The Peñascal Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2009

The Peñascal Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Origin: Castilla y Leon, Spain
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: December 2010
Purchase Price: $6.99

Our review: Yellowish-gold with green highlights, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit (melon, pineapple, banana) with some apple blossom and spice (vanilla?) notes. The palate has a similar flavor profile, a combination of spicy and sweet, though well balanced with a moderating acidity. The finish is quite long and considerably fruity.

Our rating: We believe this is our first sauvignon blanc from Spain, and what a treat! It is surprisingly complex, and we really enjoyed the spicy tropical fruit element that carried through from the nose to the finish. We paired it with a pasta dish, but think it is probably best suited for Asian cuisines. We rate it on the very high side of Above Average ... and at just $7 a real value.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "This crisp, dry white wine is light, refreshing, and has a modern style. It has a subtle and elegant nose with pear, peach and apricot aromas and flavours."

Winery website: None found.

Brassfield Pinot Grigio 2009

Brassfield Pinot Grigio 2009
Origin: California
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.7%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: December 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Light yellow gold, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit (pineapple, papaya) with distinct notes of spice and orange zest. Of moderate body on the palate, the fruit flavors are well-balanced, though definitely on the tart side. The finish has an abrupt stone-like mineral character to it.

Our rating: This is an interesting example of this varietal. We liked its complexity, but found that its tartness tended towards bitterness after a while, making it slightly less enjoyable; the rather hard-edged finish doesn't help here. We served our bottle with a simple broiled chicken and rice dish, and believe it would pair well with most seafood and lighter meats. Overall, score-wise, we rate it Above Average but in retrospect it seems that score may be generous.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Vibrant tropical aromas of mango and passion fruit pair with more subtle hints of coconut, ginger, fennel and star jasmine. Ripe peach and pineapple further enhance the delicious flavor profile on a perfectly balanced framework of acidity and minerality. The wine finishes with a supple and elegant mouth-feel."

Winery website: Brassfield Estate Winery.

Helfrich "Noble Varieties" Riesling 2008

Helfrich "Noble Varieties" Riesling 2008
Origin: Alsace, France
Blend: Riesling (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: October 2010
Suggested Retail Price: $14.99

Our review: Light golden straw in color, this wine has aromas of citrus and lime zest with herbal notes. The citrus (lime) flavor is most recognizable on the palate, suggestive of freshly made limeade. The finish lacks depth, and is a little tart.

Our rating: Those who tend to avoid rieslings may be surprised by this one, which is more crisp than soft. It is not necessarily sweet, but is not altogether dry either; a somewhat tart limeade (as mentioned above) is probably a most apt description. Despite being slightly unbalanced -- especially into the finish -- we rather enjoyed our bottle of this varietal, and suggest it be served with Asian cuisines. We rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Crisp and alive. The delicate acidity is balanced with minerals, citrus and green apple. Just barely off dry, with a full mouth-feel and long finish."

Winery website: None found.

Moon Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Moon Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Origin: California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.8%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: November 2010
Purchase Price: $6.99

Our review: Light gold with green highlights, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit, lemongrass, and orange zest that carry through to the palate, which has a slightly unbalanced acidity. The moderately long finish has a little too much mineral character, and is a bit chalky.

Our rating: This wine was purchased as part of a California-mixed pack and is generally of good value as such. Rather versatile as a food wine, we served our bottle with chicken and vegetables, but we can see it paired with a wide variety of cuisines. Fine as an everyday wine, though we wouldn't save a bottle for special occasions ... and almost certainly wouldn't pay the $12.99 list price. We rate it about Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Fresh and zesty with aromas of melon, fresh cut grass, green apple, sweet citrus zest and fig. Fruit and herbal flavors with a refreshing, finish."

Winery website: None found.

Twin Bridges Pinot Grigio 2009

Twin Bridges Pinot Grigio 2009
Origin: California
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: November 2010
Purchase Price: $6.99

Our review: Greenish gold in color, this wine has aromas of green apple with spice (almost cider-like) notes. Nicely balanced on the palate, the fruit (mostly apple) flavor develops quickly but then fades rapidly, replaced by a slate-like mineral character.

