Thursday, April 29, 2010

Buglioni il Clandestino Bianco Veronese 2007

Buglioni il Clandestino Bianco Veronese 2007
Origin: Verona, Italy
Blend: Garganega (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: March 2010
Purchase Price: $13.99

Our review: Pure gold in color, this wine has aromas of sweet tropical fruit and peach blossoms. Of moderate body, the fruit flavors seem a bit flat on the palate, married to a slate-like minerality. Some heat in the form of acidity develops into the finish, which continues to evolve over a lengthy period of time.

Our rating: An interesting varietal, one we don't often have a chance to sample. Despite being a little too acidic for our tastes, we enjoyed our bottle with sauteed chicken tenders and roasted potatoes. We can see pairing it equally well with grilled vegetables or a bruscetta. We rate it Above Average (though a little pricey).

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colore giallo paglierino con riflessi Dorati. Profumo intenso con note floreali e di frutta tropicale. Struttura dorata di buona acidita e piacevole morbidezza, sapido ed equilibrato." (Google translation: Straw yellow with golden reflections. Intense aroma with notes of flowers and tropical fruits. Structure golden good acidity and nice soft, fruity and balanced.)

Winery website: Cantina Buglioni.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Firestone Riesling 2008

Firestone Riesling 2008
Origin: Central Coast, California
Blend: Riesling (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Straw-golden with pleasing tropical fruit aromas together with sweet vanilla spice notes. Nicely balanced on the palate with just the right amount of sweetness, the fruit flavors dominate. The finish is of moderate length and consistent with the overall character of the wine.

Our rating: This would be a very nice brunch wine, as it could readily be paired with many of the food items typically found on a brunch buffet, especially a fresh fruit salad. Or consider serving with a Asian cuisines. We don't see it as a dessert wine, though. We enjoyed our bottle, and rate it Above Average. We previously rated the Firestone Riesling 2006 Above Average as well.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Striking notes of Meyer lemon, honeysuckle, apricot and honeydew melon are abundant on the nose. A firm acidic backbone is balanced by plush fruitiness—flavors of Tupelo honey, melon and apricot abound, with just a hint of sweetness on the finish."

Winery website: Firestone Vineyards.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Lapostolle Casa Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Lapostolle Casa Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Rapel Valley, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (90%), Semillon (10%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: March 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Tropical fruit aromas -- think banana and melon -- dominate this light gold wine with tints of green. Medium bodied, similar fruit flavors are present on the palate; there isn't much of the grassy or vegetal flavors that are typical of this varietal. Some heat develops into the finish.

Our rating: Blindfolded, we'd be hard-pressed to declare this a sauvignon blanc. It's very nice, but unexpectedly and pleasantly different. There was slightly too much acidity -- heat -- in the finish, but it dissipated fairly quickly. A very food friendly wine, we served our bottle with light meal of appetizers followed by a spinach salad. It would go equally well with fish or poultry. We rate it on the high side of Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Color: Pale and clear light yellow with subtle lime hints. Nose: White nectarine, pear and white flowers dominate also citrus fruit and tangerine. Fresh herbs and mineral notes at the back. Palate: Light body with fresh acidity at the beginning followed by a round and concentrated mid palate. Long and fresh finish."

Winery website: Lapostolle.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: February 2010
Purchase Price: $12.99

Our review: Yellow-gold in color, this wine has aromas of lemongrass and citrus (surprisingly tending towards orange than the more typical grapefruit). Pleasantly tart on the palate with just a hint of fresh herbs, there's initially a good balance of acidity. But it becomes slightly unbalanced into the finish, itself being a bit too acidic, while the fruit flavors are replaced with a flinty minerality.

Our rating: Had the finish been a bit more refined, this would have been an excellent wine. It's still very good (we rate it Above Average), but there are better choices at this price point. Best enjoyed with food, serve with grilled chicken or fish. (Letting the wine breathe for a bit seems to improve its overall character.)

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A fragrant mix of pineapple and passionfruit tropical aromas with underlying ripe citrus characters adding complexity to the nose. On the palate, again a flavoursome array of pineapples and passionfruit, with a zesty citrus essence of orange and lime. Texture from the fruit concentration gives this wine great mouthfeel with a mouthwatering acid backbone creating an enduring, structured and well balanced finish."

Winery website: Allan Scott Family Winemakers.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Brassfield Serenity 2007

Brassfield Serenity 2007
Origin: California
Blend: Proprietary blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer, and Semillon (percentages unknown)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2010
Purchase Price: $12.99

Our review: Straw in color, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit, vanilla, and sweet spice. Very flavorful on the palate, there's an initial sweetness that is rapidly balanced by a moderate acidity. The characteristic fruit flavors tend to dissipate into the finish, which is lengthy but otherwise rather unremarkable.

