of citrus and citrus blossom. Lightly sparking, the palate is an interesting combination of ever so slightly sweet and ever so slightly tart citrus flavors. The nicely balanced, though brief, finish has some mineral character.

Our rating: We first reviewed this prosecco about a year ago. A non-vintage wine, we wanted to see if it was still as pleasing today as we found it then. And it is. In fact, our score sheet indicates we actually liked it slightly more. Proseccos can be enjoyed at any time of the day, but we mostly prefer our bottle as we watch the sun set, or with a light brunch. While not the best prosecco we've tried, it's certainly our favorite. Go figure. We rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "This sparkling wine is produced in full respect of ancient traditions, using Prosecco grapes grown on the Veneto hills. It is characterised by a fine, light perlage and a fresh and aromatic perfume. It is perfect both as an aperitif and as an accompaniment to light dishes."

Winery website: Cantine Riondo.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc Reserve 2007

Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc Reserve 2007
Origin: To Kalon Vineyards, Napa Valley, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (94%), Semillon (6%)
Alcohol Content: 14.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2009
Suggested Retail Price: $40.00

Our review: Rich, yellow-gold in color, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit, sweet spice, even some notes of leather. Silky smooth on the palate, the fruit flavors, which now include soft tree fruit like peach, have nuanced textures with nicely balanced acidity. The finish is expressive with an evolving flavor profile.

Our rating: This is an elegant, refined and opulent wine, one to be savored. The oak cellaring adds depth and interest without being overpowering; allow the wine to breathe a bit in your glass to enhance the experience. We suggest you serve this wine with roasted poultry or shellfish; your guests will be most impressed. We rate this vintage Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pronounced tropical aromas are followed by waves of similarly rich flavors -- pineapple, coconut, zesty lemon, a bit of mano and orange pekoe tea. Mouth-coatingly creamy with lively acidity, this is a vibrantly stylish wine."

Winery website: Robert Mondavi Winery.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Castellana Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2008

Castellana Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2008
Origin: Italy
Blend: Trebbiano d'Abruzzo (100%)
Alcohol Content: 11.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2009
Purchase Price: $6.99

Our review: Light yellow in color, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit, honey, with floral notes. The palate has some brief fruit flavors, but they are quickly replaced by a nutty, earthy character. The finish is lengthy and has an interesting evolution, or progression, of flavors and sensations.

Our rating: This complex wine is not meant to be consumed as an aperitif, and requires food to bring out its best. We served ours with a risotto, not a bad choice but probably not the best. We think a rich casserole, or maybe a poultry dish, is better. It scores well here, Above Average, but not quite as good as the Castellana Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2007, which we rated slightly higher, and for completely different reasons. At $7, though, it's a bargain regardless.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Pinot Grigio 2008

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Pinot Grigio 2008
Origin: California
Blend: Pinot Grigio (86%), French Colombard (7%), Semillon (4%), Sauvignon Blanc (1%), Chardonnay (1%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2009
Purchase Price: $11.00

Our review: Light gold with aromas of citrus and tree fruit and distinct floral and spice notes, this wine has a similar flavor profile on the palate with a good acidic balance. The finish is somewhat disappointing, though, a bit uninteresting and flat.

Our rating: We enjoyed our bottle with a meal of chicken and biscuits, a good choice. It's a very food friendly wine, and would work well with a variety of cuisines. (The flavors and complexity improve a bit if served just slightly chilled.) California pinot grigios have been improving in recent years, and this is a nice example of what's available. We rate it on the high side of Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "An enticing aroma of fresh, ripe pears with appealing peach, vanilla, and floral spice scents adding complexity. Round and creamy on the palate, it has the typical tonic water, pear, and tart lemon flavors, culminating in a full, lingering finish that invites pairing with food."

Winery website: Robert Mondavi Private Selection Wines.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

E. Soria Prosecco Spumante Extra Dry NV

E. Soria Prosecco Spumante Extra Dry NV
Origin: Italy
Blend: Prosecco (100%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2009
Purchase Price: $10.99

Our review: Yellow gold in color, this lightly sparkling wine has aromas of apricot and peach, with floral notes of apple blossom. Crisp and clean on the palate, the fruit flavors are quite flavorful, almost full-bodied, and ever so slightly sweet. There isn't much of a finish (nor is one really expected) but it does exhibit a dry toast sensation.

Our rating: This is a very nice, quite refreshing prosecco, and a delight to drink, either as an aperitif, sipping on a warm afternoon while reading (which is how we enjoyed ours), or with a light salad of mixed greens. But it's priced a bit on the high side for what it is. It rates well Above Average, but it's really not an exceptional value at $11; stock up on it if it's $9 or less.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Fatascia Kaila Grillo and Inzolia 2007

Fatascia Kaila Grillo and Inzolia 2007
Origin: Sicily, Italy
Blend: Grillo (50%), Inzolia (50%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: August 2009
Purchase Price: $12.99

Our review: Deep gold in color, this wine exhibits aromas of peach and melon with distinct notes of honey and spice. Rich and full-bodied on the palate, the expressive fruit flavors have considerable complexity and depth. The finish is long, with characteristics of oak cellaring (though according to the winemaker none was used).

