Bree Riesling 2008
Origin: Pfalz, Germany
Blend: Riesling (100%)
Alcohol Content: 10.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99
Our review: Nearly colorless with aromas of citrus and green apple, this wine is an interesting combination of sweet and dry on the palate with a flavor profile similar to that of freshly squeezed lemonade. The finish is a bit astringent, but in a pleasing way.
Our rating: This wine comes in a very attractive, modern-styled bottle, and is ideal for summer sipping. You can also consider pairing this wine with spicy cuisines, especially Asian dishes. Don't overchill, as its complexity is better appreciated when just slightly chilled. Smooth and delicious, we rate it well Above Average.
No taste profile from the winemaker found.
Winery website: None found.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Barnard Griffin Fume Blanc 2008
Barnard Griffin Fume Blanc 2008
Origin: Washington
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.8%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99
Our review: Light silver with green highlights, this wine has gentle aromas of tropical fruit and spice, with just a hint of some sweet vegetal notes. Initially tart on the palate, a good balance between the fruit flavors and a mild acidity quickly develops. The finish is quite short but is where the "fume" character comes in.
Our rating: This is an interesting wine though one without much depth, somewhat surprising for a fume blanc. Look to pair it with richly flavored poultry or vegetarian dishes. Quite a range on the scorecard, but overall we rate it about Average.
Taste profile from the winemaker: "Classic Sauvignon Blanc nose of citrus and grapefruit with light herbal notes. Generous lime and tangerine flavors nicely accented by a touch of cream. Dry, crisp, cleansing and refreshing. This a great summer sipper and makes the palate absolutely crave for shellfish and seafood."
Winery website: Barnard Griffin.
Origin: Washington
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.8%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99
Our review: Light silver with green highlights, this wine has gentle aromas of tropical fruit and spice, with just a hint of some sweet vegetal notes. Initially tart on the palate, a good balance between the fruit flavors and a mild acidity quickly develops. The finish is quite short but is where the "fume" character comes in.
Our rating: This is an interesting wine though one without much depth, somewhat surprising for a fume blanc. Look to pair it with richly flavored poultry or vegetarian dishes. Quite a range on the scorecard, but overall we rate it about Average.
Taste profile from the winemaker: "Classic Sauvignon Blanc nose of citrus and grapefruit with light herbal notes. Generous lime and tangerine flavors nicely accented by a touch of cream. Dry, crisp, cleansing and refreshing. This a great summer sipper and makes the palate absolutely crave for shellfish and seafood."
Winery website: Barnard Griffin.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Maipe Torrontes 2008
Maipe Torrontes 2008
Origin: Salta, Argentina
Blend: Torrontes (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99
Our review: Light golden yellow with aromas of citrus, spice, and honey. The fruit flavor profile on the palate has some tropical fruit character accompanied by a somewhat aggressive acidity. The finish is slightly chalky, relatively brief but otherwise unremarkable.
Our rating: An interesting wine, but paradoxically not a memorable one. We served our bottle with grilled chicken tenderloins, and believe it could pair nicely with most mildly seasoned poultry or even pork dishes. Our rating: on the high side of Average.
No taste profile from the winemaker found.
Winery website: None found.
Origin: Salta, Argentina
Blend: Torrontes (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99
Our review: Light golden yellow with aromas of citrus, spice, and honey. The fruit flavor profile on the palate has some tropical fruit character accompanied by a somewhat aggressive acidity. The finish is slightly chalky, relatively brief but otherwise unremarkable.
Our rating: An interesting wine, but paradoxically not a memorable one. We served our bottle with grilled chicken tenderloins, and believe it could pair nicely with most mildly seasoned poultry or even pork dishes. Our rating: on the high side of Average.
No taste profile from the winemaker found.
Winery website: None found.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Gran Sarao Cava Brut NV
Gran Sarao Cava Brut NV
Origin: Spain
Blend: Xarel-lo (40%), Macabeo (30%), Parellada (20%), Chardonnay (10%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99
Our review: Light gold and gently sparkling with aromas of green apple and slight herbal notes. Quite dry -- almost too dry -- there is considerable mineral character to the flavor profile on the palate. The finish is a bit astringent with some off-notes that make it slightly unpleasant.
