Friday, December 16, 2011

Biltmore Reserve Viognier 2010

North Carolina (wine review and rating)

Biltmore Reserve Viognier 2010

Origin: North Carolina
Blend: Viognier (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Receipt Date: November 2011
Suggested Retail Price: $18.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: A pale straw in color with gold highlights, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit, a hint of citrus and very slight spice notes. On the palate the fruit flavors are moderated by a mild acidity, and seem softened a bit. The finish is of moderate length, but doesn't add anything new to the wine's profile.

Our rating: This is a wine versatile enough to pair with a variety of foods. We tend to like Viogniers with roast pork, and indeed that is what we served with this bottle, but we can see it paired with most any poultry dish or shellfish, especially those that are accompanied by sauces. There are a couple of aspects to the wine that intrigued us, one being that even though — according to the marketing literature we received with the sample — no oak was used in creating it, there was a certain softness that suggested it had. The other is that we typically associate Viogniers with some spiciness — again because they usually seem to see some oak — but here it's more of a background, enhancing sensation than anything else. Both of these were nice, unexpected touches. We enjoyed this elegant wine, and rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Color: Light straw. Nose: Kiwi, honeysuckle, strawberry and white pepper. Taste: Hints of honey, strawberry, and key lime; good mouth feel with a lingering acidity.

Winery website: Biltmore Wines.

This bottle of wine was received as a sample for review. No promise was given or implied that it would be the subject of an endorsement or review, either positive or negative.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Raimat Viña 24 Albariño 2009

Costers del Segre, Spain (wine review and rating)

Raimat Viña 24 Albariño 2009

Origin: Costers del Segre, Spain
Blend: Albariño (100%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: November 2011
Purchase Price: $9.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: A bright lemon yellow in color with hints of gold, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit and flowers and notes of spice. The palate is quite citrusy and pleasingly tart, with a significant mineral character introduced into the moderately long finish.

Our rating: There is a lot of complexity to this wine, one of its strongest points. Though we had never tasted it before, we chose it as one of several to serve with appetizers at an informal gathering of friends and neighbors. (We like to serve varietals that others may not be familiar with.) It was probably our most popular wine, though we thought it merely Average. Our relatively high initial impression diminished a bit when the refreshing citrus flavor seemed to develop a more rind-like (or zest-like) character into the second and third glass. Still, our guests seemed to enjoy it quite a bit so there is that.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Colour: Pale yellow with greenish hues. Nose: Intense aromas of citrus, dried flowers and spices with an additional hint of sweet vanilla and dried fruit. Mouthfeel: Pleasant initial impression, that brings out the full complexity of aromas present on the nose. Agreeable on the mid-palate due to its well-rounded nature. The aftertaste is persistent with a citrussy finish.

Winery website: Raimat. The world of wines..

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Fire Road Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Marlborough, New Zealand (wine review and rating)

Fire Road Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2011
Purchase Price: $9.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: A pale greenish-gold in color, this wine has aromas of gooseberry and lemongrass with very pleasing notes of tropical fruit. A hint of sweetness can be tasted initially on the palate, but it is followed almost immediately by a nicely balanced citrus tartness that also has considerable herbal character. The finish adds some minerality, but is otherwise not remarkable.

Our rating: This is a very nice example of this varietal from New Zealand. We typically enjoy our Sauvignon Blancs with seafood, but instead chose to serve this wine with a vegetarian meal. Seafood is probably the best pairing, but it seems versatile enough to go well with most dishes. And though it has absolutely no bearing on what's instead, we very much liked the striking label on the dark bottle. Overall, we rate this wine Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: A lifted nose showing aromas of gooseberry, passionfruit, kiwi and underlying herbal notes. A light-bodied dry, crisp wine with typical Marlborough flavors of gooseberry, stone fruit and nettles with a mouthwatering acidity, leading to a long lingering finish. An ideal wine with fresh seafood or white meat. (From the distributor's website.)

Winery website: None found.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Tradewinds Pineapple Wine NV

California (wine review and rating)

Tradewinds Pineapple Wine NV

Origin: California
Blend: Pineapple
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2011
Purchase Price: $8.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: This gold-colored wine has a fragrance of — not surprisingly — tropical fruit and flowers, and though pineapple can be discerned, it is not the dominant aroma. Rather sweet on the palate, and in particular at first, a moderating acidity develops to lessen the sweetness, though this would never be considered a "dry" wine by any means. A hint of spice, possibly orange zest, is also present. There isn't much of a finish.

Our rating: We were pleased with this simply crafted wine. It is not cloyingly sweet, which we confess we feared, and paired quite nicely with our Sunday brunch dishes. We also think it might work well with some East Asian cuisines. It's not a wine we'd serve very often, but it does add a festive, tropical sense to a meal. It seems priced a little high for what it is, but overall, we'd rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: This bright luscious off-dry wine blooms with the rich heady flavor of the queen of tropical fruits. Vivid aromas of plumeria and orange blossoms are layered with delicate hints of vanilla and exotic spices. The crisp lively texture finishes long and clean with the taste of fresh pineapples.

Winery website: Tradewinds Tropical Wines.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

La Petits Sarments Sauvignon Blanc 2010

France (wine review and rating)

La Petits Sarments Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Origin: France
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2011
Purchase Price: $9.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: A pale lemon yellow in color, this wine has aromas of citrus and lemongrass with slight herbal or vegetal notes. Crisp and light on the palate, the fruit flavors are very citrusy but not overly tart or acidic. A hint of minerality appears into the finish, which is of moderate length.

Our rating: We guessed right and decided to serve this wine as an aperitif that extended later into finger food-type appetizers. (It was too nice of a day to fix a proper meal!) The wine is light and versatile enough to pair with a wide variety of foods, and is probably best enjoyed as we did, or with a crisp green salad with tomatoes. We very much enjoyed this wine, and rate it on the very high side of Above Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Cren dell' Ape Piemonte Cortese 2010

Piedmonte, Italy (wine review and rating)

Cren dell' Ape Piemonte Cortese 2010

Origin: Piedmonte, Italy
Blend: Cortese (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2011
Purchase Price: $8.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: A light gold with green highlights, this floral wine has aromas of tree fruit (apple, pear) with a slight note of honey. The fruit flavors on the palate are more spicy than not, cider- and perry-like, with considerable mineral character. Though the finish is lengthy, it doesn't add anything new or different from the palate.

Our rating: Maybe it's because it is October, this wine reminds us of autumn. The flavors are definitely reminiscent of fall fruit and spices. There's a hint of citrus now and then, but it's definitely a background characteristic. This is an interesting wine, one that paired well with our grilled chicken and broccoli over pasta tossed with a bit of olive oil, though we think it might pair somewhat better with seafood than with poultry. This is not a popular varietal here — this is only our third bottle since we began our published reviews in 2007 — and we have little to go by for comparison; regardless, we rather enjoyed it and rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: None

Winery website: None found.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Castle Rock Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Mendocino County, California (wine review and rating)

Castle Rock Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Origin: Mendocino County, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2011
Purchase Price: $8.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Pale straw in color with gold and green highlights, this wine has aromas of ruby grapefruit and tropical fruit with faint herbal, maybe grassy notes. The palate is fairly soft, with flavors of citrus fruit accompanied by some minerality. The finish adds some lemon zest character and is slightly astringent.

