AlVerdi Pinot Grigio 2010

AlVerdi Pinot Grigio 2010

Origin: Terre degli Osci, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: August 2012
Purchase Price: $6.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Light golden yellow in color, this wine has very pleasant aromas of apples and pears coupled with notes of sweet pineapple and a hint of banana. Very smooth on the palate with soft edges, the fruit flavors tend more towards tropical in character; there is a sensation of sweetness, though it is actually rather dry. It finishes by simply allowing the flavors of the palate to slowly diminish.

Our rating: This is an elegantly crafted and quite delicious wine, and not at all like most of this varietal from Italy. There is a lot of structure here, all the components of which work well together. We had planned on serving our bottle with chicken and risotto; only a small amount actually made it to the table as we consumed most it during the meal preparations. We disagreed a bit on what the minor flaws were, but did agree that this is just shy of an Excellent wine. And an absolutely incredible value at just $7.

Taste profile from the winemaker: A fresh, floral nose with notes of acacia flowers. On the palate it is dry and well-balanced with lively fruit flavors.

Winery website: None found.

Smart Cookie Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Smart Cookie Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2012
Purchase Price: $9.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: Golden straw in color, this wine has typical varietal aromas of gooseberry, green pepper and citrus zest with just a hint of orange blossoms. Very smooth on the palate, the citrus flavors are very well balanced, slightly tart with a touch of vegetal sweetness. Some grassiness is present in the persistent finish.

Our rating: We often serve Sauvignon Blancs with seafood, in particular grilled or broiled whitefish filets, but we have to confess this bottle didn't make it to the table. It is absolutely delicious and we enjoyed it while preparing dinner, somewhat surprising ourselves that when it came time to sit down there was none left. That was our loss, as we believe it would have paired beautifully with the meal. Clearly it works just fine on its own, and we think it would pair well with most light dishes. Striking all the right notes in all the right ways, we rate it Excellent, one of the best of this varietal we've had in a long time.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Bright and zesty with aromas of freshly baked lemon cookies. Citrus and tropical fruit flavors fill your palate and finishes refreshingly long.

Winery website: None found.

Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc 2010

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.

Villa Maria "Private Bin" Sauvignon Blanc 2010

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.

Castillo de Molina Sauvignon Blanc "Reserva" 2009

Castillo de Molina Sauvignon Blanc "Reserva" 2009

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

Our review: Light gold with green highlights, this wine has pleasing aromas of gooseberry and citrus with notes of herbs and a hint of lemongrass. There's a nice citrus balance in the fruit flavors on the palate, not overly tart or acidic. The finish is relatively brief adding a touch of minerality.

Our rating: This is a delicious wine, another prime example of how Chilean wines typically strike a good balance in crafting this varietal, between the aggressive New Zealand style and the generally rather muddled and often cringe-worthy California "fume" style. (To be fair, many recent California Sauvignon Blancs aren't oaked any more.) We intended to serve our bottle with broiled white fish, but confess it was gone long before the main course hit the table. Still, we think it relatively food friendly, though probably best suited to accompany fish and shellfish. We rate it just shy of Excellent, and at just $8, an incredible value.

Taste profile from the winemaker: Color: pale yellow, with green shades, almost transparent, clean and bright. Aroma: marked by its freshness and intensity, with present citric fruits, such as grapefruit, and citric fruit’s rind, interlaced with notes to green chili, boxwood and mineral touches to gunpowder and sea salt. Palate: a vibrant wine, fresh, fruity and with very pronounced acidity and minerality. It stands out for its identity and freshness. Its notable volume leads to a long and persistent finish.

Winery website: Viña San Pedro.

Albino Armani 1607 "Corvara" Pinot Grigio 2009

Albino Armani 1607 "Corvara" Pinot Grigio 2009
Origin: Adige Valley, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: October 2010
Suggested Retail Price: $19.99

Our review: Light straw with gold highlights, this wine has a pleasing bouquet of tree fruit (ripe apples and pears) with notes of peach blossom. The wine is of light- to medium-body on the palate, with a near-perfect balance of fruit flavor and acidity. The lengthy finish adds depth to an already interesting wine.

Our rating: This is an elegant, sophisticated -- and probably most important, incredibly delicious -- wine, one best suited for lighter meals … or simply as an aperitif (which is ultimately how we enjoyed our bottle, since it was gone long before the table was set). Its subtle complexity probably impressed us the most here. Quite possibly the best of this varietal we've had the pleasure of consuming this year, we rate it Excellent (and suggest you seek out a bottle or two for your next gathering of friends and family).

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pale straw yellow in color, this wine displays beautiful aromatics of white flowers, white peaches and ripe pears. The fruit flavors extend to the palate which is clean and fresh, with great underlying structure and balance and a long, complex finish that has just a hint of spice."

Winery website: Albino Armani.

Caposaldo Pinot Grigio 2008

Caposaldo Pinot Grigio 2008
Origin: Veneto, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Lemon yellow in color, this wine has bright aromas of peach and apple with significant floral notes. The fruit flavor profile on the palate is remarkably similar, clean and crisp, with a touch of minerality. The finish maintains its intensity for quite some time.