Our rating: This is a nice wine to serve as an aperitif or with light appetizers. It's not overly complex but does seem to bring out the key notes of each of its component wines. It's certainly one that your guests will want to talk about, as it will probably be perceived slightly differently by everyone. It is our first experience with this proprietary blend, and we rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Shows a brilliant entry of honeydew melon aromas, and fresh minty qualities reminiscent of a Caribbean Mojita. Tropical fruit cocktail flavors are perfectly balanced with the palate-cleansing acidity that lingers to a wonderfully long, bright finish. The soft, round mouth-feel along with a touch of sweetness is perfectly balanced with the acidity to deliver a palate cleansing freshness to pan-Asian cuisine, spicy Thai, or as a cocktail aperitif."

Winery website: Brassfield Estate Winery.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Coopers Creek Pinot Gris 2008

Coopers Creek Pinot Gris 2008
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: Pinot Gris (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2010
Purchase Price: $13.99

Our review: Straw in color with tropical aromas of papaya and pineapple with pleasing floral notes. A similar flavor profile initially presents itself on the palate but a somewhat unbalanced acidity develops, not unpleasant but unexpected and incongruous. The finish is shallow and without much character.

Our rating: We were slightly disappointed in this wine. It is, by no means, a poorly made wine but our expectations were much higher given its origin and, to a lesser extent, its price. Probably best paired with simply prepared seafood or a fresh spinach salad, which is how we enjoyed our bottle. It scores reasonably well, though, on the high side of Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Very pale in its youth, but we know from experience that New Zealand Pinot Gris will develop onion skins tints with age. Bouquet: Subtle, yet exotic. The nose shows delicate earthy undertones that typify both the variety and our soils in Huapai. Coupled with this are lovely spice notes. Palate: Medium in body, with an exceptional balance between fruit sweetness and acidity. The finish is long, spicy and textural."

Winery website: Coopers Creek.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Fontaleoni Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2008

Fontaleoni Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2008
Origin: San Gimignano, Italy
Blend: Vernaccia (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: March 2010
Purchase Price: $10.99

Our review: Very fragrant, this golden straw wine has aromas of tropical fruit (pineapple, banana, melon) with citrus floral notes. The fruit flavors dominate at first before a mild stone-like acidity develops. The finish is long but somewhat flat and uninspired.

Our rating: This is a delicious, food-friendly wine. We served our bottle with a vegetarian pizza made with freshly made herb dough, with which it paired quite nicely. Probably not best served alone, consider this wine as an accompaniment to any vegetarian dish, a risotto, or with lighter meals. We rate it on the very high side of Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Clear straw yellow. Nose: Fine, fruity, flowery, white peach, acacia flower. Flavour: Dry, fresh, quite soft, medium-bodied, quite tasty."

Winery website: Azienda Agricola Fontaleoni.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Origin: Awatere Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: February 2010
Purchase Price: $10.99

Our review: An exceptionally pale silver green in color, this wine has aromas of gooseberry, asparagus, and grapefruit, very typical of this varietal from New Zealand. Similar flavors are evident on the palate, which is medium-bodied and well-rounded. A touch of minerality creeps into the lengthy finish.

Our rating: This is an elegant wine, one probably best paired with broiled seafood or grilled shellfish. Not having either on hand, however, we served our bottle with an Asian-inspired chicken dish, which worked out quite nicely. A fine choice for any occasion, we rate it Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "This wine shows blackcurrant, guava and citrus notes. The palate exhibits the same fine fruit flavours with an under lying flinty note typical of Awatere Valley fruit. The finish is long, crisp and dry."

Winery website: Clifford Bay Wines.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Mezzacorona Moscato 2008

Mezzacorona Moscato 2008
Origin: delle Dolomiti, Italy
Blend: Moscato (100%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $5.99

Our review: Aromas of honeyed tropical fruit with hints of vanilla and spice are presented by this wine. Sweet but smooth with a moderate body, there is considerable fruit flavor (honeydew melon, peach, guava) on the palate. The finish, however, is rather flat and a bit chalky.

Our rating: Possibly a little too sweet to serve as an aperitif, this wine pairs nicely with cold soups and desserts, and would probably work well with some Asian cuisines. It's not a harmonious wine, but is a pleasant one … and at a very attractive price. We rate it Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Intense nose of tropical fruit with notes of nutmeg and cinnamon. A pleasing balance of subtle sweetness and tannins."

Winery website: Mezzacorona.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

La Yunta Torrontes 2008

La Yunta Torrontes 2008
Origin: Valle de Famatina, La Rioja, Argentina
Blend: Torrontes (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Aromas of peach and candied fruit with significant spice notes, maybe even tea, are exhibited by this yellow-gold wine. Pleasant and smooth on the palate, the fruit flavors are, however, somewhat muted. A rather aggressive acidity develops then moderates into the finish, which is of considerable length and depth.

