Releaf Chenin Blanc 2009

Releaf Chenin Blanc 2009
Origin: Western Cape, South Africa
Blend: Chenin Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2010
Purchase Price: $7.99

Our review: Golden yellow in color, this wine has aromas of melon and tropical fruit. The fruit flavors are a bit flat on the palate, almost watery, though the acidic balance is good. The finish is lengthy, but somewhat uninspired and without depth.

Our rating: A somewhat interesting wine, but not a memorable one. We served our bottle with a vegetable omelet, with which it paired rather well. Still, we were expecting something brighter here, more lively. It scores reasonably well, considering, about Average, and is priced about right. This wine is made from certified organic grapes; the bottle is made from partially recycled glass; the labels are made from recycled paper, and printed with sustainable inks.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Offers lively aromas of tropical fruits and melon. The crisp citrus and tropical fruit flavors linger on palate. "

Winery website: Organic Wine Trade Company.

Conde de Caralt Cava Brut NV

Conde de Caralt Cava Brut NV
Origin: Cataluña, Spain
Blend: Macabeo (50%), Parellada (30%), Xarel-lo (20%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: May 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Silver straw in color with a good amount of long lasting bubbles, this sparkling wine is lightly scented with aromas of green apple and citrus zest. Nicely fruitful on the palate, some toast notes are introduced into the brief finish.

Our rating: This is a very pleasant wine, perfect for Sunday brunches or festive gatherings. Cavas make a great alternative to (arguably) over-priced and over-rated champagnes, and this one fits the bill nicely. We actually enjoyed our bottle just watching the sun set, so will have to pick up another to pair with a meal. We rate it well Above Average. (Note: the bottle image is somewhat different from the one tasted and rated here, notably having a gold label rather than a white one.)

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Brilliant straw-yellow in colour with a well-balanced mousse. Crisp and clean on the nose and elegant on the palate with a smooth and balanced finish."

Winery website: Conde de Caralt.

Kirkland Pinot Grigio 2009

Kirkland Pinot Grigio 2009
Origin: Friuli, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: May 2010
Purchase Price: $7.99

Our review: Nearly colorless with gold highlights, this wine has a bouquet of apple and pear with significant floral notes. Light bodied, there is an excellent balance between fruit and acidity on the palate that breaks down a bit into the finish, which is decidedly crisp with some mineral character.

Our rating: Costco Kirkland wines are typically very good values, and this is no exception. It's rather complex for an $8 wine, though not without some flaws. It's definitely not a sipping wine; in fact, you'll likely notice a considerable difference between tasting the wine before a meal and consuming it with a meal. It's overall character really shines with roast chicken or pork dishes. We enjoyed it, would definitely buy it again, and rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker (from the label): "An expressive nose showing elegant fruit flavors, floral nuances and a clean rich texture with a crisp finish."

Winery website: None found.

San Elias Sauvignon Blanc 2009

San Elias Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Origin: Colchagua Valley, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2010
Purchase Price: $7.99

Our review: This wine is light gold in color with aromas of gooseberry, sweet bell pepper, and a touch of grass. There is a good balance of acidity to fruit flavor, and the finish is very nice, clean and refreshing.

Our rating: We enjoy Chilean sauvignon blancs in part because they're frequently not as aggressive as those from New Zealand (which typically have to be served with seafood and quite honestly, sometimes we want a sauvignon blanc and aren't in the mood for seafood) and because they aren't oaky like many from California (which might as well be chardonnays, and then, what's the point). But being in the middle risks being unmemorable, and that's sort of where this wine falls. It's pleasant and safe to serve with most any cuisine, but it's simply not remarkable. Priced about right, it rates on the high side of Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pale in color with a goosberry bouquet, apple and citrus fruits aromas, and fresh zesty flavor. Excellent aperitif or with salads, fish and poultry."

Winery website: Siegel Winery.

La Vuelta Torrontés 2009

La Vuelta Torrontés 2009
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: Torrontés (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Light golden straw in color, this wine has aromas of fresh tropical fruit (papaya, pineapple, banana) with just a hint of spice. Rich and smooth on the palate, the fruit flavors are accompanied by a mild minerality; the acid balance is just about ideal. The finish is very lengthy, rounded, with considerable depth and character.