Our rating: This wine seems to lack refinement, an odd mix of styles typically associated with other regions, even other varietals. We're guessing that it was cellared for some time in oak, which would account for its softness, and if so, it also seems to have left it rather unbalanced. Maybe murky is a better description. Consuming with food seems to improve it slightly, and it's entirely possible that it is simply too old; we generally don't purchase vintages more than two years old, but somehow this slipped by us. Overall we weren't impressed and rate it Below Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker for this vintage found.

Winery website: Castle Rock Winery. The bottle image of this wine differs slightly from the one we reviewed.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Star Tree Nouveau Blanc 2010

Northern Cape, South Africa (wine review and rating)

Star Tree Nouveau Blanc 2010

Origin: Northern Cape, South Africa
Blend: "A variety of white grape cultivars"
Alcohol Content: 9.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2011
Purchase Price: $9.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Pale straw-gold in color, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit and honey, with notes of orange blossom. Quite sweet on the palate — but not overly so — the flavors are reminiscent of fresh cut pineapple, melon, even plum, with a hint of orange zest. The finish is surprisingly brisk and clean.

Our rating: Everything about this wine says "brunch" to us … as opposed to, say, "dessert". The label says it is a "natural sweet white wine", and by that we're assuming that the marketing folks are trying to imply that it doesn't have the cloying sweetness of some dessert wines (or Northwest Pacific Rieslings). And it doesn't. There's not much refinement to this wine, and we'd never serve it at or after dinner, but we think it perfectly appropriate — especially given its low alcohol content — for a midday breakfast/lunch buffet. We rate it about Average overall.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Orange River Cellars.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Mendoza Station Torrontes "Seleccion Especial" 2010

Mendoza, Argentina (wine review and rating)

Mendoza Station Torrontes "Seleccion Especial" 2010

Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: Torrontés (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $8.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Greenish-gold in color, this wine has aromas of citrus (tangerine comes to mind here) and flowers. The fruit flavor on the palate has a tart orange, maybe orange rind, character to it, but is nicely balanced. The finish, however, is slightly unbalanced, a bit astringent and incongruous.

Our rating: "Mendoza Station" is a relatively new label of inexpensive wines. The "Seleccion Especial" variant is, we suppose, intended to be a higher quality wine. But we have to say, we don't see it here. We tend to think of this varietal as being a somewhat "soft" ABC wine, but there's nothing but edges in this example. We served our bottle with an appetizer platter, and to be fair, it paired well enough with pretty much everything there. We rate it Average, but we think the "regular" version of this wine is just as good. Last year we also rated the standard 2009 vintage Average … but — and it's a big "but" — that was for a 1.5L bottle, which is priced the same as this 750ml bottle.

Taste profile from the winemaker: None

Winery website: None found.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

BrisAndes Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Casablanca Valley, Chile (wine review and rating)

BrisAndes Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Origin: Casablanca Valley, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: August 2011
Purchase Price: $9.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: A very pale greenish-gold in color, this wine has aromas of citrus, gooseberry and lemongrass. The citrus flavors are tart on the palate, almost exceedingly so, and aren't balanced until well into the very lengthy finish, at which time some minerality is introduced.

Our rating: We didn't care much for this wine, which seemed to lack focus. True, it has all the characteristics of this varietal and is created largely in what we consider to be a typical Chilean style, but it seemed all over the map. Not the best way to describe a wine, we know, but that's our overall impression. We served our bottle with chicken and vegetable wraps, not a bad pairing, considering. Simple is probably better here in terms of matching foods. We rate it, however, just Below Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: The color is clear with nice green reflections, the nose exhibiting traditional and "savage" aromas of Sauvignon Blanc: boxwood and exotic fruit (pineapple and lime). On the palate fresh, very juicy with good persistence and expression as well as balance. (From the label.)

Winery website: None found.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Conquista de Argentina Torrontés 2009

Mendoza, Argentina (wine review and rating)

Conquista de Argentina Torrontés 2009

Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: Torrontés (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $5.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Straw-gold in color, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit with notes of honey and spice. Somewhat smoky on the palate, the flavors tend toward tree fruit (apple, pear) and their cider and perry derivatives. The finish is lengthy, and extends the characters exhibited on the palate.

Our rating: This is a rather complex wine that tastes more expensive than it is. We enjoyed our bottle with grilled tuna and vegetables, a nice if not altogether inspired pairing. We think the wine needs a more flavorful, more substantial dish to bring out its full character. The smokiness may appeal to some consumers, but it's something we tend to shy away from in our ABC wines. We rate it Average overall, but definitely worth a try at this price point. (We had forgotten we had reviewed the 2008 vintage until we were preparing this post. The reviews are surprisingly similar, though we scored the previous year's vintage Above Average. In a kind of ironic twist, we recommended that you not pair it with seafood last year, yet that's exactly the meal we chose to serve our bottle with this year.)

Taste profile from the winemaker: Aromas of apricots, honey and spices followed by a refreshing palate of tropical fruit and melon.

Winery website: None found.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Gabbiano Pinot Grigio 2010

delle Venezie, Italy (wine review and rating)

Gabbiano Pinot Grigio 2010

Origin: delle Venezie, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2011
Purchase Price: $8.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Medium straw in color with tints of gold, this wine has aromas of tree fruit (peach, apple) with notes of flowers and spice. The initial tree fruit flavors are almost immediately accompanied by a strong, but not overwhelming, spicy character, a little acidic at first but quickly balanced. The moderately long finish adds in a hint of almond.

Our rating: This wine has several layers to it, but they're not entirely harmonious. Not a sipping wine, but one that does pair well with a pasta dish, which is how we enjoyed our bottle. We generally prefer our Pinot Grigios to be crisp and refreshing — think summertime wine — but this one is a little too aggressive for us. It's not a bad wine by any means, just a spin on this varietal that didn't excite us. We previously rated the 2007 vintage Average, and we rate this one similarly … though we suspect that consumers who like a bit of unexpected complexity to their wines will appreciate this one more than we did.

Taste profile from the winemaker: None

Winery website: Castello di Gabbiano. This wine is not mentioned on the winery website.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Marlborough, New Zealand (wine review and rating)

Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2011
Purchase Price: $9.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Straw in color with gold highlights, this wine has aromas of citrus and lemongrass with just a hint of boxwood. Quite smooth on the palate, the tartness of the citrus is well balanced with tropical fruit-like flavors. The finish continues the profile from the palate, though is somewhat muted.

Our rating: We enjoyed the complexity exhibited by this wine. True, it has all the characteristics that are typical of this varietal from New Zealand, but there is a lot of subtlety here as well. We served our bottle with a meal of pan-seared tuna and asparagus, a very nice pairing, though we think it versatile enough to go with most any seafood dish. We previously rated the 2008 vintage Above Average, but this year's effort is superior to that. We rate it Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: None

Winery website: Allan Scott Family Winemakers. Having already moved on to 2011, the website does not mention the 2010 vintage of this wine.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Recaş "Castle Rock" Riesling 2010

Romania (wine review and rating)

Recaş "Castle Rock" Riesling 2010

Origin: Romania
Blend: Riesling (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $5.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Straw in color with silver highlights, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit (pineapple) and citrus (orange) with notes of orange blossom. The fruit flavors are initially slightly sweet on the palate, but are quickly accompanied by a moderating acidity. The finish has very little character and is rather short.