Our rating: We weren't impressed with this cava, which, together with prosecco, we tend to enjoy as aperitifs. We served our bottle with a chilled soup and salad course, an adequate choice. It's really not remarkable in any way, and we rate it Below Average.
Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Pale yellow, giving off light bubblers and crown making. Bouquet: Yeast touches in a fruity background of ripe apple, banana and pineapple. Taste: Good mouth tasting, with a light touch of sweetness, harmonious, fresh, elegant, tempting and with character."
Winery website: None found.
Origin: Spain
Blend: Xarel-lo (40%), Macabeo (30%), Parellada (20%), Chardonnay (10%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99
Our review: Light gold and gently sparkling with aromas of green apple and slight herbal notes. Quite dry -- almost too dry -- there is considerable mineral character to the flavor profile on the palate. The finish is a bit astringent with some off-notes that make it slightly unpleasant.
Our rating: We weren't impressed with this cava, which, together with prosecco, we tend to enjoy as aperitifs. We served our bottle with a chilled soup and salad course, an adequate choice. It's really not remarkable in any way, and we rate it Below Average.
Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Pale yellow, giving off light bubblers and crown making. Bouquet: Yeast touches in a fruity background of ripe apple, banana and pineapple. Taste: Good mouth tasting, with a light touch of sweetness, harmonious, fresh, elegant, tempting and with character."
Winery website: None found.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Andeluna Torrontes 2008
Andeluna Torrontes 2008
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: Torrontes (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.8%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99
Our review: Light green in color with expressive herbal and citrus aromas, this wine introduces a crisp acidity on the palate. There is little fruit flavor present, however, and the finish is quite spicy, even a bit hot.
Our rating: There are a number of interesting facets to this wine, but our overall impression is not altogether positive. We served our bottle with grilled fish filets, a good choice, but it might pair better with oysters or other shellfish. On balance, we rate it about Average on the scorecard, but we suspect this is a wine that people will either love or hate.
Taste profile from the winemaker: "Has a very good body and a medium structure with marked freshness and acidity. Delightful aromas of white flowers, jasmine, peach, apricot and grapefruit combine with flavors of tropical fruits, citrus and spices to produce a refreshingly exquisite wine with a long finish."
Winery website: Andeluna Cellars.
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: Torrontes (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.8%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99
Our review: Light green in color with expressive herbal and citrus aromas, this wine introduces a crisp acidity on the palate. There is little fruit flavor present, however, and the finish is quite spicy, even a bit hot.
Our rating: There are a number of interesting facets to this wine, but our overall impression is not altogether positive. We served our bottle with grilled fish filets, a good choice, but it might pair better with oysters or other shellfish. On balance, we rate it about Average on the scorecard, but we suspect this is a wine that people will either love or hate.
Taste profile from the winemaker: "Has a very good body and a medium structure with marked freshness and acidity. Delightful aromas of white flowers, jasmine, peach, apricot and grapefruit combine with flavors of tropical fruits, citrus and spices to produce a refreshingly exquisite wine with a long finish."
Winery website: Andeluna Cellars.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Colosi Sicilia Bianco 2007
Colosi Sicilia Bianco 2007
Origin: Giammoro, Sicily, Italy
Blend: Unknown
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99
Our review: Deep gold in color with aromas of honey, spice, and caramel, and some interesting floral notes, this wine is very smooth and moderately full-bodied on the palate. There is a richness to the flavor that extends into the finish, which adds some smokiness but is rather brief.
Our rating: This is a very nice wine, which we greatly enjoyed. We served our bottle with roasted chicken and vegetables, a fine choice. We have absolutely no idea what blend of grapes were used to create it, but we'll definitely keep this label in mind for future purchases. Our rating: Above Average, nearly Excellent.
No taste profile from the winemaker found.