Our rating: This is a well-rounded wine that can be paired with a wide variety of dishes, but probably works best with lighter meals of poultry or even pork. Consider serving it with chicken satays, which is how we enjoyed our bottle. We rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Notably aromatic of green melon and white peach. It has balanced citrus flavor with a touch of French oak to provide a crisp yet lingering finish. Wonderful as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to seafood or poultry."

Winery website: Southern Wine Group (importers).

Friday, April 9, 2010

Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio 2008

Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio 2008
Origin: delle Venezie, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2010
Purchase Price: $12.99

Our review: Light gold in color with a pleasing bouquet of apple and pear with bright honey notes. Very fruity on the palate, at first slightly sweet but quickly balanced with a brisk acidity. The finish doesn't have much depth, initially offering a touch of minerality that slowly fades.

Our rating: This is a pleasant wine, one that would be easy to pair with a wide variety of cuisines. It is probably best served with lighter meals, appetizers or salads, which is how we enjoyed our bottle. We rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Light yellow to sandy-coloured in appearance, with an unobtrusive bouquet, and hints of pear and candied fruit. The strong harmonious structure emphasizes its dry full bodied taste and round finish."

Winery website: Tiefenbrunner Castel Turmhof.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Meinklang Gruener Veltliner 2008

Meinklang Gruener Veltliner 2008
Origin: Burgenland, Austria
Blend: Gruner Vertliner (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2010
Purchase Price: $10.99

Our review: Medium yellow-green in color, this wine has aromas of tree fruit (apples, pears) with similar floral notes. The initial sensation on the palate is of a crisp fresh apple, then a brisk, citrusy acidity develops. The finish is quite lengthy and slightly tart.

Our rating: This is an interesting wine, but one that requires consumption with food. It should be ideal with most seafood dishes, especially shellfish, or try pairing with vegetarian meals. The flavor profile improves if served just slightly chilled. We have somewhat mixed feelings about it, but it scores on the high side of Average. (Note: This wine was made with organic grapes.)

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Meinklang.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Castle Rock Pinot Gris 2008

Castle Rock Pinot Gris 2008
Origin: Monterey County, California
Blend: Pinot Gris (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: March 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Medium gold in color with aromas of green apple and spice, this medium-bodied wine exhibits a slightly sweet but well-rounded fruit flavor profile on the palate with nicely balanced acidity. The finish has considerable length and depth, almost as if it were cellared in oak for some period (though there is no indication this was the case).

Our rating: This is a somewhat surprisingly rich wine that should pair well with most poultry, fish, or even pork dishes. We served our bottle with roasted turkey and potatoes, a fine choice. We rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Crisp and light with good texture and acidity, offering delicate flavors of citrus, peach and apple."

Winery website: Castle Rock Winery.

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Saturday, April 3, 2010

Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2010
Suggested Retail Price: $13.99

Our review: A light silver-green in color, this wine has a very light citrus fragrance. The initial palate sensation is one of gentle lemon or lime flavor, which then develops into a more rounded, citrus fruit profile that has more than a hint of orange to it. The finish is fairly long and pleasant.

Our rating: We rather enjoyed this bottle, much more than last year's vintage (Cupcake Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2008) that we rated just Average. There isn't much of a grassiness typically associated with this varietal from New Zealand; some might miss this, others not. We tend to like it, but this was so good we didn't miss it. Terrific for summer sipping on the deck, or to serve with a light lunch of fresh salad greens and tomatoes, which is how we enjoyed ours (though to be honest, it was half gone by the time we ate). We rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The flavors are integrated, delighting the senses with Meyer lemons, Key limes and a finish that awakens the appetite."

Winery website: Cupcake Vineyard.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

La Cala Vermentino di Sardegna 2008

La Cala Vermentino di Sardegna 2008
Origin: Sardinia, Italy
Blend: Vermentino (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $13.99

Our review: Medium yellow in color, this wine has a gentle herbal fragrance with light floral notes of apple blossoms. Very fruitful on the palate, the dominent apple flavor, now complemented by other tree fruit flavors, is balanced with a mild acidity. The finish is fairly long, but doesn't have much depth or character.

Our rating: This is a delicious wine, and very food friendly. We chose to enjoy our bottle with a brunch of eggs, potatoes, grilled tomatoes, and fresh baked breads, with which it paired beautifully. It should also pair nicely with mild Asian cuisines, especially appetizers. We rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Color: Pale yellow. Aroma: Multidimensional aromas with notes of oranges, grapefruit, spice and roses. Flavor: Elegant and supple, this wine couples fullness of flavor with an underlying acidity."

Winery website: Sella & Mosca.
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