Our rating: There's certainly some interesting aspects to this wine, but overall we were slightly disappointed. We served our bottle with a shrimp dish and think it pairs better with seafood than, say, chicken or vegetables. Still, we think it is the finish that left us feeling less than totally satisfied, and rate it on the low side of Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Honey-scented, floral aromas [with] easy-drinking crisp, tangy and sweet fruit flavors."

Winery website: None found.

Monte Clavijo Viura 2009

Monte Clavijo Viura 2009
Origin: Rioja, Spain
Blend: Viura (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $7.99

Our review: This light gold-colored wine has citrusy aromas couples with citrus floral notes. The citrus flavors are bold on the palate but are well-balanced. The finish is brief and unremarkable.

Our rating: As noted above, this wine is citrusy, which puzzled us a bit since we were expecting more tropical or tree fruit character. As such, it is probably best suited for seafood. We opted for a salad course, which was fine as well. Still, we have to wonder about this wine. We previously rated the Monte Clavijo Rioja Viura 2007 Average, but it was a very different wine than this. We'd actually rate this lower, on the low side of Average (nearly Below Average) but we continue to be puzzled at how different these two vintages are.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

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Chateau Los Boldos "Momentos" Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Chateau Los Boldos "Momentos" Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Origin: Valle de Casablanca, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Light golden straw in color, this wine has aromas of grapefruit and lime with notes of orange blossoms. The citrus flavors tend to dominate the palate but are not overpowering; the finish has a little grassiness but is otherwise unremarkable.

Our rating: We should have paired this wine with seafood but elected to go vegetarian instead. Probably not the best choice, but it was OK in the end. There isn't much depth to this wine, so we'd recommend that it be served with a light meal. We try to avoid buying wines just a year apart in vintage, but we erred here. A year ago we rated the Chateau Los Boldos "Momentos" Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Above Average. This wine rates just a little lower, on the very high side of Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Very bright and wide wine with greenish reflexes. In nose has a strong intensity, it highlights grape fruit and fresh pear. In mouth lime, guava and grapefruit flavors appear. Good presence of acidity gives it freshness."

Winery website: Viña Los Boldos.

Graham Beck Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Graham Beck Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Origin: Coastal Region, South Africa
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $11.99

Our review: Silvery green in color, this wine has peppery aromas of gooseberry and lime with considerable grassiness. The fruit flavors on the palate offer a nice contrast, not nearly as spicy or tart as one might expect from the nose, though clearly crisp and citrusy balanced with some tropical flavors. There isn't much of a finish, though a lingering almost bitter sensation remains.

Our rating: Though there are several facets to this wine that we like, and we think make it a good seafood pairing wine, we couldn't get past the overly astringent or harsh finish (that we initially characterized as "bitter" ... which is still how we think of it). It must be consumed with food, which admittedly does take the edge off the finish. And while its overall score from the individual components rates it on the high side of Average, we wouldn't buy it again.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "An expression of tropical fruit on the nose -- litchis and passionfruit, with notes of ripe figs and capsicum. Great concentration of tropical fruit and grassiness and peppers on the palate. A crisp, lively acidity and persistent but elegant finish."

Winery website: Graham Beck Wines.

Robertson Winery Chenin Blanc 2009

Robertson Winery Chenin Blanc 2009
Origin: South Africa
Blend: Chenin Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $6.99

Our review: Golden straw in color with aromas of ripe apple and peach coupled with floral and tropical fruit notes. The flavor profile on the palate is similar with a rather unusual slightly sweet, slightly spicy finish.

Our rating: There are some unusual characteristics to this wine that make it interesting, though to be honest, it isn't all that memorable. It's very food friendly; we served our bottle with a simple chicken dish that worked quite well. We think it may be worth a try, especially at this price point, though we rate it only Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "An appealing light straw colour. Light with lovely ripe, attractive rounded fruit. Fresh floral nose and an exciting acid balance."

