Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Chateau Haut Peyruguet White Bordeaux 2008

Chateau Haut Peyruguet White Bordeaux 2008
Origin: Bordeaux, France
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (50%), Semillon (25%), Muscadelle (25%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: This wine is medium gold in color, with aromas of tropical fruit (pineapple and banana) with citrus floral notes. There's an initial burst of fruit flavors on the palate after which a mild, balancing acidity develops. The rather incongruous finish is a little too astringent.

Our rating: We think this Bordeaux blanc would make for a good dinner wine, pairing well with roasted poultry or grilled fish filets. We actually enjoyed our bottle with stir-fried chicken and rice. Despite a slightly disappointing finish, we rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "(from the bottle label): Light straw color. Intense, complex nose of green limes, black currents, and box-tree, with a hint of musk. Very fruity and well-balanced palate, with flavors of black currants, and a dry, clean, fresh finish."

Winery website: None found. The bottle depicted is slightly different than the one reviewed.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Cupcake Riesling 2009

Cupcake Riesling 2009
Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington
Blend: Riesling (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2010
Suggested Retail Price: $14.99

Our review: Light golden straw in color, this wine has aromas of freshly cut tropical fruit with a very slight blend of herbal and floral notes. The fruit flavors are expressive on the palate, initially with some sweetness that is quickly balanced with a mild acidity. The finish adds some mineral character.

Our rating: This is a very nice example of a dry riesling. True, there's a touch of sweetness at the start, but that just enhances the overall experience. Consider this wine for any Asian cuisine, or enjoy it alone as a sipping wine. We served our bottle with (of all meals) pizza, but it worked out quite well. We rate it well Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Bold, with the luscious aromas and flavors of grapefruit, pineapple and nectarine."

Winery website: Cupcake Vineyard.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Villa Maria "Private Bin" Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Villa Maria "Private Bin" Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: February 2010
Purchase Price: $13.99

Our review: Silver green in color with aromas of gooseberry and tropical fruit (kiwi and lychee come to mind) with herbal citrus notes, this wine is smooth and fruitful on the palate. A good balance of acidity develops into the lengthy finish, which has a touch of minerality.

Our rating: This is a delicious take on this New Zealand varietal with a lot of subtle depth and complexity. Pair with appetizers or serve with a luncheon al fresco, or simply enjoy as a sipping wine while reading. We rate it Excellent. We previously rated the Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Excellent as well.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Bursting with a fruit-salad-bowl of flavours including ripe gooseberry, passionfruit, fresh citrus lime and exotic herbaceous aromas. The wine has an exciting palate with layers of juicy flavours, intensity and fullness, finishing with a refreshing crisp, clean and racy acidity."

Winery website: Villa Maria Estate.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Dibon Cava Brut Reserve NV

Dibon Cava Brut Reserve NV
Origin: Spain
Blend: Xarel-lo, Parellada, and Macabeo (unknown percentages)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Light gold with an abundance of bubbles, this wine has aromas of golden delicious apples and pears with pleasant floral notes. Crisp and light-bodied on the palate, the slightly sweet dried fruit flavors are accompanied by a mild minerality on the palate. The finish is toasty but exceedingly brief.

Our rating: This is a very nice, if not overly complex, cava that would be an attractively priced alternative to champagne. Ideal as an aperitif or simply to enjoy sipping at sunset, it can also be paired with a light brunch or fresh mixed green salad (which is how we enjoyed our bottle). We rate it Above Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Grand Cru Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Grand Cru Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Sonoma County, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $3.99

Our review: Yellow gold in color, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit and honey with significant spice notes. Somewhat (and unexpectedly) sweet on the palate, the fruit flavors aren't very expressive and are unbalanced. The finish, though quite lengthy, is flat and a bit chalky.

