Sunday, January 31, 2010

Acrobat Pinot Gris 2008

Acrobat Pinot Gris 2008
Origin: Oregon
Blend: Pinot Gris (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Nearly colorless with shades of gold and silver, this wine has an aroma of citrus and citrus blossoms. Nicely balanced on the palate, there is a very slight sweetness to the fruit flavors, which tend to be more tropical in character. The finish is long and very pleasing.

Our rating: We enjoyed this wine. We served our bottle with pork medallions, which seemed to bring out some of the wine's more subtle characteristics. A good food-friendly wine, consider pairing it with a wide variety of cuisines, especially Asian. We rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Color: Very pale straw with golden highlights. Nose: Green apple, grapefruit, lime zest, and pear. Flavors: Tangerine, lemon, kiwi, pineapple. Mouthfeel: Crisp entry with nice balance between acidity and residual sugar, round and full mid-palate, clean refreshing finish."

Winery website: King Estate Oregon Wines.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Rock Rabbit Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Rock Rabbit Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Sonoma County, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (90%), Gewurztraminer (10%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Very pale gold with greenish highlights, this wine has aromas of lemon, gooseberry, and tree fruit (mostly apricot). The fruit flavors are nicely balanced on the palate, with a slight increase in acidity developing in the finish, which is rather smooth and pleasant.

Our rating: There isn't much character in this wine, which works both to its advantage and disadvantage. On the plus side it is very food friendy; on the other hand, it's also not terribly memorable, thouth it's refreshing to enjoy a California sauvignon blanc without oak aging. This is a good picnic wine; We served our bottle with grilled chicken sandwiches, a nice choice. We rate it on the high side of Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Rock Rabbit Winery.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Verdemar Albarino 2008

Verdemar Albarino 2008
Origin: Rias Baixas, Spain
Blend: Albarino (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: This wine has a very pleasing bouquet of tropical fruit -- pineapple, papaya -- with fresh vegetal notes (bell pepper). Very fruitful on the palate, the is a good balance between the fruit flavors and acidity. The finish is complex and of moderate length.

Our rating: This is a very nice example of this varietal, not often seen in the US and certainly not at this price point. Quite versatile for pairing, we think it may work best with grilled fish and vegetables. Surprise your guests with this wine at your next dinner party; we rate it just shy of Excellent.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Cortijo III Rioja Blanco 2008

Cortijo III Rioja Blanco 2008
Origin: Rioja, Spain
Blend: Viura (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Light gold in color, this wine has a bouquet of peaches and apricots with significant citrus notes. There is an initial burst of fruit flavors on the palate, which is followed quickly by a balancing acidity that builds into the moderately long finish.

Our rating: We very much enjoyed this wine, its character and overall flavor profile. We served our bottle with poultry, but it should pair nicely with most white meat or seafood dishes. Not a typical ABC wine, it's definitely one worth trying. We rate it Above Average, Nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker (from the label): "Medium full-bodied dry white wine; aromas of white flowers and white fruit, with a bit of spice and tropical fruit flavors on the finish."

Winery website: None found.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Pale yellow with distinct, almost sharp aromas of grapefruit and other citrus fruits. Tart on the palate, but not excessively so, with a bit of grassiness typical of this varietal. There is some residual acidity in the finish, which itself is rather brief but pleasant.

Our rating: This wine definitely will appeal to those who like their domestic sauvignon blancs citrusy with no oak. We've never had a pomelo, but suspect the label is aptly applied. Not a good aperitif or sipping wine, but it paired well with our Asian-inspired chicken appetizers. Comparable in style to Chilean wines, it seems priced a bit on the high side. We rate it about Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Wonderfully fragrant, floral and grapefruit nose with fig and peach aromas. Very full, round mouth with clean grapefruit flavors."