Winery website: RobertsonWinery.

Kudos Pinot Gris 2009

Kudos Pinot Gris 2009
Origin: Rogue Valley, Oregon
Blend: Pinot Gris (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Golden straw in color, this wine has aromas of apple and peach with notes of flowers. The fruit flavors on the palate initially tend towards the sweet, almost tropical in character. A mild acidity develops into the finish, which is long though without much depth.

Our rating: We rather liked this wine and were somewhat surprised by it. The off-dry character would pair well with many Asian cuisines, which is how we wished we'd paired it. (We served it with a pasta dish, not the best choice in retrospect.) We rate it Above Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

San Giuseppe "Lily Collection" Pinot Grigio 2009

San Giuseppe "Lily Collection" Pinot Grigio 2009
Origin: Veneto, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: This wine is pale -- to the point of being nearly colorless -- straw with slight citrus, green apple and almond aromas. The palate is also similarly lightly flavored with a finish that has some mineral character to it.

Our rating: We initially thought this wine may be slightly corked, but convinced ourselves it was simply the natural almond-like aromatics being given off and carried forward as flavor. Still, we didn't quite like it. We served our bottle with a chicken and pasta dish, an appropriate pairing. But in the end, we think there's something off here, whether accidental or intentional we're not sure. We rate it Below Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Delicately fragrant and mildly floral, this wine boasts a pale, straw-like yellow color with a hint of reflective gold. Its silk-like texture, combined with a light-bodied and delicate taste, awakens the palate with intense fruit flavor that is instantly refreshing."

Winery website: San Giuseppe.

Albino Armani 1607 "Corvara" Pinot Grigio 2009

Albino Armani 1607 "Corvara" Pinot Grigio 2009
Origin: Adige Valley, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: October 2010
Suggested Retail Price: $19.99

Our review: Light straw with gold highlights, this wine has a pleasing bouquet of tree fruit (ripe apples and pears) with notes of peach blossom. The wine is of light- to medium-body on the palate, with a near-perfect balance of fruit flavor and acidity. The lengthy finish adds depth to an already interesting wine.

Our rating: This is an elegant, sophisticated -- and probably most important, incredibly delicious -- wine, one best suited for lighter meals … or simply as an aperitif (which is ultimately how we enjoyed our bottle, since it was gone long before the table was set). Its subtle complexity probably impressed us the most here. Quite possibly the best of this varietal we've had the pleasure of consuming this year, we rate it Excellent (and suggest you seek out a bottle or two for your next gathering of friends and family).

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pale straw yellow in color, this wine displays beautiful aromatics of white flowers, white peaches and ripe pears. The fruit flavors extend to the palate which is clean and fresh, with great underlying structure and balance and a long, complex finish that has just a hint of spice."

Winery website: Albino Armani.

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NewHarbor Sauvignon Blanc 2009

NewHarbor Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $10.99

Our review: Straw with green highlights, this wine has aromas of gooseberry and lemongrass with slight citrus floral notes. Crisp on the palate with well balanced citrus fruit flavors that extend into a clean, refreshing finish.

Our rating: This is a very nice, harmonious example of this varietal from New Zealand. We found it very food friendly, enjoying our bottle with a soup and salad combination, but we think it would pair well with most any poultry or seafood dish. We rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Opens with a playful interplay of bright gooseberry, grapefruit and fragrant honeysuckle, touched by hints of green chili. In the mouth, intense flavors of gooseberry and grapefruit dance through the palate, balanced by a subtle complexity that adds texture and depth. A crisp, lively minerality weaves through the long finish. Pair this tantalizing wine with seafood, light pastas or grilled chicken dishes."

Winery website: None found.