Our rating: This is an interesting take on this varietal, far more dry than sweet … and to be fair, the "sweet" is ever so brief. The fruit flavors are a little thin and watery — and seem more citrusy in the second glass than the first — a charateristic more noticeable when the wine is consumed alone as opposed to served with food. Toward that end, we enjoyed our bottle with grilled chicken breasts sliced over pasta, which had been tossed in a bit of herbs and olive oil, a nice pairing. It's not an altogether memorable wine, but it is by no means a forgettable one either. When all is said and done, we rate it about Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: None

Winery website: Cremele Recaş. The bottle image of this wine differs slightly from the one we reviewed.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Si Soave Italia 2009

Soave, Veneto, Italy (wine review and rating)

Si Soave Italia 2009

Origin: Soave, Veneto, Italy
Blend: Garganega (90%), Trebbiano (10%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2011
Suggested Retail Price: $8.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Medium gold in color this wine has aromas of perry (pear cider) and other tree fruits with faint floral notes. Of moderate body on the palate, the fruit flavors are similar to the nose, with more than a hint of spice or herbal tea notes. The finish is clean but otherwise unremarkable.

Our rating: Earlier this week we reviewed another Soave, yet the present wine is markedly different. Not different in a bad way, just different. Though it may seem at first there is a lot going on here, it's relatively simple in its structure. Towards that end, we think it works best as a wine to serve at lunch, or with a light meal (think sandwiches and salads). Last year we rated the 2008 vintage Average, and we rate this one similarly, maybe a touch higher. Regarding the unusual arc-shaped bottle, we like it quite a bit. It's playful and practical. Kind of like the wine itself.

Taste profile from the winemaker: None

Winery website: Si Soave Italia.

This bottle of wine was received as a sample for review. No promise was given or implied that it would be the subject of an endorsement or review, either positive or negative.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Cantina de Monteforte "Re Teodorico" Soave 2009

Soave, Veneto, Italy (wine review and rating)

Cantina de Monteforte "Re Teodorico" Soave 2009

Origin: Soave, Veneto, Italy
Blend: Garganega (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2011
Suggested Retail Price: $9.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Bright yellow with gold highlights, this wine has aromas of citrus, green apple and herbs, with notes of spice and a hint of lemongrass. The flavors on the palate have a similar profile and are reasonably well-rounded. The finish is fairly short, but clean and refreshing.

Our rating: There is a lot of character and depth to this wine, so much so that — and somewhat to our surprise — we were a little unsure how to describe what were tasting, and constantly revising our notes as a result. We enjoyed our bottle with Tuscan-herbed chicken and roasted potatoes, a nice pairing … but also one that could have influenced how we perceived the wine. This is one of those cases where the wine seems to adapt to the meal being consumed, an interesting aspect. We think it probably pairs best with lightly seasoned poultry and vegetable dishes, though we wouldn't be adverse to trying it with pork. Overall, we rate it on the high side of Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Color (Visual): Clear, bright straw yellow. Aroma (Nose): Notable nose of violets and almonds. Taste (Palate): Vibrant and sapid with a characteristic aftertaste of almonds.

Winery website: Cantina di Monteforte.

This bottle of wine was received as a sample for review. No promise was given or implied that it would be the subject of an endorsement or review, either positive or negative.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Soave: The Wine and its Origin

This coming week we'll be reviewing two Soave wines, but before we did, we thought we'd acquaint ourselves with a little more about the wine and its region.

There are three different types of Soave:

• Soave DOC, which includes the sub-zones of Soave Classico and Soave Colli Scaligeri;
• Soave Superiore DOCG (2001) which also includes wines with the "Riserva" designation; and
• Recioto di Soave DOCG (1998) a dessert wine not often found in the US at present.

Soave must be composed of a minimum of 70% Garganega, although many of the Classico wines contain up to 100%. Many winemakers utilize Trebbiano di Soave, typically about 10%, for its enlivening acidity, and although Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco are permitted their use is becoming increasingly rare. Most of the wines are vinified and aged in stainless steel tanks. Some winemakers use wood for ageing, in particular for the Classico wines, but they focus on older oak that merely adds roundness to the wines without being too prominent.

Soave Italy

For centuries, the Garganega grape has produced noble, elegant and harmonious wines that have countless mentions in historical documents and Italian literature. Today Garganega — when it is grown in optimum locations and conditions with low yields and when the grapes are allowed to ripen fully — produces wines with delicate flavors of pear, pineapple, and apricot that become fuller and more luscious with age.

Garganega thrives in Soave, where the terroir yields superb quality white wines. The Soave production zone is situated in the eastern part of the province of Verona in Italy's Veneto region. The Soave zone — characterized by gentle rolling hills — includes parts or all of the areas belonging to the municipalities of Soave, Monteforte d'Alpone, San Martino Buon Albergo, Lavagno, Mezzane, Caldiero, Colognola, Illasi, Cazzano, Roncà, Montecchia and San Giovanni Ilarione. The majority of the vineyards are in the hills including the historic "Classico" zone, which lies between the charming medieval town of Soave and Monteforte d'Alpone, the oldest original zone. Beautiful centuries old castles, churches, bell towers, and aristocratic villas are all part of the rich history and traditions of this area, and indicative of the region's principal product, Soave wines. Eons ago, the Soave area was covered by a tropical sea as evidenced by saline sediments in the soil that are expressed in Soave wine, with its rich mineral quality and distinctive fresh, clean and fruit-forward flavors. The tufaceous volcanic terroir of this area also lends to the development of complex and multi-faceted white wines.

We'd like to thank the Soave Consortium for providing the above information to us and Colangelo & Partners for providing two samples of wine from this region for review.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Collezione Marchesini Orvieto Classico 2009

Orvieto, Italy (wine review and rating)

Collezione Marchesini Orvieto Classico 2009

Origin: Orvieto, Italy
Blend: Grechetto and Trebbiano (percentages unknown)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $8.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: A very pale gold in color with a tint of green this wine has aromas of citrus (lemon) and orange blossom with very slight notes of herbs, maybe lemongrass. The fruit flavors, mostly lemon and other citrus, are nicely balanced on the palate, and have a bit of body to them. The finish is relatively short and tastes a bit of lemon or orange zest.

Our rating: This is a very pleasant wine, if not an altogether interesting or memorable one. There are a lot of familiar characteristics to it, so much so that it fails to distinguish itself as something different and unique. That isn't necessarily a bad thing — all things considered, we rather enjoyed our bottle — but it seems a bit generic, like an everyday table wine … which maybe it is. Serve it with classic Italian dishes, though it's also quite nice on its own or as an aperitif. We rate it Above Average overall.

Taste profile from the winemaker: None

Winery website: None found.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Anakena Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Central Valley, Chile (wine review and rating)

Anakena Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Origin: Central Valley, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $6.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: A light citrus scent with hints of lemongrass and orange zest are exhibited by this pale straw-colored wine. There is some initial citrus tartness, but it is quickly balanced by a mild tropical fruit flavor.

Our rating: We've been fans of this wine label for some time now, having previously enjoyed the 2006, 2007, and 2008 vintages, as well as one of its higher priced sister labels, the 2009 Anakena Indo Sauvignon Blanc. This 2010 vintage is comparable, in that it is incredibly food friendly, pairing well with most any dish and probably most particularly Asian cuisines. Still, we think it isn't quite as good as in the past — primarily due to the somewhat odd finish here — and rate it Above Average. Nevertheless, we continue to recommend the wine as a candidate for everyday consumption.