Our rating: We're attracted to sub-$5 wines, always on the lookout for one that might be considered an everyday wine, one to serve with a quick meal. This isn't it. It's not dreadful by any means, but it's not an altogether pleasant experience either. The most significant problem may be that its best days (if, indeed, they ever existed) may have long since passed; though we rarely choose ABC wines that are more than a couple of years old, we mistakenly purchased this thinking it was non-vintage (as most bargain wines are). We rate it Inferior.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Chateau Le Thil Comte Clary White Bordeaux 2006

Chateau Le Thil Comte Clary White Bordeaux 2006
Origin: Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
Blend: Unknown, but most probably a 50:50 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: February 2010
Purchase Price: $21.99

Our review: Golden in color, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit and honey, with significant herbal notes. Medium bodied on the palate, the fruit flavors have a nicely balanced acidity and are layered on a base of light smoky wood. There's a hint of butter present. A touch of minerality is introduced into the lengthy finish.

Our rating: This is an elegant Bordeaux blanc, one that would pair well with most richly flavored poultry dishes and be much appreciated at the dinner table. We served ours with a game hen and herb roasted potatoes, a very nice choice. We rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Chateau Le Thil Comte Clary. The bottle depicted is slightly different from the one reviewed.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Tamari Reserva Torrontes 2008

Tamari Reserva Torrontes 2008
Origin: Fatima Valley, La Rioja, Argentina
Blend: Torrontes (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: February 2010
Purchase Price: $10.99

Our review: Light gold in color, this wine has expressive aromas of tropical fruit with some spice and floral notes. Nicely fruitful on the palate, there is a bit of heat (slightly unbalanced acidity) that develops into the finish, which itself is quite spicy with a hint of nuts.

Our rating: Not a wine to be served as an apertif, it is, however, reasonably food friendly. We actually enjoyed our bottle with pork, an unusual choice maybe, but not a bad one. Still, poultry is probably the best pairing for this rather robust wine. Priced a bit on the high side for what it is, we rate it just Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Color: Intense yellow with greenish hues. Aroma: Delicate and refined aromas of white grapefruit, white flowers such as jasmine, roses and orange blossom, and some fruit notes like custard apple and apricot. Taste: Excellent alcohol-acidity-sugar ratio; well balanced. It's a very flavorful wine."

Winery website: Terlato Wines International.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Paul Cluver Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Paul Cluver Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Elgin, South Africa
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (91%), Semillon (9%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: February 2010
Purchase Price: $11.99

Our review: The color of straw, this wine exhibits aromas of asparagus and bell pepper, grass and herbs, and surprisingly light citrus notes. The citrus flavors are present on the palate, though, and bit on the tart side. The finish is almost too acidic, somewhat "hot", though that sensation passes very quickly.

Our rating: This wine starts and finishes fine, but seems unbalanced mid-palate. We served our bottle with a starter course, though we think it might pair better with shellfish or grilled seafood. On the scoresheet it rates on the low side of Average, but overall, and especially at this price point, we think even that's a bit generous.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Wonderfully balanced with passion fruit, grapefruit and citrus flowers on the nose. The palate is complex with all the floral and fruity aromas coming through and with a distinct mineral aftertaste. The mid palate is quite broad and complex, enhanced by a richness from the touch of semillon blended with the sauvignon blanc, and further enhanced by extended time on the fine lees."

Winery website: Paul Cluver Wines.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Castelvero Cortese 2008

Castelvero Cortese 2008
Origin: Piemonte, Italy
Blend: Cortese (100%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Very pale straw green in color, this wine has aromas of citrus, notably grapefruit, with hints of fresh herbs. Smooth and of moderate body on the palate, the fruit flavors are definitely citric in character, but not overly tart. The finish is very clean and refreshing.

Our rating: This would make for a very nice aperitif, but would also pair well with shellfish. We enjoyed our bottle with a vegetarian pizza, probably not the best pairing, but it worked surprisingly well. An unusual varietal not often seen in the US, it should be consumed while young (a year or so at most after bottling). We rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pale color with hints of green. Aromas of grapefruit and minerals, light-bodied, fresh, crisp citrus-fruited wine. Ideal with fish or on its own as an aperitif."

Winery website: None found. The bottle depicted is slightly different from the one reviewed.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Ponzi Pinot Gris 2008

Ponzi Pinot Gris 2008
Origin: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Blend: Pinot Gris (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.1%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: February 2010
Purchase Price: $11.99

Our review: Light golden straw, this wine has aromas of freshly cut apple, herbs, with slight tree fruit floral notes. Crisp and edgy on the palate, the fruit flavors quickly smooth out, developing a bit in character. A mineral slateness appears in the moderately long finish.