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Helfrich "Noble Varieties" Pinot Gris 2008

Helfrich "Noble Varieties" Pinot Gris 2008
Origin: Alsace, France
Blend: Pinot Gris (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: October 2010
Suggested Retail Price: $14.99

Our review: Ripe apple, honey, and orange blossom aromas are exhibited by this light amber-colored wine. The fruit flavors (pineapple, melon, other tropical fruit) on the palate are smooth rather sweet, though a bit of complementing tartness develops into the finish, which is relatively brief but pleasing.

Our rating: This is a bold, aromatic wine, one that has a dominant, though well-balanced, tropical fruit character. We were a little surprised at first (expecting something a little -- OK, a lot -- less assertive), but by the time we poured the last glass, were enjoying it quite a bit. We mispaired it slightly, serving it with a meal of chicken and rice; we think it would do better with certain Asian cuisines, and even some north African dishes. We rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "This wine starts rich and full with a round and opulent mouth. There are flavors of soft generous tree fruits such as apple, fig, peaches that linger with a silky yet refreshing finish. "

Winery website: None found.

Ventisquero "Reserva" Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Ventisquero "Reserva" Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Casablanca Valley, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Straw in color, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit (melon, kiwi) with light citrus, floral, and a hint of herbal notes. Very fruitful on the palate, the flavors are well balanced; there is a slight lemongrass-like character that develops into the finish, which is pleasant but relatively brief.

Our rating: This is a delicious wine, and though the more typical citrus/grassy character of this varietal is not so dominant here, we certainly enjoyed it and think others would as well. It is well rounded, flavorful, and best of all, exceptionally food-friendly. (We served our bottle with a vegetarian pizza, but to be honest, it was mostly gone by the time the pie came out of the oven.) We rate Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Fresh fruit such as pineapple, grapefruit, papaya, lime, white peach, melon and pear together with mineral notes and nice acidity. Long and clean finish."

Winery website: Viña Ventisquero.

Poema Cava Brut NV

Poema Cava Brut NV
Origin: Penedès, Spain
Blend: Macabeo (40%), Xarel-lo (40%), Parellada (20%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2010
Purchase Price: $7.99

Our review: Lightly sparkling and pure gold in color, this wine has aromas of sweet tree fruit (peaches, pears) with some contrasting citrus herbal notes. Rather dry on the palate, the slightly tart fruit flavors take on a toasty character. The finish is surprisingly long.

Our rating: This is a very nice cava, one we enjoyed with a light lunch. We'd suggest serving it as we did, or as an aperitif or with appetizers. One of the better examples of this sparkling wine we've had recently, we rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent. And priced at just $8, it is an exceptional value.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Vibrant aromas of ripe peaches, pears and toasted bread with a hint of spice fill the nose. The palate is dry with a rich, creamy texture. Layers of flavor include orange rind and spice that persists through an elegant finish."

Winery website: None found.

The Royal Chenin Blanc 2009

The Royal Chenin Blanc 2009
Origin: Swartland, South Africa
Blend: Chenin Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Light gold in color, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit (mango, kiwi, a little banana) with notes of citrus and flowers. The fruit flavors are a little tart on the palate, though reasonably well balanced, with a little bitter honey emerging into the finish.

Our rating: This is an interesting wine, though not a complex one. We think it would pair well with a wide variety of cuisines, especially Asian inspired dishes, but we were a little put off by the bitterness of the finish here, giving it a harshness that seemed a bit incongruous with the rest of the wine's profile. Rounding the edges would have helped considerably here. Still, overall we still rate it Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Packed with upfront melon fruit, the nose charms with an abundance of guava and gooseberries as well as the signature hint of honey. The palate follows through with fruit flavors balanced by a crisp acid to ensure a fresh and fruity style of wine."

Winery website: Riebeek Cellars.

Starling Castle Gewurztraminer 2008

Starling Castle Gewurztraminer 2008
Origin: Germany
Blend: Gewurztraminer (100%)
Alcohol Content: 11.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $7.99

Our review: Medium yellow gold in color with aromas of tropical fruit and floral notes with honey. The flavors on the palate are rather sweet and rich -- melon, banana, and blood orange -- with a full finish that adds a touch of spicy bitterness.