Taste profile from the winemaker: A crisp pale gold Sauvignon Blanc, with intense notes of white peach, pineapple and citrus. On the palate it is fresh, and with a pleasant finish. Delicious with chicken salad, white fish and light appetizers.

Winery website: Anakena: Roots of the Andes.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Villa Maria "Private Bin" Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Marlborough, New Zealand (wine review and rating)

Villa Maria "Private Bin" Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: August 2011
Purchase Price: $10.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Greenish-gold in color with silver highlights, this wine has aromas of citrus, gooseberry, and lemongrass with faint herbal notes. Crisp on the palate, the fruit flavors are tart and tend towards freshly cut grapefruit. The finish includes some minerality.

Our rating: There is no mistaking that this varietal wine with its characteristic style is from New Zealand, but it's a very approachable example. And for a wine that can be said to be "crisp", it's also very "smooth". This is one of our favorites from the region, and we typically serve it with simply prepared white fish filets. But it would also pair well with most any vegetarian dish, especially an Asian-inspired one. We have previously rated the 2006 vintage and 2009 vintage Excellent, and are pleased to say that this current vintage also merits this rating.

Taste profile from the winemaker: This vibrant Sauvignon Blanc is 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.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Vino de Eyzaguirre Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Colchagua Valley, Chile (wine review and rating)

Vino de Eyzaguirre Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Origin: Colchagua Valley, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $9.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Lemon yellow/gold in color, this wine has an aroma of tropical fruit with notes of orange zest. The tropical fruit character is carried forward onto the palate but seems a little flat. A bit of grassiness develops into the finish.

Our rating: We've said on several occasions that we're fans of Chilean Sauvignon Blancs, and this wine is a good reason why. Very food friendly, the wine's character is such that it neither overwhelms nor conflicts with most dishes. Better yet, it tastes more expensive than it is. Probably best served with seafood, we also think it pairs nicely with mildly spiced chicken dishes; chicken satays with a Thai peanut sauce for example. Score-wise, we rate it well Above Average, but subjectively it's a bit better than that.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Pale straw color with soft green hues. On the nose, it has fresh notes of lychee and lemon zest with hints of grass and tropical fruits. In the mouth it shows lively acidity, appealing brightness and good volume with a long, pleasant finish.

Winery website: None found.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Recaş "Castle Rock" Fetească Regală 2010

Romania (wine review and rating)

Recaş "Castle Rock" Fetească Regală 2010

Origin: Romania
Blend: Fetească Regală (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $8.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: This wine is golden straw in color with apple/pear aromas and a hint of cider-like spice and herbs. Rather smooth on the palate, the flavors are similar to the nose, accompanied by some citric-based acidity. The finish tapers off gradually, leaving an ever so slight tropical fruit-like sweetness behind.

Our rating: We've never tasted this particular varietal before — indeed, this is our first wine from Romania — but apparently this grape is quite common in the region. Since we didn't know what to expect, we prepared our standard meal to serve with unknown wines, sauteed chicken breasts and herb-infused rice — it's actually quite a common meal in our house anyway — and were pleasantly surprised at how well it paired. We think poultry dishes, especially those that are mildly spiced — think North African or Middle Eastern here — may be ideal. It's not an overly complex wine but one that has a lot of character to it. In a word, it's interesting. One of our more unusual ABC wines, and one you may be unfamiliar with; we rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: None

Winery website: Cremele Recaş. The bottle image of this wine differs slightly from the one we reviewed.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Fish Eye Pinot Grigio 2010 3L Box

South Eastern Australia (wine review and rating)

Fish Eye Pinot Grigio 2010 3L Box

Origin: South Eastern Australia
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: N/A
Purchase Date: August 2011
Purchase Price: $15.99 (3L box)

Our review: Medium gold in color, this wine has aromas of nectarine and pineapple/mango with floral notes. The palate tends towards tropical fruit flavors, though they are a little harsh. A very slight chalky minerality creeps into the moderately long finish.

Our rating: Two years ago we reviewed the Fish Eye Pinot Grigio 2008, rating it rather poorly. We almost skipped buying this cask version until we noticed that instead of California, the wine originated from Australia. OK, that was enough of a difference for us to give it a try. And overall, we're glad we did … though let's be clear, this isn't a great wine by any means. It's rather generic and lacks character. But for its probable intended purpose — an informal gathering of friends or family, a backyard barbecue, a quick glass with a quick lunch, and the like — it's more than adequate and has the bonus of being quite food friendly. If you store your boxed wines in the refrigerator, and most of us probably do even though we know it overchills it, you may find that the wine is markedly better after it warms up a bit in the glass. We rate it about Average, but at just the equivalent of $4 a bottle, it's really a good value.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Refreshing and flavorful, with a pleasant touch of ripe peach and citrus.

Winery website: Fish Eye Winery.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

La di Motte Pinot Grigio 2009

Fossalta di Piave, Italy (wine review and rating)

La di Motte Pinot Grigio 2009

Origin: Fossalta di Piave, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: August 2011
Purchase Price: $9.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Medium gold in color, this wine has aromas of tree fruit, tropical fruit and very slightly of bananas, with hints of honey and spice. Smooth, almost creamy, on the palate with an initial tingling sensation on the tongue, the dominant flavor is one of spicy cider with a nice balance to the acidity. The finish is very brief and unremarkable.

Our rating: Almost everything about this wine, from the color to its slightly smoky character, suggests it was cellared in oak, but according to the website, this wine experienced no oak aging. Not expecting this, we mispaired it, serving this wine with a light meal of cold turkey sandwiches and a crisp green salad when we think it would probably best be served with something more along the lines of a fully dressed Thanksgiving dinner. Unlike most any other Italian version of this varietal that we've had recently, we're not sure if it is typical or not — it's certainly unusual based on our experience — but in the end we rather enjoyed it and that's all that probably matters. We rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Straw yellow colour with lively highlights. Soft on the palate with well-balanced acidity. This wine has an elegant bouquet, typical varietal aromas with hints of hay.

Winery website: La di Motte. The bottle image, taken from the winery website, shows a green bottle. Our was brown, but otherwise identical.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Finca Los Maza Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Mendoza, Argentina (wine review and rating)

Finca Los Maza Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.3%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $7.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: This straw-colored wine with gold highlights has aromas of tree fruit (notably apples) with strong floral and spice notes. The fruit flavor on the palate is of a similar character accompanied with a nicely balanced citrus-like tartness, with a very slight, but not unpleasant, bitterness appearing in the finish.

Our rating: We appreciate the complexity that the winemaker tried to introduce into this wine, though we thought the overall flavors were a bit flat and not quite harmonious. We suspect the brief oak cellaring softened the wine just a tad too much, rendering it somewhat muddled. Not a sipping wine, but one that pairs nicely with freshly prepared, richly flavored foods. We served our bottle with oven-fried chicken, baked potatoes and steamed vegetables, a solid pairing. (That may not seem like a "richly flavored" meal to you, but trust us, it was!) Attractively priced, and noticeably different from its cousins to the west (i.e. Chilean Sauvignon Blancs), we think it's worth checking out. We rate it on the high side of Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Color: Pale yellow with green hues. Aroma: Grapefruit along with other citric fruits. Mouth: Fresh and butters with citric notes and a well-balanced acidity.