Winery website: Mason Cellar Napa Valley Wines.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Undone Dry Riesling 2007

Undone Dry Riesling 2007
Origin: Rheinhessen, Germany
Blend: Riesling (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $10.99

Our review: Greenish straw in color with aromas of green apples and hints of grass and spice. A very nice balance of sweetness and acidity is present on the palate, which leaves a slight tingling sensation on the tongue. The finish has considerable fruit character, is quite lengthy, marred just a bit by an off-note or two.

Our rating: This wine is deceptively complex, though not quite as dry as one might expect from a "dry riesling". Quite delicious, it is probably best served as an aperitif or with an appetizer or salad course. It would also work well as an afternoon sipping wine, while enjoying a good book. We rate it on the very high side of Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Crisp citrus notes, such as grapefruit and gooseberry, stand out on the palate. The wine is vibrant and finishes very clean. It is reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc. This Dry Riesling will pair well with seafood, sushi, and shellfish, as well as salads and white meats."

Winery website: Valckenberg Winery.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Chateau Lestrille White Bordeaux 2007

Chateau Lestrille White Bordeaux 2007
Origin: Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux, France
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (90%), Semillon (5%), Muscadelle (5%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Aromas of white peach and citrus blossoms with notes of honey are exhibited by this golden colored wine. Light and crisp on the palate, the tropical fruit-like flavors are subtle, accompanied by a slight spiciness. The finish is interesting and has some complexity and depth.

Our rating: This is a very nice wine, a perfect accompaniment to a vegetable dish or a risotto, or possibly a salad (though it seems a little rich for that). We enjoyed our bottle with a light and quick chicken dish, which also worked well. We rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Chateau Lestrille Vins de Bordeaux.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Francis Ford Coppola Bianco Pinot Grigio 2008

Francis Ford Coppola Bianco Pinot Grigio 2008
Origin: California
Blend: Pinot Grigio (89%), Sauvignon Blanc (6%), Chardonnay (5%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $7.99

Our review: Pale yellow with gold highlights, this wine has aromas of citrus with slight apple and pear notes. On the palate, the profile is somewhat reversed, with an apple and pear flavors being balanced with a citrus tartness. There is a touch of smokiness (possibly spiciness) in the moderately long finish.

Our rating: A reasonably good, food-friendly wine, but not one to be served alone or even with a light meal. Consider pairing it with broiled fish or chicken and roasted potatoes. Overall, it rates about Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "It has intense floral aromas that mingle with cool melon and tropical fruit, and a light crisp mouthfeel, which is complemented by fresh peach, ripe pear, and pink grapefruit flavors."

Winery website: Francis Ford Coppola Winery.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Fonseca Twin Vines Vinho Verde 2008

Fonseca Twin Vines Vinho Verde 2008
Origin: Portugal
Blend: "Made from a blend of native Portuguese grapes."
Alcohol Content: 9.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $6.99

Our review: Pale green with silver highlights, this lightly sparkling wine has aromas of apple with citrus notes. Slightly tart and crisp, the palate leans towards lime and other citrus flavors and minerals. Not surprisingly, there is little finish.

Our rating: Vinho verdes are terrific wines to serve as aperitifs, or with appetizers (which is how we enjoyed this bottle). Light and versatile, this "green wine" should be served young. We found this wine a little too tart to our liking, but overall rate it about Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: J M Fonseca Twin Vines.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Lucky Duck Sauvignon Blanc NV

Lucky Duck Sauvignon Blanc NV
Origin: Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $3.99

Our review: Light golden straw in color, this wine has a pleasing blend of tropical fruit and grass aromas, with slight herbal, almost honey, notes. The initial impression on the palate is one of highly unbalanced acidity, very tart and not the fruitful citrus kind. That quickly passes, leaving a slightly sweet, tropical fruit flavor behind. The finish has a honeyed butter character.

Our rating: We can locate no information about this label's very inexpensive line of wines. This particular varietal isn't all that great, but is rather unusual (and not necessarily in a good way), with a rapid cascade of flavors and sensations. It's not a bottle we'd serve to guests, but as an accompaniment to a quick meal, it's not all that bad. On the score sheet it rates Below Average to Inferior, but with a price of $4, its value score rates much higher.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Turning Leaf Pinot Grigio 2008

Turning Leaf Pinot Grigio 2008
Origin: delle Venezie, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $6.99

Our review: Pale gold in color, this wine has aromas of yellow delicious apples and peaches, with very slight citrus floral notes. Fruitful and ever so slightly sweet on the palate, a brisk acidity quickly develops that lasts into the finish, which is relatively brief and unremarkable.