Winery website: None found.
Origin: Giammoro, Sicily, Italy
Blend: Unknown
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99
Our review: Deep gold in color with aromas of honey, spice, and caramel, and some interesting floral notes, this wine is very smooth and moderately full-bodied on the palate. There is a richness to the flavor that extends into the finish, which adds some smokiness but is rather brief.
Our rating: This is a very nice wine, which we greatly enjoyed. We served our bottle with roasted chicken and vegetables, a fine choice. We have absolutely no idea what blend of grapes were used to create it, but we'll definitely keep this label in mind for future purchases. Our rating: Above Average, nearly Excellent.
No taste profile from the winemaker found.
Winery website: None found.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Masciarelli Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2008
Masciarelli Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2008
Origin: Abruzzo, Italy
Blend: Trebbiano (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99
Our review: Pale yellowish straw, this wine has bountiful aromas of tropical fruit (in particular, pineapple) with contrasting spice notes. The fruit flavors are refreshing on the palate, clean and crisp, with just a hint of minerals. The finish lacks depth and is rather brief, but not unpleasant.
Our rating: We enjoyed our bottle with a vegetarian pizza, with which it paired very nicely. It should also pair well with most pasta dishes and a wide variety of appetizers or cheeses. Attractively priced, it's a good introduction to this varietal, which should be consumed while young (within a year or two of bottling). We rate it Above Average.
Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Straw-like yellow with greenish glints. Bouquet: Fairly intense -- fine fragrance. Flavour: Hints of apple, apricot and iris."
Winery website: Masciarelli.
Origin: Abruzzo, Italy
Blend: Trebbiano (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99
Our review: Pale yellowish straw, this wine has bountiful aromas of tropical fruit (in particular, pineapple) with contrasting spice notes. The fruit flavors are refreshing on the palate, clean and crisp, with just a hint of minerals. The finish lacks depth and is rather brief, but not unpleasant.
Our rating: We enjoyed our bottle with a vegetarian pizza, with which it paired very nicely. It should also pair well with most pasta dishes and a wide variety of appetizers or cheeses. Attractively priced, it's a good introduction to this varietal, which should be consumed while young (within a year or two of bottling). We rate it Above Average.
Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Straw-like yellow with greenish glints. Bouquet: Fairly intense -- fine fragrance. Flavour: Hints of apple, apricot and iris."
Winery website: Masciarelli.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
San Telmo Esencia Torrontes 2009
San Telmo Esencia Torrontes 2009
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: Torrontes (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99
Our review: Nearly colorless with straw highlights, this wine is lightly fragrant with aromas of tropical fruits. The fruit flavors on the palate are accompanied by a gentle minerality. The finish is fairly long but unremarkable.
Our rating: This is a very nice example of this varietal and at an attractive price point. Think light dishes when pairing this wine: chilled appetizers, a crisp salad, cold chicken sandwich, and the like. It's a nice change of pace from the more typical ABC wines, and we rate it Above Average.
Taste profile from the winemaker: "Intensely aromatic and refreshing, entices you with delightful floral and orange peel notes. Pale yellow hue shows soft glimmers of green. On the palate, the crisp orange, grapefruit and tropical fruit flavors are accented with jasmine and beautifully balanced with acidity."
Winery website: San Telmo Wines (a unit of Diageo Wines).
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: Torrontes (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99
Our review: Nearly colorless with straw highlights, this wine is lightly fragrant with aromas of tropical fruits. The fruit flavors on the palate are accompanied by a gentle minerality. The finish is fairly long but unremarkable.
Our rating: This is a very nice example of this varietal and at an attractive price point. Think light dishes when pairing this wine: chilled appetizers, a crisp salad, cold chicken sandwich, and the like. It's a nice change of pace from the more typical ABC wines, and we rate it Above Average.
Taste profile from the winemaker: "Intensely aromatic and refreshing, entices you with delightful floral and orange peel notes. Pale yellow hue shows soft glimmers of green. On the palate, the crisp orange, grapefruit and tropical fruit flavors are accented with jasmine and beautifully balanced with acidity."