Winery website: Finca Los Maza.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Pavão Vinho Verde NV (2010)

Portugal (wine review and rating)

Pavão Vinho Verde NV (2010)

Origin: Portugal
Blend: Unknown
Alcohol Content: 11.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $6.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Light- to medium-gold in color, this ever so slightly sparkling wine has aromas of apple and pear, with slight hints of cider and almonds. The fruit flavors on the palate are a bit like unripened apple and apple peel, rather tart and astringent. There isn't much of a finish, but as the fruit flavors fade a mild minerality appears.

Our rating: Usually we prefer our Vinho Verdes ("green wines") as an aperitif, or simply as is while relaxing, but in this case we found we enjoyed this wine a bit more when accompanied by food. Granted, we served it with breakfast-for-dinner — scrambled eggs, ham, potatoes and onions — so there was every expectation that it would pair well. Still, this wasn't one of our favorite examples of this blend. Though typically a non-vintage wine, the bottles are stamped with their date of export. We previously rated a 2009-dated bottle on the low side of Average. We score this 2010-dated bottle a little worse, still Average but just barely.

Taste profile from the winemaker: None

Winery website: None found.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Placido Pinot Grigio 2010


delle Venezie, Italy (wine review and rating)

Placido Pinot Grigio 2010

Origin: delle Venezie, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: August 2011
Purchase Price: $9.99 (1.5L bottle)

Our review: Light straw-gold in color, this wine has rich aromas of apples and tangerines with floral notes. The fruit flavors — similar to those on the nose — have a nice acidic balance, not too tart but not too sweet either. The fruitiness diminishes into the finish, which has a dry mineral character to it.

Our rating: Having been disappointing by so many of our experimental 1.5L wines of earlier this summer, we were surprised at how much we enjoyed this particular wine. To be sure, there isn't much depth to it and it tastes like the generic pinot grigio that it is, but for what we believe to be it its intended purpose — or at least how we would serve it, at an outdoor gathering of friends and family together with grilled meats and vegetables — it is more than suitable. Its relatively low alcohol content is rather attractive in this context, as well. And it has a screw cap, unlike so many others, and something we actually prefer, a thoughtful addition by the winemaker. On our standard scale, we rate it Average, but for our next party, where we need an inexpensive, versatile wine, we'll be looking for this one.

Taste profile from the winemaker: None

Winery website: None found.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Martín Códax Albariño 2009

Rias Baixax, Spain (wine review and rating)

Martín Códax Albariño 2009

Origin: Rias Baixax, Spain
Blend: Albariño (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: August 2011
Purchase Price: $5.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: A medium gold in color, this wine has aromas of mixed tropical fruits with significant notes of spice. Of moderate body on the palate, the fruit flavors tend towards tree fruit (apple, pear) though there is some tropical fruit (pineapple, guava) present as well. The finish brings out the spice a bit, reminiscent of cider.

Our rating: This wine has a lot of character to it. While one will be tempted to serve it with a meal — and we're thinking a poultry dish is best — it can also be enjoyed as is, just relaxing and enjoying the late summer breezes. Indeed, our bottle was nearly gone by the time the chicken breasts came off the grill. Rich and smooth, we rate this wine Above Average, Nearly Excellent. We previously rated the 2006 vintage similarly. (A quick note about the price paid: this wine was in a "marked down" section, and is almost certainly not what you would pay for it. Indeed, Wine.com currently lists it for $16.99. We wish now we had cleared the vendor where we purchased our bottle of their remaining supply.)

Taste profile from the winemaker: This refreshing food friendly white wine is crisp, elegant and dry and has aromas and flavors of pear, passion fruit and apple with bright acidity.

Martín Códax Albariño 2009 may be available to purchase from Wine.com.

Winery website: Martín Códax.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

The Beachhouse White Wine 2010

Western Cape, South Africa (wine review and rating)

The Beachhouse White Wine 2010

Origin: Western Cape, South Africa
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (80%), Semillon (20%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: August 2011
Purchase Price: $8.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Light gold with green/silver highlights, this wine has aromas of citrus (orange, lime) and lemongrass with fresh floral and herbal notes. The citrusy, but not too tart, flavors are accompanied by tropical fruit, but not too sweet, flavors on the palate. The finish is very brief, but has a touch of minerality to it.

Our rating: There is not much complexity to the wine, which is not necssarily a fault as we think it makes the wine quite versatile, able to pair with a wide variety of foods. In our opinion, South African Sauvignon Blancs generally work best with moderately spicy Asian cuisines, regardless of underlying protein, and this wine did not disappoint in that regard. We served our bottle with orange chicken, and found it to be an appropriate pairing. The inclusion of Semillon in this blend seems to soften the wine a bit, a nice touch, and one that should appeal to those who may consider some Sauvignon Blancs as too harsh. We rate this wine Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Twinkling bright and pale straw with playful lemongrass and gooseberry aromas layered with hints of honeysuckle and tangerine that race across the palate in a refreshing burst of tantalising citrus fruit finishing with a vibrant crispness.

Winery website: The Beachhouse: A Wine by Douglas Green.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Sobon Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Amador County, California (wine review and rating)

Sobon Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Origin: Amador County, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: August 2011
Purchase Price: $9.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Silver-gold in color, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit and spice. Other than an initially brief and pleasant citrus tartness on the tip of the tongue, there isn't much fruit flavor on the palate; rather, it is more of a slightly smoky, earthy character with a crisp acidity that increases a bit into the finish, which itself it lengthy with considerable depth.

Our rating: Those who favor California interpretations of this varietal will not be disappointed in this effort. It's nicely complex, and would pair well with most meals that include roasted meats or vegetables. As with many "oaked" white wines — and to be sure, we aren't sure this wine has experienced any oak aging, but we'd be surprised if it hadn't — allowing it to breathe a bit before consuming improves its overall character. We previously rated the 2007 vintage and the 2008 vintage of this wine, rating them both Average. We think the current wine is a tad better, rating on the high side of Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Crisp and fruity, a perfect match for seafood and fowl dishes. The aromas are a captivating blend of floral and spicy tones with a hint of tropical fruit and toasted coconut. (From the bottle label.)

Winery website: Sobon Family Wines. This varietal is not mentioned on the winery website.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Robert Mondavi "Private Selection" Sauvignon Blanc 2010

California (wine review and rating)

Robert Mondavi "Private Selection" Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Origin: California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: July 2011
Suggested Retail Price: $11.00 (750ml bottle)

Our review: The green-gold wine exhibits aromas of lime, citrus zest, and lemongrass, with very slight notes of citrus flowers. The citrus flavors are a little muted at first, but quickly develop on the palate. The somewhat astringent finish has some mineral character to it.

Our rating: Maybe it shouldn't, but it continues to surprise us how much temperature is a factor in reviewing wines. We typically serve Sauvignon Blancs reasonably well chilled, but in this case, we found that as this wine warmed it improved. What we initially considered to be muted or flat flavors developed quite nicely after 20-30 minutes or so. We served our bottle with a grilled pork chops and asparagus, probably not the best choice but not a bad one overall. It demonstrated to us how versatile this wine can be. Our recommendation is to chill this wine and then allow it to breathe for 15-20 minutes before serving. As such, we rate it Above Average.