Our rating: We don't typically purchase this varietal, but occasionally we try to remember why that is. This particular bottle has some interesting complexity to it, but it almost seems overwhelming. The finish here is also a bit discordant. We rate it just Below Average, but admit, we may not fully appreciate what it brings to the table.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A soft, golden hue with fresh aromas of rose petals and apricots. It is semi sweet with a hint of spice and mild acidity."

Winery website: None found.

Bottega Vinaia Pinot Grigio 2009

Bottega Vinaia Pinot Grigio 2009
Origin: Trentino, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: This wine is straw-colored with gold highlights. The intense aromas are of tree fruit (apples, peaches, pears) with significant floral notes and maybe a touch of citrus (orange). Smooth on the palate, the fruit flavors are well balanced with a moderating acidity. The finish is somewhat one note and a little too dry, almost astringent.

Our rating: This is an elegant wine, with considerable complexity and depth. Very food friendly (there's really nothing that we think wouldn't pair well here), we consumed our bottle with turkey and all the trimmings -- a test run for Thanksgiving! (Truth be told, the bottle was half gone by the time the dinner was served, enjoyed with a small plate of appetizers.) Keep an eye out for this wine, which we rate Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Color: Pale straw gold. Bouquet: Alluring floral perfume of an intensity and persistence rare in a Pinot Grigio. Taste: Fresh, dry and flavorful with a firm structure leading into a lingering finish, it displays character and finesse."

Winery website: None found.

The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc 2009

The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Origin: Awatere Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $7.99

Our review: A pale silver-green in color, this wine has aromas of gooseberry and lemongrass with slight vegetal or herbal notes. The citrus flavors take a moment or two to develop on the palate, and are nicely balanced with just the right amount of tartness. Surprisingly, there's also a faint tingling sensation present. There is some minerality in the relatively short finish.

Our rating: Maybe it's our imagination, but it seems recent vintages of New Zealand sauvignon blancs have not been as aggressively citrusy as older ones. This one is quite pleasant, if a bit thin. We'd suggest serving it with most any seafood, or with a light lunch (which is how we enjoyed our bottle). We previously rated The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Above Average, which is about how we rate this vintage; it may be even better. However, the 2005 was priced nearly twice what we paid for the 2009; hence this is a much better value.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Vibrant with a crisp and subtle green hue. Bouquet: Dried herb and gunflint compliment gooseberry, passionfruit and pungent grassy aromas. Palate: Lime zest and white floral notes are framed by a structured yet supple mid palate. Mouth-watering acidity with the Awatere’s signature mineral background complete the persistent finish."

Winery website: The Crossings.

Winzer Krems Grüner Veltliner 2009

Winzer Krems Grüner Veltliner 2009
Origin: Austria
Blend: Grüner Veltliner (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: July 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Light straw in color with lightly scented apple and pear aromas. Crisp on the palate with a slight sensation of effervescence. The flavor profile is one of citrus, not too tart with a nice acidic balance. There is little finish.

Our rating: This is a fairly neutral wine that seems readily adaptable to many light dishes of a variety of cuisines. It's not a sipping wine, though. We served our bottle with lunch, which we think is probably most appropriate, and rate it about Average. (There is no mention of this particular wine, which has a surprisingly generic label, on the winery website; we previously rated the Winzer Krems Grüner Veltliner "Ried Sandgrube" 2006 Average as well.)

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Winzer Krems.

Rodney Strong "Charlotte's Home" Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Rodney Strong "Charlotte's Home" Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Origin: Northern Sonoma, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.8%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $10.99

Our review: Greenish straw-colored, this wine has a pleasing herbal citrus aroma with a little grassiness (maybe lemongrass). Initially quite smooth on the palate, the citrus flavors have a slight tropical character to them before increasing in tartness into the finish, which is nice and adds a little minerality but is otherwise unremarkable.