Our rating: We're generally fans of this label's line of relatively inexpensive wines, of which this is typical: pleasant, not necessarily memorable, but eminently drinkable. It's ideal for a light lunch, and certainly priced right (especially when on sale, which it often is). Enjoy with sandwiches, salads, or even popcorn while watching a favorite movie at home on TV. We rate it on the high side of Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "It's refreshing, with aromas of ripe apples and lingering hints of pear. Enjoy with any light fare."

Winery website: Turning Leaf (E & J Gallo).

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Rosenblum Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Rosenblum Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.8%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $12.99

Our review: Light yellow in color with gold highlights, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit and herbs, with distinct grassy notes. Quite tart on the palate, the wine's acidity overwhelms the subtle fruit flavors. Some heat develops into the finish (presumably from oak cellaring), though is dampened quite a bit to end very smoothly.

Our rating: We were initially put off a bit by this wine's somewhat unbalanced acidity, but when paired with our rich pasta meal, it worked quite nicely. Definitely not a sipping wine, it should hold up well with most boldly flavored dishes. Still, it seems priced a bit high for what it is basically an Average, maybe a tad better, wine.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Rosenblum Cellars. This wine is not mentioned on the winery website.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Arona Sauvignon Blanc 2009

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

Our review: Greenish-silver in color, this wine has aromas of lime with sweet tropical fruit and herbal notes. Quite fruity on the palate, the flavors are of pineapple and citrus, slightly sweet but with a nicely balanced acidity. The finish is relatively brief, but clean.

Our rating: This wine is less aggressive than many of this varietal from New Zealand, yet retains much of its distinctive character. It's quite pleasant, and likely to pair well with most poultry or seafood dishes. We served our bottle with roasted chicken and rice, a good choice. Overall, it rates Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Softer, instantly approachable and with more ripe fruit flavors to balance the traditional intensity of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The grapefruit nose opens to a full and fruity mouthful of passion fruit and pineapple."

Winery website: Barker's Marque Vineyards.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Kris Pinot Grigio 2008

Kris Pinot Grigio 2008
Origin: delle Venezie, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: December 2009
Purchase Price: $10.99

Our review: This light yellow-gold wine exhibits a fresh, pleasant bouquet of citrus and stone fruit with notes of apricot and melon. The palate starts very fruity, but quickly develops a mild acidity that is accompanied by an earthy, nut-like character. The finish is relatively long and brings out some additional mineral notes.

Our rating: This is a nice lunch wine. We served our bottle with grilled fish sandwiches and found it paired well. It should also work with grilled chicken. Not overly complex, but pleasing nonetheless. We rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pale yellow in color with brilliant greenish reflections, enticing aromas of acacia flowers, citrus, tangerine, and hints of apricots and almonds. Kris is lean and refreshing on the palate with hints of blossom and honey."

Winery website: Kris Wine.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Alamos Torrontes 2008

Alamos Torrontes 2008
Origin: Argentina
Blend: Torrontes (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: December 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Aromas of white peach and flowers are exhibited by this pale golden wine. A bit of heat accompanies the fruit flavors with herbal character on the palate, which has considerable depth. The finish is lengthy and pleasant with a brisk acidity.

Our rating: We served this wine with appetizers and it was versatile enough to pair well with most. Though reportedly unaoked, there is a complexity present that is often associated with aged wines. We rather enjoyed this wine, and rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker (from the label): "Lively notes of citrus and peach fruit interwoven with delicate layers of jasmine blossom and fresh herbs. Light and fresh on the palate with excellent balance and finishing with bright, crisp adicity."

Winery website: Bodega Catena Zapata.
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