This wine was received as a sample for review. See our Disclosure Policy for more information about our reviews of sample products.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Lemon/lime, with freshly cut grass and floral notes on the nose. The flavors of the same family with a nice acidic backbone. The acidity leans to the citrus side making for a very food friendly wine. Enjoy this superior Sauvignon Blanc with crab salad, calamari, prosciutto-wrapped pears, and roasted chicken.

Winery website: Robert Mondavi Wines (Private Selection). The information on the website is a little dated; the most recent information mentioned is for 2008 vintages.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Kirkland Pinot Grigio 2010

Friuli, Italy (wine review and rating)

Kirkland Pinot Grigio 2010

Origin: Friuli, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: August 2011
Purchase Price: $6.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Straw-gold in color this wine has aromas of tree fruit (apples, peaches) with notes of flowers. Nicely balanced on the palate, the fruit flavors are similar in character as those on the nose, slightly tart and accompanied by a mild minerality, which remains well into the finish.

Our rating: We previously reviewed the 2009 vintage of this wine, sold exclusively at Costco, and were delighted to see it again in our local store. When we compared our notes, year over year, we found that these two vintages are broadly similar, but we think the present bottle is somewhat more refined, more interesting than last year's. We served our bottle with an appetizer platter consisting of both hot and cold finger foods, and found it paired nicely with everything. We think its versatility is a strong factor in its favor, but would suggest poultry — like chicken satays with a peanut sauce and pickled cucumbers on the side — as its best food match. We rate it on the very high side of Above Average. And maybe the best part: it's priced a dollar less than last year.

Taste profile from the winemaker: A bright and fragrant bouquet of crisp apple and pear notes, with a hint of tropical fruit and a touch of dried nuts. The acidity is crisp followed by a clean and refreshing finish. (From the bottle label.)

Winery website: None found.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

flipflop Pinot Grigio 2010

California (wine review and rating)

flipflop Pinot Grigio 2010

Origin: California
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: August 2011
Purchase Price: $5.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Lemon yellow in color, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit (pineapple, melon) with significant notes of tree and citrus fruit (green apple, orange). Smooth on the palate, the fruit flavors are an interesting mix of sweet and tart, settling more towards the latter into the finish, which retains much of the fruit character, though is reminiscent ever so slightly of apple peel or citrus rind.

Our rating: This is a new label, launched earlier this year by Underdog Wine Merchants, with seven varietals all with a recommended retail price of $7 per bottle. There's nothing complex about this wine, but it is very drinkable. We served our bottle during a pot-luck style lunch, and given its versatility in pairing, that's probably a good choice. It would also do well at an informal gathering of friends and family, and work well with appetizers. We enjoyed this wine, rating it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Light-bodied, refreshing with tropical citrus, ripe pear and a zesty, clean finish.

Winery website: flipflop: to each, their own. According to information posted on the website, for every bottle of flipflop wine purchased, Soles4Souls will distribute a pair of shoes to someone in need (up to 100,000 pairs this year).

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Robert Mondavi "Private Selection" Pinot Grigio 2010

California (primarily Monterey County) (wine review and rating)

Robert Mondavi "Private Selection" Pinot Grigio 2010

Origin: California (primarily Monterey County)
Blend: Pinot Grigio (82%), Pinot Blanc (8%), Sauvignon Blanc (5%), Gewürztraminer (5%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: July 2011
Suggested Retail Price: $11.00 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Aromas of tree fruit (pear, apple) with notes of citrus and a hint of spice are exhibited by this pale yellow-gold wine. The palate has a similar flavor profile, which is accompanied by a brisk acidity. The wine finishes cleanly, but is relatively brief.

Our rating: This is an example of a wine that is much better when consumed with food than when enjoyed on its own. Alone, it is somewhat harsh — though that's probably too strong of a word to use — but in conjunction with a meal, it's quite nice. We served our bottle with a Spanish chicken and rice dish, and found it paired beautifully, the wine complementing the onions, bell peppers, and spices present. Probably not the most versatile of wines, but one that will definitely be enjoyed with the right meal. We rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Boasts an enticing aroma of fresh, ripe pears with appealing peach, vanilla, and spice scents adding complexity. A pretty wine with a round, creamy palate and crisp entry, it has the typical tonic water, pear, and floral grassy flavors that culminate into a lush, silk-textured finish — inviting pairings with food.

This wine was received as a sample for review. See our Disclosure Policy for more information about our reviews of sample products.

Winery website: Robert Mondavi Wines (Private Selection). The information on the website is a little dated; the most recent information mentioned is for 2008 vintages.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Undurraga Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Central Valley, Chile (wine review and rating)

Undurraga Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Origin: Central Valley, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $7.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Light yellow-gold with green highlights, this wine has aromas of citrus, lemongrass and sweet herbs. Gently crisp on the palate, the citrus flavors are paired with a dry minerality. The citrus character dissipates into the lengthy finish, a slightly neutral herbaceousness remaining that is more pleasant than not.

Our rating: We chose (not overly) blackened white fish sandwiches to serve with this wine, a nice choice. The soft, almost mellow character of the wine works well with a lighter meal. The wine also works well on its own; indeed, we had consumed more than half the bottle before the sandwiches were ready. We think that it could readily be enjoyed with other sandwich meats, such as roasted turkey or even pulled pork. Quite typical of this varietal from Chile, it has the bonus of being attractively priced. We rate it on the high end of Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: It has a pale colour with green tones and is fruity, floral and exciting. It is perfect to accompany salads, fish, seafood, and cold meats.

Winery website: Viñas Undurraga.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

MontGras "Reserva" Sauvignon Blanc 2009

San Antonio Valley, Chile (wine review and rating)

MontGras "Reserva" Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Origin: San Antonio Valley, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $8.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Straw-gold in color, this wine has aromas of citrus and lemongrass, with slight sweet bell pepper notes. On the palate, the citrus flavors are nicely balanced with a touch of grassiness and minerality that gives it a crisp feel. The finish is brief, bringing out a hint of spiciness (though it could also be characterized as citrus zest).

Our rating: This is a very nice wine, one which we enjoyed with grilled chicken and quickly stir fried vegetables. We think it may pair slightly better with seafood, in particular shellfish, but given how drinkable it is -- there's a subtle hint of tropical fruit sweetness that captivated us -- this wine can probably be readily served with a wide variety of cuisines. It's no secret we're fans of Chilean Sauvignon Blancs, and this one doesn't (and won't) disappoint. We rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Appearance: Pale straw yellow. Aromas: Loaded with grapefruit, passion fruit and figs combined with nice fresh grass and asparagus notes. Intense and attractive. Deep and intense citric fruit and melon. It not only has freshness, but also volume and a nice texture. Full bodied.

Winery website: . Viña MontGras

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Antica Corte Garganega/Pinot Grigio 2010

delle Venezie, Italy (wine review and rating)

Antica Corte Garganega/Pinot Grigio 2010

Origin: delle Venezie, Italy
Blend: Garganega (80%), Pinot Grigio (20%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $7.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Light gold in color, this wine has aromas of dried tree fruit, honey, and spices (cider). The flavor profile on the palate is quite similar to the nose, right down to the cider character that becomes more prominent into the finish, which is long-lasting but somewhat on the bitter side.