Our rating: This is a fine example of this versatile varietal. Readily served as a sipping wine or as an aperitif, it would pair nicely with most any seafood dish. We served our bottle with a crisp mixed green salad and fresh baked bread and found it delightful companion. A real find at this price point, we rate it Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pale, straw yellow. Delicate white fruit and apple aromas. Flavors are offset by notes of acacia blossoms and almonds. The texture is crisp and vibrant with a well-balanced, bright acidity and a clean, fresh finish."

Winery website: Kobrand Corporation (Importer/Distributor).

Anakena Indo Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Anakena Indo Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Origin: San Antonio Valley, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: July 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Light golden yellow with silver highlights, this wine has a grassy aroma coupled with citrus (gooseberry, lime zest) notes. Silky smooth on the palate, the fruit flavors are initially a bit muted before coming alive. There's a nice acidic balance here. The long finish has some subtlety to it.

Our rating: It's no secret we're fans of the standard Anakena sauvignon blancs: we've rated and reviewed three vintages so far (2006, 2007, 2008) giving each a nearly excellent rating. So we were anxious to try one of their slightly more expensive labels (though to be honest, other than source of grapes, we're not sure what the difference might be). Though this wine retains the classic flavor profile of this varietal, it is incredibly smooth, probably its best feature. Serve with fish or, as we did, with Asian cuisine. We rate it Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Intense citrus and tropical notes. On the palate it is fresh and crisp."

Winery website: Anakena Wines (Chile).

Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009

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

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

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

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

Winery website: Clifford Bay Wines.

Villa Maria "Private Bin" Sauvignon Blanc 2009

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

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

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

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

Winery website: Villa Maria Estate.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Sauvignon Blanc 2008

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

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

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

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

Winery website: Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery.

McManis Viognier 2008

McManis Viognier 2008
Origin: California
Blend: Viognier (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Yellow-green in color, this wine has aromas of green apple and tropical fruit. The flavor profile on the palate is quite complex, of moderate body and with a good balance between acidity and fruit. The finish is exceptionally long, slightly spicy, and smooth.

Our rating: This wine is a delicious example of this varietal. A refined dinner wine, we served our bottle with turkey and herb-roasted potatoes, an excellent choice … and how we rate this wine.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pears, apples and melon flavors are accompanied by a rich mouth feel, nice acid balance and a clean finish."

Winery website: McManis Family Vineyards.

Verdemar Albarino 2008

Verdemar Albarino 2008
Origin: Rias Baixas, Spain
Blend: Albarino (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: This wine has a very pleasing bouquet of tropical fruit -- pineapple, papaya -- with fresh vegetal notes (bell pepper). Very fruitful on the palate, the is a good balance between the fruit flavors and acidity. The finish is complex and of moderate length.

Our rating: This is a very nice example of this varietal, not often seen in the US and certainly not at this price point. Quite versatile for pairing, we think it may work best with grilled fish and vegetables. Surprise your guests with this wine at your next dinner party; we rate it just shy of Excellent.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Santa Julia Organica Torrontes 2008

Santa Julia Organica Torrontes 2008
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: Torrontes (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: October 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Golden straw in color, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit (melon, pineapple, banana) with distinct spice notes. Of light- to moderate-body on the palate, the fruit flavors are expressive, and nicely balanced with a crisp acidity. The finish is equally pleasing, complex with depth of character.

Our rating: This is a wonderful wine, full of flavor and character. We served our bottle with broiled chicken and rice pilaf, with which it paired quite nicely. This isn't a common varietal in the US, but look for it when trying something different, and this winery in particular. We rate this wine Excellent.

We've enjoyed previous, non-organic, vintages almost as much, rating the Santa Julia Torrontes 2005 Above Average, nearly Excellent; and the Santa Julia Torrontes 2006 well Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Silver yellow with brilliant pale green reflections. Aroma: Notes of rose, orange peel, white peaches, fruits salad, chamomile and other aromatic herbs. Flavor: A fresh and balanced flavor."

Winery website: Familia Zuccardi.

Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc Reserve 2007

Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc Reserve 2007
Origin: To Kalon Vineyards, Napa Valley, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (94%), Semillon (6%)
Alcohol Content: 14.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2009
Suggested Retail Price: $40.00

Our review: Rich, yellow-gold in color, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit, sweet spice, even some notes of leather. Silky smooth on the palate, the fruit flavors, which now include soft tree fruit like peach, have nuanced textures with nicely balanced acidity. The finish is expressive with an evolving flavor profile.

Our rating: This is an elegant, refined and opulent wine, one to be savored. The oak cellaring adds depth and interest without being overpowering; allow the wine to breathe a bit in your glass to enhance the experience. We suggest you serve this wine with roasted poultry or shellfish; your guests will be most impressed. We rate this vintage Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pronounced tropical aromas are followed by waves of similarly rich flavors -- pineapple, coconut, zesty lemon, a bit of mano and orange pekoe tea. Mouth-coatingly creamy with lively acidity, this is a vibrantly stylish wine."