Our rating: This is a delicious example of this characteristic Argentine varietal. Enjoy as an aperitif, serve with roasted chicken, potatoes and onions, or delight the guests at your next party with a wine they most likely haven't had before. A very good value, we rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Chateau Belingard Bergerac Sec 2009

Chateau Belingard Bergerac Sec 2009
Origin: Dordogne Valley, France
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (60%), Semillon (40%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: May 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Aromas of tropical fruit (papaya, banana) with floral citrus notes and just a touch of spice are exhibited by this light straw colored wine. The fruit flavors are initially quite pleasant on the palate, but become somewhat unbalanced, too acidic, almost strident, into the finish. The finish itself is lengthy but rather flat and without much character.

Our rating: Nearly two years ago we tasted the Chateau Belingard Bergerac Sec 2007, rating it Below Average. Sadly, the 2009 vintage isn't much better (though it does score a bit higher). It is actually fairly cuisine friendly, with food rounding some of the sharper edges. Still, we rate it on the very low side of Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Flowers, boiled sweets and exotic fruits on the nose this wine is an optimal blend; fresh on the palate with long tasting aftertaste." (Note: the website mentions a blend including Muscadelle, but neither the 2007 or the 2009 vintages include this varietal.)

Winery website: Chateau Belingard.

Porta Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Porta Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Origin: Valle Central, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2010
Purchase Price: $6.99

Our review: Golden straw in color, this wine has a gentle aroma of citrus zest with citrus floral notes. The dominant flavor on the palate is of grapefruit, maybe gooseberry, but it isn't aggressive; there's almost a hint of sweetness to balance the tartness present. The finish has considerable mineral character to it.

Our rating: This is a nice example of this Chilean varietal, not overly complex but versatile and enjoyable. Serve with any seafood dish, or enjoy with a light, freshly tossed salad. We rate it well Above Average … and a very good value at this price point.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Bright greenish-yellow in color with lively grapefruit, citrus and lychee aromas with soft floral and mineral notes. Well-balanced and fruity, featuring crisp acidity, with grapefruit on the palate and a fresh finish."

Winery website: PORTA.

Rex-Goliath Pinot Grigio 2009

Rex-Goliath Pinot Grigio 2009
Origin: California
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: May 2010
Purchase Price: $5.99

Our review: A pale silvery green in color, this wine has bright aromas of tree fruit (peach, pear, apple) with some significant spice notes. Nicely smooth and fruitful on the palate, some citrus character is introduced that becomes more noticable in the slightly too acidic finish.

Our rating: Some wines have a seasonal feel to them, and this one says summer. It's bright and fresh and seems, well, summery. (It probably doesn't hurt that the marketing material mirrors this sentiment.) Pair a bottle with picnic food, or grilled chicken or ribs. Priced attractively at $6 a bottle, we actually picked ours up at a "buy one, get the second half off" sale. It's a rather simple wine, but it is much better than the price would indicate, and we rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Bright, juicy and floral … say howdy to our California version of this Italian classic. HRM Rex Goliath Pinot Grigio is footloose and fancy-free—perfectly suited for a sun-drenched summer afternoon. Pair with fish tacos or linguini with fresh tomato, basil and garlic."

Winery website: HRM Rex Goliath! Wines.

Patch Block Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Patch Block Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: France
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Golden yellow in color with bright tropical fruit and herbacious aromas and just a hint of vanilla. Smooth on the palate, the primarily citrus flavors are nicely balanced with a moderating acidity. The finish has a touch too much citrus and minerality to it, but otherwise is pleasing.

Our rating: A very versatile, food-friendly and likely crowd-pleasing wine. Without a lot of depth or character, it is probably best suited for appetizers or light meals such as turkey sandwiches or green salads. On the score sheet it rates just Average, but our guess is most people will enjoy this wine.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Rich fruity aromas and bright flavors of tropical fruit. It is highlighted by notes of fresh lime that give way to a long round finish."

Winery website: Patch Block Wines.