Our rating: We reviewed last year's vintage not long ago, and used the word "harsh" to describe the flavors on the palate. Although we described the flavors themselves a bit differently, "harsh" is applicable here as well. This is not a sipping wine by any means, but does pair well with food; we served our bottle, coincidentally enough, with almost the exact same meal we mentioned last November, chicken and rice. We think it would complement most poultry or pork dishes, particularly those with Italian or Mediterranean flavors. We like the complexity of the wine, but not so much its overall character. Still, we do rate it Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Cloud Break Sauvignon Blanc 2009

California (wine review and rating)

Cloud Break Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Origin: California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $7.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Pale straw-colored with silver hightlights, this wine has pleasing gooseberry and lemongrass aromas with faint citrus floral notes. The citrus flavors on the palate are nicely balanced and accompanied by some underlying minerality. The finish enhances that mineral character and is slightly too astringent, not unlike dry stone.

Our rating: This is another one of those wines that works for us right up to the tail end of the finish. The citrus flavors on the palate are a little thin, almost as if the winemaker was being a little too timid to make them more pronounced. Still, this is a good wine to serve with seafood and, indeed, we served our bottle with broiled grouper sandwiches, a nice pairing. But that stony character towards the end bothered us a bit. According to the information on the website, no oak was used in aging, but what we're sensing doesn't come from oak, but seems to be more of a rough, unrefined finish, instead of a crisp, clean one. Still and all, its strengths tend to overcome its one serious weakness, and we rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Crisp and refreshing with aromas of lime and lemongrass. The palate has bright acidity and a clean finish.

Winery website: Cloud Break Wines.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Oak Leaf Pinot Grigio NV (New Bottle)

California (wine review and rating)

Oak Leaf Pinot Grigio NV

Origin: California
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: July 2011
Purchase Price: $2.77 (750ml bottle)

We recently reviewed this wine, so won't repeat ourselves here. But while picking up a few bottles this past week — yes, we actually follow our own recommendations! — we noticed something different about the bottle: it's small! Well, not really that small, but significantly shorter than "standard" wine bottles. We snapped a picture of the Oak Leaf Pinot Grigio next to a typical white wine bottle; you can see that it is not nearly as tall. It's about the same width though, and contains the same amount (750ml) of wine, just in a smaller package.

Tiny print on the bottle indicate it's made of "Eco-Glass", something new to us. We checked out the Oak Leaf website, and here's what they have to say about it.

Oak Leaf Eco-Glass™ wines are packaged in an innovative wine bottle that is significantly lighter than standard wine bottles, but the wine inside is just as good.

Made with 25% less glass than standard wine bottles, Oak Leaf Eco-Glass weighs significantly less than a standard bottle and requires much less fuel to transport. This results in less carbon emissions and a reduced environmental impact, which ultimately leads to a better, greener, more sustainable environment.

So enjoy a glass of Oak Leaf Eco-Glass and help the planet, as doing good feels good.


We also checked out the Eco-Glass.org website, which gives more information about the bottle itself and the wineries that are using it.

We think it's a terrific idea to use lighter glass — our arms certainly notice the difference! — and hope other wineries consider it too.

Taste profile from the winemaker: A light white wine with subtle aromas of ripe honeydew and orange blossoms. The flavors are bright with lemon, peach and a mineral crispness in the finish.

Winery website: Oak Leaf Vineyards.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Mendoza Station "Seleccion Especial" Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Mendoza, Argentina (wine review and rating)

Mendoza Station "Seleccion Especial" Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $8.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Citrus and lemongrass aromas with faint herbal notes are exhibited by this light golden colored wine. The citrus flavor -- more lime than lemon -- on the palate is moderately tart but nicely balanced. The finish adds a bit of orange zest and is fairly long.

Our rating: We enjoyed this wine, but in checking back on our notes from last summer on the "standard" 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, it seems this "Seleccion Especial" is a very different wine. The present wine is crafted more in the style of New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, but softer. It retains the citrus and grassy character, but with somewhat rounded edges. The hint of orange -- it was brief and could have been pineapple or something similarly tropical -- we tasted on the palate just before the finish is a nice touch. We served our bottle during an outdoor luncheon of sandwiches and salads, an admittedly uninspired meal; still, we think this wine is rather versatile and would pair particularly well with most Asian cuisines. We rate it Above Average, though at $9 we also think it slightly overpriced.

Taste profile from the winemaker: None

Winery website: None found.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Star Tree Chenin Blanc 2010

Northern Cape, South Africa (wine review and rating)

Star Tree Chenin Blanc 2010

Origin: Northern Cape, South Africa
Blend: Chenin Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $9.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Tropical fruit and herbal tea aromas are exhibited by this gold-colored wine. Initially rich, almost creamy, on the palate, the fruit flavors -- pineapple, guava, maybe kiwi -- are nicely rounded and well balanced. The finish is brief though unremarkable.

Our rating: We served our bottle with sauteed split chicken breasts and a Mexican-inspired rice dish, a good match. We think this wine would pair with a wide variety of cuisines, particularly those that are mildly spicy. This isn't a complex wine by any wines, but a versatile one. We enjoyed it, and rate it Above Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Orange River Cellars. Though other Star Tree wines are mentioned on the website, the Chenin Blanc is not.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Ribbonwood Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Marlborough, New Zealand (wine review and rating)

Ribbonwood Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $3.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Straw in color with gold hightlights, this wine has aromas of gooseberry, lemongrass, and lime with some slight herbal notes. The citrus (grapefruit) flavor is pronounced on the palate, but has a nice acid balance to it. There are hints of tropical fruit as well, maybe some kiwi or melon. The finish is clean, though relatively brief.

Our rating: It's hard to believe this is a $4 wine, as it shares many of the classical characteristics that are typically found in the New Zealand style of this varietal. If we to quibble, we'd say that we thought the palate lacked a bit of grassiness and that the minerality that makes its presence in the finish is a bit off, and it's more of a food wine than a sipping wine. But really, these are really minor faults. Not everyone enjoys this style, but it pairs beautifully with seafood, especially grilled or broiled white fish, and at this price, it's definitely worth a second -- or third -- or fourth -- look. We rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent, and are still astonished that we paid only $4 for this bottle. (We hope it wasn't a misprice by the seller, or worse, an error on our part as we inventoried our last purchase, as we intend to be back for more.)

Taste profile from the winemaker: None

Winery website: Framingham Wines: Wine Treasure from New Zealand. Ribbonwood Wines is produced by Framingham Wines. This label is not mentioned on their website.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

La Différence Viognier-Muscat 2010

Pays d'Oc, France (wine review and rating)

La Différence Viognier-Muscat 2010

Origin: Pays d'Oc, France
Blend: Viognier (70%), Muscat (30%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $8.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Light- to medium-gold in color, this wine has aromas of pears and apricots with faint floral notes. The fruit flavors on the palate are more tropical in character, ripe melon and pineapple, slightly off-dry but not exactly sweet. There's a hint of spiced cider that forms into the finish, which is lengthy and evolves into an unexpected flavor not unlike smoked nuts.

Our rating: There's nothing simple about this wine, which almost overwhelms with different sensations and flavors. But there's a discordant note here too, that makes its presence known very late in the finish, pretty much after everything else has been absorbed or faded away. We were sold on this wine right up to that point. We served our bottle with a Spanish dish, which was just an okay pairing. We think Mediterranean or Middle Eastern cuisines might make for a better match. Score-wise, we're rating it Average, but we think this is going to be one of those wines that people either love or hate ... and if you add it all up, that's about Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: The Viognier brings flavours of ripe peaches and apricots and the Muscat pure grapes. The wine is medium dry but the feel is medium due to the tropical fruit notes.