Winery website: Robert Mondavi Winery.

Brancott Pinot Grigio 2008

Brancott Pinot Grigio 2008
Origin: South Island, New Zealand
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: August 2009
Purchase Price: $7.99

Our review: Golden straw in color, this wine has a very pleasing bouquet of tropical fruit with sweet spice notes. Clean and crisp on the palate, the fruit flavors develop slowly, deepening into the finish, which itself has an interesting combination of spiciness and a touch of sweetness that provides a nice symmetry to the wine.

Our rating: We completely mispaired this wine when we tasted it, not expecting one of such richness and depth. Though it worked well with our sandwich and salad platter, it would excel with a more complete meal where its subtleties would really shine. We think it's quite versatile in this regard, and suggest you try it with grilled fish or chicken. Quite possibly the best of this varietal we've tasted, we rate it Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pale straw in colour the wine exhibits aromas of fresh pear, hints of tropical fruit and subtle spice highlights. These characters follow through onto the palate where they are combined with ripe, citrus flavours and an enveloping texture. The palate is lingering and culminates with natural sweetness and balanced acidity."

Winery website: Brancott Wines, New Zealand.

McManis Pinot Grigio 2008

McManis Pinot Grigio 2008
Origin: California
Blend: Pinot Grigio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: August 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Pale yellow in color with aromas of apple and pear with slight caramel notes. Slightly fizzy when poured, the wine is silky smooth on the palate with fruit flavors balanced with a gentle acidity. The finish has a slight citrus character and is clean and refreshing.

Our rating: This wine was an unexpected pleasure. Pinot grigios from California are rarely memorable, but this one is clearly an exception. This Excellent wine can be paired with most poultry or vegetarian dishes. At less than $10 a bottle it is an outstanding value.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Light straw in color with aromas of grapefruit, lemon lime and green apple. The wine is crisp in the mouth and finishes clear with dominating citrus flavors."

Winery website: McManis Family Vineyards.

Quivira Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Quivira Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Dry Creek Valley, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.9%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: July 2009
Suggested Retail Price: $18.00

Our review: Pale straw in color with silver highlights. A pleasing bouquet of tropical fruit with notes of orange blossom and just a hint of grass. Very fruitful on the palate and of medium body, there's a slight tingling sensation as the wine's flavors develop. A nice mineral balance is added into the finish, which is long and complex with an unexpected touch of spice.

Our rating: We greatly enjoyed this elegant and sophisticated wine, which we served with oven fried chicken and fresh garden vegetables; it can readily be paired with a wide variety of poultry, pork or seafood dishes. Its depth and complexity, as well as the gentle spice in the finish, suggests an oak presence though the wine received only stainless steel aging; a remarkable achievement. We heartily recommend this Excellent wine, which we believe is even better than the previous year's vintage, the Quivira Sauvignon Blanc 2007, a wine we rated just shy of Excellent.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Quivira Wine.

Hess Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Hess Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Lake County, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 14.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase price: $13.99

Our review: Pale gold in color, this wine has a very pleasant tropical fruit aroma (notably pineapple and melon) with quite distinct spice notes (vanilla). Almost silky on the palate, the fruit flavors are deep and expressive, beautifully balanced. The finish is complex and lengthy; the oak cellaring comes out here but doesn't overpower.

Our rating: An exceptional wine. We enjoyed ours with roast turkey and believe poultry is the best pairing though we suspect it would be a fine choice for almost any meal. We rate it Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The wine is a blend of Clone 1 and Musque clone. In order to preserve the crisp acidity and expressive aromatics, some lots were fermented in stainless steel tanks, while others were fermented in neutral oak barrels to lend a pleasant weight to the mid-palate. White peach, pineapple and ambrosia melon in the nose lead into more traditional varietal characters of gooseberry and lemongrass. Enjoy as an aperitif or with chicken in a lemon-caper sauce."

Winery website: The Hess Collection.

Big House Birdman Pinot Grigio 2008

Big House Birdman Pinot Grigio 2008
Origin: Central Coast, California
Blend: Pinot Grigio (79%), Chenin Blanc (6%), Malvasia Bianca (6%), Viognier (5%), other white (4%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2009
Suggested retail price: $14.99

Our review: A pale greenish-yellow in color, this wine has aromas of green apple and lime with distinct floral, almost orange blossom, notes. Delicious on the palate, the fruit flavors come alive and are followed by a nicely balanced acidity. The finish brings out the more subtle citric aspects of the wine.

Our rating: An very fine pinot grigio, interesting without being overly complex. This wine would work well as an aperitif or at a garden luncheon. Not quite excellent on the score sheet, but we're going to round up and rate it so.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The serious gravitas of this wine permeates all of its characteristics; a bold and weighty nose of citrus fruits, the full palate with touches of grapefruit and melon, strong acidity that balanced and a long, lingering quenching finish."

Winery website: Big House Wines.