Our rating: We enjoyed this wine, serving our bottle with an Asian-inspired chicken dish. We think it may pair slightly better with seafood, though. 10% of the production was cellared in oak, which seems to have contributed to the wine's smoothness and added some depth. We previously rated the Rodney Strong "Charlotte's Home" Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Average, but we think this is a much better effort, rating it Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Light, crisp, and highly aromatic, the warmer climate Alexander Valley fruit gives the wine ripe pear and melon character, while the ocean cooled Russian River fruit offers citrus, mineral, and traditional herbaceous qualities."

Winery website: Rodney Strong Vineyards.

Lagaria Pinot Grigio 2009

Lagaria Pinot Grigio 2009
Origin: delle Venezie, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Straw in color, this wine has aromas of ripe tree fruit (apple, pear). The fruit flavors are crisp and clean on the palate, where they are accompanied by a mild minerality. A citrus-like tartness develops into the finish, which is brief and lacks depth.

Our rating: This wine is light enough to be served with most lunches, chicken salad in particular, or with an appetizer platter of shellfish. But it also seems a little thin to us; had it been priced in the $5-$6 range, we would have characterized it as a "picnic wine", but it's far too expensive for that. We previously rated the Lagaria Pinot Grigio 2006 just Average, and we apply a similar Average rating to this vintage.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A brilliant, smooth, medium-bodied, fresh and well balanced wine; extremely eclectic with food."

Winery website: None found.

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Mendoza Station Torrontes 2009

Mendoza Station Torrontes 2009
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: Torrontes (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99 (1.5 L)

Our review: Quite pale, this silvery straw-colored wine has aromas of apple and green apple with slight herbal notes. Initially quite fruity on the palate, the flavors quickly become somewhat unbalanced, almost separated into multiple components that aren't harmonious. The finish has some mineral character to it.

Our rating: Wine doesn't get much cheaper than this, and while this example isn't likely to win any awards, it's not altogether terrible. It almost seems carelessly crafted, that the potential may be there but isn't realized. We consumed the bottle over three days, serving it with a variety of foods, and all paired reasonable well. And while that's usually a plus for us, here it simply reminded us of how generic this wine is. Score-wise, we were a little surprised to discover when we did the arithmetic, it rated on the very low side of Average. So maybe it's better than we think.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

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Antica Corte Garganega / Pinot Grigio 2009

Antica Corte Garganega / Pinot Grigio 2009
Origin: delle Venezie, Italy
Blend: Garganega (80%), Pinot Grigio (20%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $13.99 (1.5 L)

Our review: Light golden straw with somewhat subdued aromas of citrus, maybe a touch of tropical fruit, even lemongrass. The fruit flavors on the palate are slightly harsh, and have considerable mineral character, which is carried through into the long, but flat finish.

Our rating: We think the main advantage of this wine is its versatility, one that can be paired with a wide variety of foods. We served our bottle with mildly spicy chicken tenders and fried rice, not a bad choice but something a little more earthy would have probably been preferable. We previously rated the Antica Corte Garganega / Pinot Grigio 2007 on the high side of Average; we think this vintage is somewhat lower, though still Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Citra Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2008

Citra Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2008
Origin: Italy
Blend: Trebbiano (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $4.99

Our review: Greenish gold in color, this wine has aromas of tree fruit (peaches notably) and some citrus and citrus blossom. A bit thin, flavor-wise, on the palate, the fruit character develops somewhat into the finish, which adds a touch of minerality.

Our rating: This is not a remarkable wine by any means, but it's hard not to point out that it is a most credible wine at this price point. Sufficiently different from other standard ABC fare, we'd definitely keep a bottle or two on hand to serve with a light lunch, if only to keep things interesting. Though we rate it just Average, we think it's overall value is much higher.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Color: Straw gold with delicate greenish tints. Bouquet: Fresh and pleasant, with lingering citrus notes. Taste: Full, crisp, dry and harmonious."

Winery website: Citra Wines.