Winery website: San Telmo Wines (a unit of Diageo Wines).
Friday, February 12, 2010
Chateau La Freynelle White Bordeaux 2007
Chateau La Freynelle White Bordeaux 2007
Origin: Bordeaux, France
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (60%), Semillon (40%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $10.99
Our review: Light gold in color, this wine has aromas of peach, honey and spice with notes of grass or hay. The flavor profile on the palate is similar, not terribly pronounced, and accompanied by a flint-like minerality that extends into the rather flat finish.
Our rating: There are some individual characteristics about this wine that we liked, but overall we were disappointed. It lacks a complexity that we've come to expected from French white Bordeauxs, though we admit it seemed to improve a bit as we consumed our meal of chicken and roasted potatoes. It's certainly not a bad wine by any means, and we score it on the high side of Average, but we think there are better choices at this price point.
No taste profile from the winemaker found.
Winery website: None found.
Origin: Bordeaux, France
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (60%), Semillon (40%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $10.99
Our review: Light gold in color, this wine has aromas of peach, honey and spice with notes of grass or hay. The flavor profile on the palate is similar, not terribly pronounced, and accompanied by a flint-like minerality that extends into the rather flat finish.
Our rating: There are some individual characteristics about this wine that we liked, but overall we were disappointed. It lacks a complexity that we've come to expected from French white Bordeauxs, though we admit it seemed to improve a bit as we consumed our meal of chicken and roasted potatoes. It's certainly not a bad wine by any means, and we score it on the high side of Average, but we think there are better choices at this price point.
No taste profile from the winemaker found.
Winery website: None found.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Gunther Schlink Pinot Blanc 2007
Gunther Schlink Pinot Blanc 2007
Origin: Germany
Blend: Pinot Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $10.99
Our review: Pale yellow, this wine has aromas of apricot, apple, and sweet spice (vanilla). Nicely flavorful and dry on the palate, the nonetheless slightly sweet fruit flavors have a slight mineral character. There isn't much of a finish.
Our rating: Versatile with food, this wine would also make a good aperitif or served with a selection of hot appetizers (which is how we enjoyed our bottle). Not otherwise remarkable in an significant way, we rate it about Average.
No taste profile from the winemaker found.
Winery website: None found.
Origin: Germany
Blend: Pinot Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $10.99
Our review: Pale yellow, this wine has aromas of apricot, apple, and sweet spice (vanilla). Nicely flavorful and dry on the palate, the nonetheless slightly sweet fruit flavors have a slight mineral character. There isn't much of a finish.
Our rating: Versatile with food, this wine would also make a good aperitif or served with a selection of hot appetizers (which is how we enjoyed our bottle). Not otherwise remarkable in an significant way, we rate it about Average.
No taste profile from the winemaker found.
Winery website: None found.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Monte Palma Verdejo-Viura 2008
Monte Palma Verdejo-Viura 2008
Origin: Rueda, Spain
Blend: Verdejo, Viura (unknown blend percentages)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99
Our review: Straw in color with silver highlights, this wine has aromas of fresh herbs (fennel) with notes of citrus and citrus blossoms. Smooth and rich on the palate, the flavors initially tend towards tropical fruit before evolving into a spicy sweetness that extends into the finish.
Our rating: This blend of Spanish grapes is quite delightful. Nice as an aperitif, it is also food friendly. We served our bottle with roasted chicken (and confess it was half gone by the time the meal reached the table), but next time we'll choose a spicy pasta or rice dish. We rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent.
No taste profile from the winemaker found.
Winery website: None found.
Origin: Rueda, Spain
Blend: Verdejo, Viura (unknown blend percentages)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99
Our review: Straw in color with silver highlights, this wine has aromas of fresh herbs (fennel) with notes of citrus and citrus blossoms. Smooth and rich on the palate, the flavors initially tend towards tropical fruit before evolving into a spicy sweetness that extends into the finish.