Winery website: La Difference Wines Ltd..

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Night Harvest by R. H. Phillips Sauvignon Blanc NV

California (wine review and rating)

Night Harvest by R. H. Phillips Sauvignon Blanc NV

Origin: California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (76%), French Colombard (8%), Malvasia Bianca (7%), Chardonnay (5%), Semillon (3%), Chenin Blanc (1%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $8.99 (1.5L bottle)

Our review: Light lemon yellow in color, this wine has aromas of citrus and citrus flowers with vegetal (bell pepper) and lemongrass notes. The flavor is citric in character, a bit tart but also reminiscent of lemon rind. The finish is herbal and is slightly chalky.

Our rating: We didn't care much for this wine, the last of our 1.5L purchases that we are considering to serve with outdoor grill food this summer. That rind-like flavor seemed to become more established the more we consumed, and really interfered with our enjoyment of the wine. Food didn't much balance or mask it either. This is a real disappointment for us as many years ago we used to purchase this label on a regular basis as an everyday wine. We last reviewed the 2004 Night Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, calling it Average; this non-vintage bottle rates at best Below Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: A very aromatic variety, this wine is bursting with the zest of citrus, tropical pineapple, apricot, and accented by hints of lychee nut and freshly cut fescue which give it varietal character. Vibrant acidity on the palate make this wine refreshing and the array of flavors ranging from kiwi, peach, citrus, and hints of macadamia, make it a wonderful wine to pair with white meats, fish, and pasta.

Winery website: Constellation Wines U.S.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio 2010

Vigneti delle Dolomiti, Italy (wine review and rating)

Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio 2010

Origin: Vigneti delle Dolomiti, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $9.99 (1.5L bottle)

Our review: A light yellow gold in color, this wine has aromas of peaches and flowers with slight notes of citrus. Initially very fruity on the palate, leaning somewhat towards more sweet than tart in terms of overall character, but also a bit unbalanced. Into the finish, though, the flavors quickly diminish and flatten out.

Our rating: This is another example of a potential 1.5L wine to serve this summer at outdoor gatherings. It's not a great sipping wine, one to enjoy while the burgers, chicken, shrimp and brats cook on the grill, but served with food, it's fairly versatile. We previously rated the Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio 2007 Average, but we're less enthusiastic about this vintage, rating it right on the border between Average and Below Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Color: Straw yellow. Bouquet: Pleasant, delicate and fruity. Flavor: Dry, elegant and balanced.

Winery website: Mezzacorona: Wines from the Dolomites.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Santiago Station "Devil's Back" Sauvignon Blanc Box NV

Central Valley, Chile (wine review and rating)

Santiago Station "Devil's Back" Sauvignon Blanc Box NV

Origin: Central Valley, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: N/A
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $13.99 (3L box)

Our review: Very pale straw-gold in color, this wine has aromas of citrus zest and lemongrass, with very faint floral notes. The fruit flavors on the palate are well balanced, citrusy but not overly tart. The finish adds a touch of slate-like minerality and is quite long.

Our rating: A week ago we reviewed a bottle of Santiago Station "Devil's Back" Sauvignon Blanc NV. At the time, we mentioned that we had also purchased the 3L box version of the same wine, and would be comparing the two. This is that comparison.

We've copied our taste profile from the previous review, as it generally applies here (though we though the box had somewhat more tree fruit character). But after pouring two glasses, one from the bottle and the other from the box, there seemed to be subtle differences between them. These include: the bottled wine is ever so slightly lighter in color, with more of a silver tint; the boxed wine has a more noticeable green apple aroma; the bottled wine is initially softer on the palate, developing an edge as it progresses into the finish whereas the boxed wine has a more uniform palette character.

Of course, because these are non-vintage wines, we have absolutely no idea whether this comparison is meaningful or not. Still, with the box priced at the equivalent of $3.50 a bottle, and both rated Above Average, we think the box is an amazing bargain. And probably better for the environment too!

Taste profile from the winemaker: None

Winery website: None found.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Pepperwood Grove Pinot Grigio NV

California (wine review and rating)

Pepperwood Grove Pinot Grigio NV

Origin: California
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.1%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $5.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Straw-gold in color, this wine has aromas of green apple, pear and lemon. There's a brief sensation of sweetness on the palate, which is followed by nicely balanced citric flavors spiced with a bit of orange zest. The finish is brief but cleansing.

Our rating: Though the flavor profile of this wine might suggest that it be crisp, there's a bit of softness here that gives it the potential to pair well with a wide variety of foods. We served our bottle with a luncheon consisting of several dishes, with this wine nicely complementing it all. We also think it would work well as a party wine to serve with appetizers and hor d'oeuvres. We rate it Above Average and at just $6, a very good value.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Beginning with hints of tangerine and pear on the nose and carrying through the palate with bright, tart apple and hints of meyer lemon.

Winery website: Don Sebastiani & Sons.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Santiago Station "Devil's Back" Sauvignon Blanc NV

Central Valley, Chile (wine review and rating)

Santiago Station "Devil's Back" Sauvignon Blanc NV

Origin: Central Valley, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $3.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Very pale straw-gold in color, this wine has aromas of citrus zest and lemongrass, with very faint floral notes. The fruit flavors on the palate are well balanced, citrusy but not overly tart. The finish adds a touch of slate-like minerality and is quite long.

Our rating: We saw this new, very inexpensive non-vintage wine in the store available as both a 750ml bottle and in a box, and will take an opportunity review the latter (and compare to the former) in a subsequent post. At present, though, this is a very impressive wine at this price point. It exhibits the typical characteristics of this varietal from Chile -- less aggressive that New Zealand wines, more fruitful than California wines -- and is food friendly too. It's not perfect, by any means, its weakest attribute probably being that there isn't much depth to it. We think it probably best pairs with seafood, though it could easily be served with most Asian cuisines, which is how we enjoyed our bottle (with stir-fried chicken and vegetables). On its own, we rate it Above Average, but considering how inexpensive it is, this is definitely a label to consider for everyday meals.

Taste profile from the winemaker: None

Winery website: None found. We believe this is a new label for The Wine Group, our only evidence being that the company received a trademark for "Santiago Station" in April 2011.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Glen Ellen Pinot Grigio 2009

California (wine review and rating)

Glen Ellen Pinot Grigio 2009

Origin: California
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: May 2011
Purchase Price: $4.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Medium gold, almost amber in color, this wine has aromas of spiced tree fruit, such as apple cider and perry. There isn't much fruit flavor on the palate, and is reminiscent of watered down apple juice. The finish is somewhat spicy, but otherwise not memorable.

Our rating: Yes, this is an inexpensive wine, but as we've discovered over the years, price doesn't always correlate well to value … or enjoyment. Unfortunately, it does in this case. We're hard pressed to find something positive to say about it, and about the only thing we can come up with is, we almost finished the bottle. We don't think any food pairing would improve it. We ended up scoring it Below Average to Inferior.

Taste profile from the winemaker: A light-bodied wine that bursts with flavors and aromas of citrus, melon and apple. With a clean, crisp finish this versatile wine is a perfect partner with seafood and stands up to spicy Latin and Asian cuisine.

Winery website: Glen Ellen Proprietor's Reserve at Concannon Vineyard.

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