Pinot Evil Pinot Grigio NV

Pinot Evil Pinot Grigio NV
Origin: Hungary
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: 3L Box
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $17.99

Our review: Medium gold, nearly amber in color with aromas of apple, honey and spice, with faint floral notes. The flavor profile on the palate is similar, of spiced apples -- but there's also some initial bitterness that gradually fades ... but never entirely, extending into the rather undistinguished finish.

Our rating: We didn't enjoy this wine (and we had nearly three litres of it that we tossed, if that gives you any idea what we thought of it). If it were in a bottle, we'd almost say it was corked, but it is really its earthy spiciness that overwhelms here. Nearly undrinkable alone, its harsher characteristics are subdued a little -- a very little -- when consumed with food. It scores a few points for its nose, but otherwise, we rate it Inferior and do not recommend it.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Octavin Home Wine Bar.

Santa Rita Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Santa Rita Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Casablanca Valley, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Light straw in color, with citrus (sweet grapefruit, orange) and lemongrass aromas. Very fruity on the palate, there's also a good acidic balance. There isn't much of a finish, though.

Our rating: We typically enjoy this varietal from Chile, and this example confirms our opinion. It embraces all the facets we've come to expect, but does so in a balanced, pleasing manner. We suggest serving with any fish or poultry dish, or even early in the evening with appetizers. We previously rated this winery's Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc 2007 just Average, but the present wine is a clear step up from this (and only $1 more), rating Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A brilliant yellow color with green hues. Its intense aroma is a fragrant blend of citrus fruit and maracuya with a herbaceous backdrop typical of this variety. On the palate, it is concentrated, with a pleasant acidity that highlights its freshness, firm structure and excellent persistence."

Winery website: Viñas Santa Rita.

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Coupon codes may not be combined on one order, and expire November 30, 2010.

Schmitt Sohne Liebfraumilch 2008

Schmitt Sohne Liebfraumilch 2008
Origin: Germany
Blend: Riesling, Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, and Kerner (percentages unknown)
Alcohol Content: 9.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $4.99

Our review: Golden straw in color with aromas of apple and peach, and floral notes with honey. Quite sweet on the palate, but also a little bitter. The finish is a bit chalky.

Our rating: As this wine was new to us, we weren't quite sure what to do with it, so we served it with dessert, probably not a terrible choice but not terribly inspired either. Even now, we're still not sure -- but think it probably best pairs with something like a Sunday brunch buffet, where there are a variety of foods to choose from. It's low alcohol content also suggests it might be an appropriate "early in the day" wine. We rate it on the low side of Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Schmitt Söhne GmbH.

Douglas Green "Vineyard Creations" Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Douglas Green "Vineyard Creations" Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Origin: Western Cape, South Africa
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $5.99

Our review: A light fragrance of citrus (lime, gooseberry) and lemongrass are exhibited by this greenish straw-colored wine. Somewhat reminiscent of limeade on the palate, there is a good acidic balance, starting slightly with a sweet sensation before developing a bit more tartness into the finish, which itself is crisp and clean, though brief.

Our rating: This is a nice example of we often call a "picnic wine", one that is easy-going, refreshing, and pairs readily with a variety of foods -- one that you might want to take along, for example, on a picnic. We guessed right, and served our bottle at lunch with sandwiches and chips, finding it quite enjoyable. Priced attractively, we rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A perky dry white with attractive tropical pineapple aromas and a zesty citrus finish."

Winery website: Douglas Green Wines.

Feudo Arancio Grillo 2008

Feudo Arancio Grillo 2008
Origin: Sicilia, Italy
Blend: Grillo (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $6.99

Our review: Pure yellow gold in color, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit with a distinct spice note. Fruitful on the palate, the flavors have some herbal character. The finish is lengthy with considerable depth.

Our rating: Most definitely not a wine for sipping, we suggest pairing it with flavorful dishes, such as a pasta with a rich sauce, which is how we enjoyed our bottle. There's a lot of complexity here, but it doesn't always work harmoniously. Still, we rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Typical aroma of jasmine, white flowers and tropical fruits with a fresh and fragrant finish. "

Winery website: Feudo Arancio Vini di Sicilia.