Kiwi Cuvee Pinot Grigio 2009

Kiwi Cuvee Pinot Grigio 2009
Origin: Germany
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: This wine is medium straw in color with bright aromas of tree fruit (apple, pear, peach) and a touch of spice. Initially slightly sweet on the front of the palate, the fruit flavors are quickly accompanied by a balancing acidity. The finish brings out more of the spice character initially present on the nose.

Our rating: This is an unusual find and a first for us: a pinot grigio from Germany with a New Zealand-ish name. It's really quite pleasant, robust yet with rounded edges. We weren't quite sure what to pair it with initially, so enjoyed most of our bottle with a simple salad and garlic bread. We think Asian cuisines would work best, though, and will consider another bottle with skewers of Thai chicken or maybe potstickers! We rate it Above Average, Nearly Excellent.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Black Box Pinot Grigio 2008

Black Box Pinot Grigio 2008
Origin: delle Venezie, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: 3L Box
Purchase Date: May 2010
Purchase Price: $15.99

Our review: Light lemon yellow in color, this wine has aromas of green apple with notes of citrus blossoms and spice. Initially pleasantly tart on the palate, the flavor profile is similar: green apple and lime zest. Some minerality also develops. The finish is long, but flat and uninteresting.

Our rating: This isn't a complex wine, but at the equivalent of $4 a bottle, it probably doesn't necessarily need to be one. Best suited for picnics or backyard barbecues, or even quiet evenings at home with a pizza watching television. Although it isn't bad, scoring on the low side of Average, we're not sure we'd buy it again; the Barefoot Pinot Grigio NV, for example, costs about the same (on sale), yet is a much better wine.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A bright, well-balanced wine with juicy fruit flavors. It has lovely floral aromas with notes of citrus blossoms and flavors of lemon-lime and hints of peaches. The wines goes well with barbecued chicken and grilled sea bass served with fresh fruit like pineapple and melons as well as aged, mellow cheese."

Winery website: Black Box Wines.

Chalten Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Chalten Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Origin: Patagonia, Argentina
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: May 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: This wine is greenish gold in color with an aroma of citrus zest and flowers. Nicely complex on the palate, the fruit flavors are balanced with a crisp acidity with a touch of minerals. The finish is clean, though not terribly remarkable.

Our rating: Not as grassy or citrusy as many from New Zealand or even neighboring Chile, this is a good all-around "safe" choice for a sit-down dinner. The wine should pair nicely with most dishes, in particular poultry, which is how we enjoyed our bottle, accompanying sauteed chicken breasts, rice and broccoli. We rate it on the high side of Above Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Chateau L'Ermitage White Rhone Valley Wine 2009

Chateau L'Ermitage White Rhone Valley Wine 2009
Origin: France
Blend: Roussanne (60%), Grenache (20%), Viognier (20%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Light gold in color with aromas of peach, flowers, and honey, this medium-bodied wine has a good balance between acidity and fruit flavors on the palate. There's a touch of spice or maybe oakiness that comes through in the long finish.

Our rating: This is a mellow, very food-friendly wine, one that can easily and safely be paired with a wide variety of cuisines. We think roasted poultry would be an ideal choice, but broiled seafood or even pork should also be good choices. Serve just slightly chilled for best results. We rate it on the high side of Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The harmony of the blending brings a smell of fresh white fruits: peaches, pears, litchis and white flowers’ pollen. The Grenache provides the richness and the Roussanne the balancing acidity."

Winery website: Château L’Ermitage.

Colle Solato Grechetto & Vermentino 2009

Colle Solato Grechetto & Vermentino 2009
Origin: Umbria, Italy
Blend: Grechetto (50%), Vermentino (50%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: May 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Straw with silver highlights, this wine has a pleasing blend of tropical fruit aromas, including melon, banana, and papaya. There is little of those fruits on the palate though, the flavors having a watery character. The finish has some body to it but is otherwise unremarkable.

Our rating: We were slightly disappointed with this wine. It did improve, however, as it warmed, so it's possible our initial reaction was based on a too cold temperature. Or maybe it needed to breathe a bit. We served our bottle with a vegetable omelet, with which it paired adequately well. We think pasta would probably have been a better choice, though. Overall, we rate it about Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.