Our rating: This is a very nice example of this varietal from Oregon. Likely to be very food friendly, we served our bottle with Asian cuisine, though it would pair very well with grilled chicken or fish. We rate it on the very high side of Above Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Ponzi Vineyards.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Markham Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Markham Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Napa Valley, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.8%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: February 2010
Purchase Price: $10.99

Our review: An extremely pale straw in color, this wine has aromas of gooseberry, citrus flower, and fresh herbs. The fruit flavors are crisp on the palate, slightly tart, with a bit of minerality. The finish is very smooth, though without much depth.

Our rating: We recommend serving this wine with a fresh green salad or seafood appetizers (like oysters or calamari). It should also pair well with a vegetable risotto, which is how we enjoyed our bottle. Clean and refreshing, we rate this wine on the high side of Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Aromas of passion fruit are layered with honey and lemon-lime citrus zest. Floral highlights draw you in for the first taste, grapefruit and white peach flavors will keep you coming back for more. The clean, crisp flavors will balance with any meal, but grilled shrimp would shine."

Winery website: Markham Vineyards.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Zenato Pinot Grigio 2008

Zenato Pinot Grigio 2008
Origin: delle Venezie, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: February 2010
Purchase Price: $10.99

Our review: Light straw in color, this wine has aromas of peach and apple with significant floral notes. Similar flavors of peach and apple are present on the palate, initially a bit sweet but quickly balanced with a mild acidity. The finish tapers off slowly and is quite pleasant.

Our rating: This wine would work well as a pre-dinner aperitif or with a first course. We can also see it as a nice, versatile luncheon wine. It's relatively simple in its composition, but in this case, simple is just fine. We rate it Above Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Azienda Vinicola Zenato.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Cono Sur Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Cono Sur Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Valle Central, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: February 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Greenish gold in color, this wine has aromas of grass and herbs and citrus (grapefruit notably). Crisp on the palate with tart citrus flavors that develop and evolve into the finish, which has some interesting mineral characteristics.

Our rating: We served our bottle with a vegetable omelet, a delicious choice. But it could pair equally well with most seafood or shellfish dishes. A nice example of this varietal, we rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Elegant, expressive and dressed in a green-yellow shade of colour, this Sauvignon Blanc impresses with its citrus notes of grapefruit and green apple, which mingle in with herbal hints. In mouth, its freshness and balance specially stand out, along with its citric notes and pleasant mineral ending. It’s a great wine for an aperitif."

Winery website: Cono Sur Vineyards and Winery.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Ch. Rauzan Despagne White Bordeaux Reserve 2008

Ch. Rauzan Despagne White Bordeaux Reserve 2008
Origin: Bordeaux, France
Blend: Unknown; previous vintages have been a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon with a small amount of Muscadelle
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $12.99

Our review: Light golden straw in color. Lightly scented, with aromas of peaches, herbs (mint?), and floral notes. Very pleasing on the palate with crisp citrus fruit flavors and minerals, with maybe just a hint of oakiness. The finish is lengthy.

Our rating: This is a nice, complex yet well-rounded Bordeaux blanc, which can confidently be served with a wide variety of cuisines. We think the wine is best enjoyed with a meal, as opposed to as an aperitif, and rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Despagne-Despagne Vin de Bordeaux.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Washington
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $12.99

Our review: Pale silver-green in color, this wine has fresh and light aromas of tropical fruit (kiwi), green apple, and asparagus, with bright citrus floral notes. Very smooth on the palate, there is a very slight sweet sensation that lingers as the fruit flavors with a balancing acidity develop. The finish is quite complex and richly defined.

Our rating: This is a highly nuanced wine with a lot of character, one that will bring out the best of whatever cuisine with which it is served. We enjoyed our bottle with roasted poultry, but it would also pair well with most seafood dishes. An elegant, refined wine that we rate Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Delivers aromas of citrus and green apple with lively herb spice notes. Partial stainless steel fermentation [was used] to preserve the Sauvignon Blanc’s vibrant varietal character and fresh, crisp quality."

Winery website: Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery.
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