Our rating: This is a most interesting wine. The grapes are native to Sicily and produce a wine that is likely quite unfamiliar to American palates. Pair this wine with roasted chicken and potatoes, as we did, or dishes that have richly flavored sauces, and serve just barely chilled. We rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colore: Giallo paglierino, con riflessi dorati (straw yellow with golden reflections). Sapore: Equilibrato ed armonico, sapido, fruttato. Tipici sentori delle uve di provenienza (balanced and harmonious, full-bodied, fruity; typical aromas of the varietal grapes)."

Winery website: Fatascia.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Woodbridge Saugivnon Blanc 2008

Woodbridge Saugivnon Blanc 2008
Origin: California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (77%), Proprietary blend of White Varietals (23%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2009
Purchase Price: $7.99

Our review: Pale yellow in color, this wine has blended aromas of lemongrass, herb and spice. The palate is initially quite citrusy with almost a hint of apple or maybe even something sweeter like peach, followed by a quickly developing mineral character. The finish has a touch of spice but otherwise is rather unremarkable.

Our rating: We have to wonder a bit about the blend in this wine. There are many characteristics of a sauvignon blanc here, but the result seems a bit muddled. It's not a bad wine by any means; we enjoyed ours with stir fried chicken and vegetables, a solid pairing. Still, it doesn't really stand out. On our score sheet, it rates on the low side of Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The ripe tropical aromas give the impression of a sweet wine, but the dry, crisp flavors--with hints of lime on the finish--make a perfect complement to seafood."

Winery website: Woodbridge Wines.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Jean-Louis Blanc de Blancs Brut NV

Jean-Louis Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
Origin: Loire Valley, France
Blend: Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, Colombard (percentages unknown)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Golden yellow in color, this sparkling wine produces an abundance of bubbles. The bouquet is of red and green apples and honey. The palate improves on the nose with expressive fruit flavors. The finish has some mineral character and is slightly astringent.

Our rating: We enjoyed our bottle at a "champagne" brunch. It is food-friendly, pairing well with the wide variety of dishes at our buffet. We don't recommend it as a sipping wine, though. The blend apparently changes considerably over time; one page of the importer's website says the blend is of ugni clanc, colombard, and chardonnay; the technical sheet (from the same website) says chenin blanc, ugni blanc, and various other grapes. The label, which we think might be the most accurate for the bottle we tasted, states ugni blanc, folle blanche, colombard. We're not sure what to make of this, only to say that the bottle we reviewed here may not be the bottle you buy. We rate ours about Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Nose: Bright and fruity, this wine exudes aromas typical of chenin blanc: apples, apricots and a hint of honey. Palate: An explosion of fine bubbles followed by a smooth, fruity finish."

Winery website: Boisset Family Estates (importers).

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: August 2009
Purchase Price: $12.99

Our review: Silver green in color, this wine has aromas of gooseberry and bell pepper, with notes of lemongrass. Light, clean, and crisp on the palate, there is good acidic balance though the flavors tend to be citrusy (maybe a little too much so). The finish has more mineral character than fruit, but is long and satisfying.

Our rating: This is a nice example of the varietal, but not an outstanding one. We enjoyed our bottle with chicken tenders and a fresh raw vegetable platter, a good choice. New Zealand sauvignon blancs have been creeping up in price recently, and this is no exception. Price aside, we'd rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent. However, there are equally good (think Chilean) wines that are priced much less. We also rated the Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Above Average, Nearly Excellent, but, interestingly, for very different reasons.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Pale green. Aroma: Lifted aromatics of tropical fruits combined with the traditional nettle and herbaceous aromas. Palate: Firm acidity is surrounded by tropical fruits and herbaceous notes with hints of citrus sneaking in. "

Winery website: Kim Crawford Wines.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Woodbridge Pinot Grigio 2008

Woodbridge Pinot Grigio 2008
Origin: California
Blend: Pinot Grigio (77%), Chenin Blanc (18%), Aromatic White Varieties (5%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2009
Suggested Retail Price: $7.99

Our review: This wine is silver green with a pleasant aroma of spiced green apple and notes of tropical fruit (think kiwi). The palate is nicely balanced, the fruit flavors accompanied by a crisp minerality. The finish is of considerable length but is marred by being both a little too tart and astringent, and a little too spicy, almost smoky (which some may consider a positive attribute for a wine that received no oak cellaring).

Our rating: This is not a complex wine, but it's probably not intended to be. It would pair nicely with a cold turkey sandwich and a fresh summer salad, which is how we enjoyed our bottle; it's more of a lunch wine than a dinner one. (We noticed that the slightly disappointing finish is less noticeable when the wine is accompanied by food.) Look for it at less than it's retail price of $8, where it represents a good value. We rate it on the high side of Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "With its spicy array of citrus, honeydew melon and tropical fruit notes, this wine pairs nicely with many foods. The silky flavors -- enlivened with a refreshing, lemony finish -- taste great with appetizers, grilled fish or chicken, and fresh seafood salads."

Winery website: Woodbridge Wines.
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