Hermes Roditis 2011

Hermes Roditis 2011

Origin: Patras, Greece
Blend: Roditis (100%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: August 2012
Purchase Price: $7.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Exceptionally pale straw in color, this wine is very lightly scented, with aromas of tree fruit (apple and pear) and possibly a hint of spice. The palate seems very thin at first, with almost no flavor whatsoever … and it really doesn't develop much afterwards, reminiscent at its peak of weak cider or perry. A slight smokiness appears in the finish, nothing too dramatic, but definitely present.

Our rating: We're not quite sure what to make of this wine. We served our bottle with a simply prepared chicken dish, which was fine but the wine did little to add to the meal nor did the meal enhance the wine in any way. We'd be hard pressed to say what we think would pair well here. The wine is light and dry and really rather timid. We didn't not like it, we simply didn't find it memorable in any way. We score it on the very low side of Average, but we're wondering if that's being generous.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Soft and fresh with subtle flavor and hints of creamy finish. A gentle wine with attractive body.

Winery website: None found.

Forever Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Forever Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Origin: Monterey, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: August 2012
Purchase Price: $8.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Straw in color with gold highlights, this wine has aromas of lemon and citrus zest, with fainter notes of grass and tree fruit, notably pears. The initial sensation on the palate is one of sweetness but that is rapidly replaced with a rounded citrus character, not quite tart but not sweet either. There isn't much of a finish.

Our rating: This is an unusual example of a California Sauvignon Blanc. It has received no oak yet it has a softness that gives it depth. It is really quite flavorful, but the flavors vanish almost as quickly as they develop. We enjoyed our bottle with simply prepared chicken, which in terms of protein we think is the right choice here, though we're guessing it would have been better had it been an Asian-inspired meal. We can also see serving it at a brunch, where a variety of foods might be available. The bottom line is, it's quite versatile, more so than with many others from this region. We rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Beautifully balanced with flavors of lemon, citrus and pear. Aromas of lemon meringue and grapefruit carry through to the palate for a juicy finish. Pairs perfectly with fruits, cheeses, seafood and poultry.

Winery website: Forever Vineyards.

Voga Italia Pinot Grigio 2011

Voga Italia Pinot Grigio 2011

Origin: Trentino and Veneto, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: August 2012
Purchase Price: $8.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Pale greenish-gold in color, this wine has aromas of tree fruit (notably apples) with very soft hints of flowers, maybe even vanilla. The fruit flavors on the palate are similar to that of the nose, and with a bit more body than one might expect. The finish is relatively brief, and has a bit of apple zest to it.

Our rating: This wine comes in a cylindrical shaped bottle, the cork hidden behind a cap that is screwed off. The marketing clearly suggests the wine is modern but in some ways it quite traditional. Initially we were expecting a light, summer-type wine but we were surprised at the depth of character here. It can easily be consumed on its own, but we'd suggest pairing it with something light, sandwiches or salads, or an appetizer platter. It is very food friendly and should go well with most any dish. We rate it Above Average, maybe a tad higher.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Full and rich, with fresh ripe apple and pear aromas, and delicious juicy flavors.

Winery website: Voga Italia.

Porta Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Porta Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Origin: Bio Bio Valley, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: August 2012
Purchase Price: $6.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Lemon yellow in color with straw highlights, this wine has aromas of citrus (grapefruit), tropical fruit (mango), and lemongrass with faint notes of orange blossom. The fruit flavors are very smooth and nicely blended on the palate, dissipating slowly and leaving a relatively soft, slate-like minerality in their place, which is accompanied by a hint of citrus zest.

Our rating: This is a very nice wine that evokes images of a candelit dinner, with whitefish and asparagus grilled with a bit of olive oil and served on elegant china. OK, so we're getting a little carried away with our imagery here, but this we did enjoy this wine with the referenced meal, if minus the candles and china. We've come to be partial to Chilean Sauvignon Blancs, and this one is a very good example of such. We rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent, the same rating we applied to the 2009 vintage.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Brilliant light greenish-gold in color with a zesty bouquet of lime and gooseberries. The palate is full of appetizing and lively fruit flavors, and the finish is clean and refreshing.

Winery website: Porta Winery • Chile.