Our rating: This blend of Spanish grapes is quite delightful. Nice as an aperitif, it is also food friendly. We served our bottle with roasted chicken (and confess it was half gone by the time the meal reached the table), but next time we'll choose a spicy pasta or rice dish. We rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent.
No taste profile from the winemaker found.
Winery website: None found.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Frenzy Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Frenzy Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.6%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99
Our review: Nearly colorless with only a hint of greenish-silver, this wine has aromas of gooseberry, grapefruit, bell pepper and fresh herbs (basil?). There is a pleasing tartness to the palate, allowing the citrus flavor to come through without being overly acidic. The extended finish adds some minerality to the taste profile.
Our rating: This is a very typical example of this New Zealand varietal, which is to say a very nice one. Clean and crisp, we'd recommend serving this wine with shellfish, particularly seafood appetizers, though it would likely pair well with most Asian cuisines. We rate it on the very high side of Above Average.
No taste profile from the winemaker found.
Winery website: None found.
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.6%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99
Our review: Nearly colorless with only a hint of greenish-silver, this wine has aromas of gooseberry, grapefruit, bell pepper and fresh herbs (basil?). There is a pleasing tartness to the palate, allowing the citrus flavor to come through without being overly acidic. The extended finish adds some minerality to the taste profile.
Our rating: This is a very typical example of this New Zealand varietal, which is to say a very nice one. Clean and crisp, we'd recommend serving this wine with shellfish, particularly seafood appetizers, though it would likely pair well with most Asian cuisines. We rate it on the very high side of Above Average.
No taste profile from the winemaker found.
Winery website: None found.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Urban Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Urban Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Origin: Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $7.99
Our review: Golden straw in color, this wine has sweet citrus and vegetal aromas with notes of flowers and spice. Crisp on the palate, the slightly tart citrus flavors tingle the tongue. The unexpectedly brief finish has a distinct spicy character.
Our rating: This is a rather unusual take on this varietal. It has a characteristic citrus and herbal profile, but seems lacking in overall depth. We served our bottle with a pork dish, possibly not the best choice as it would seem to pair better with seafood. Priced about right, still we rate this wine just Average.
No taste profile from the winemaker found.
Winery website: O. Fournier Wines.
Origin: Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $7.99
Our review: Golden straw in color, this wine has sweet citrus and vegetal aromas with notes of flowers and spice. Crisp on the palate, the slightly tart citrus flavors tingle the tongue. The unexpectedly brief finish has a distinct spicy character.
Our rating: This is a rather unusual take on this varietal. It has a characteristic citrus and herbal profile, but seems lacking in overall depth. We served our bottle with a pork dish, possibly not the best choice as it would seem to pair better with seafood. Priced about right, still we rate this wine just Average.
No taste profile from the winemaker found.
Winery website: O. Fournier Wines.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
McManis Viognier 2008
McManis Viognier 2008
Origin: California
Blend: Viognier (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99
Our review: Yellow-green in color, this wine has aromas of green apple and tropical fruit. The flavor profile on the palate is quite complex, of moderate body and with a good balance between acidity and fruit. The finish is exceptionally long, slightly spicy, and smooth.
Our rating: This wine is a delicious example of this varietal. A refined dinner wine, we served our bottle with turkey and herb-roasted potatoes, an excellent choice … and how we rate this wine.
Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pears, apples and melon flavors are accompanied by a rich mouth feel, nice acid balance and a clean finish."
Winery website: McManis Family Vineyards.
Origin: California
Blend: Viognier (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99
Our review: Yellow-green in color, this wine has aromas of green apple and tropical fruit. The flavor profile on the palate is quite complex, of moderate body and with a good balance between acidity and fruit. The finish is exceptionally long, slightly spicy, and smooth.
Our rating: This wine is a delicious example of this varietal. A refined dinner wine, we served our bottle with turkey and herb-roasted potatoes, an excellent choice … and how we rate this wine.
Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pears, apples and melon flavors are accompanied by a rich mouth feel, nice acid balance and a clean finish."
Winery website: McManis Family Vineyards.
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