Montes Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Wine: Montes Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Origin: Casablanca Valley and Curico Valley, Chile
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pale yellow and 100% fermented in stainless steel. No oak. Selected grapes picked to show best varietal aromas and fruit. Extremely attractive tropical fruits and grassy due to the cool Casablanca climate. A fresh, crispy light, happy wine to the palate. Enjoy as young as possible."

ABC Wines review: Classic aromas of gooseberry and citrus blend with notes of grassiness and herbs are exhibited by this sauvignon blanc. The palate is crisp with a clean, mineral dryness, but otherwise lacks a discernible flavor profile. The finish is brief and unremarkable though it is quite dry. An example of a wine that starts well but ultimately disappoints. Our score. At this price, this wine is Below Average.

Winery website: Vina Montes.

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Chateau Lafont Menaut Sauvignon Blanc 2003

Wine: Chateau Lafont Menaut Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Origin: Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
Blend: 90% Sauvignon, 10% Semillon
Alcohol content: 12.0%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker (loosely translated from French): "The wine is crystalline gold with green tints. The nose offers a beautiful aromatic dominated by citrus fruits and white flowers. A fresh, pleasant and fruity character supported with a wooded edge. After a frank attack, the wine increases and opens onto a lovely aromatic intensity to the dominant citrus. The balance is harmonious and highlights a pleasant freshness. The finale ends with a beautiful length where the wooded and floral character takes over."

ABC Wines review: This deep yellow wine has aromas of citrus and stone fruit coupled with honey and oak notes. The palate is refreshing, though a bit on the acidic side. The acidity continues to develop into the finish to the point of being somewhat "hot", somewhat surprising, and unexpected, for a relatively low alcohol wine. It is in the finish that the characteristics of this wine's oak cellaring come through. Our score: The acid and oak seem overdone here but might help balance a strongly flavored dish. On the low side of Average.

Winery website: None found.

Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc 2007

Wine: Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc 2007
Origin: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Blend: 100% Chenin Blanc
Alcohol content: 14.0%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A youthful wine showing fresh ripe melon with a mellow, round, mild and honeysuckle fruit palate and refreshingly long finish."

ABC Wines review: Very refreshing tropical fruit and melon aromas with some sweet, spicy notes are exhibited by this wine. The palate is initially semi-dry, less sweet than one might expect, and very flavorful. A crisp acidity develops into the finish that unfortunately lacks depth and balance. A good wine to serve with shellfish. Our score: Priced right for what it is, but on the whole not better than Average.

Winery website: Ken Forrester Vineyards. The image of the bottle is slightly different than that reviewed here.

Cister da Ribeira White Wine 2007

Wine: Cister da Ribeira White Wine 2007
Origin: Douro, Portugal
Blend: 30% Codega do Larinho, 30% Gouveico, 20% Viosinho, 20% Rabigato
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Appearance: Clean, clear, and bright pale yellow color. Nose: Tempting floral notes mixed with tropical fruits and citrics. Mouth: Good acidity, refreshing and soft, well-balanced."

ABC Wines review: A pale silver-gold in color, this white wine blend has a pleasing fragrance of tropical fruit (pineapple) and tree fruit (pear) with citrus notes. Slightly acidic on the palate, the flavors are muted and seem rather diluted. The finish brings out more acidity, though not to excess, but doesn't otherwise develop the flavor any further. A light wine to be served with light dishes, or even as an aperitif. Our score: Average, possibly a bit better.

Winery website: Quinta de Ventozelo.

Santa Julia Torrontes 2005

Wine: Santa Julia Torrontes 2005
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: 100% Torrontes
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Yellow silver, with pale green reflections. Aroma: Notes of roses, orange peel, white peach, fruit salad, chamomile and some herbs. Taste: fresh and light body with pink grapefruit flavors, ripe fruit like peaches and pears. Balanced with great finesse in aromas and flavors."

ABC Wines review: This wine exhibits an intriguing blend of aromas, citrus and spice, with some orange blossom floral notes. Smooth on the palate, the fruit flavors are accompanied by a clean, mineral crispness. The finish adds a mild acidity and brings out the spice notes from the nose. A fine wine for grilled fish accompanied by a bright, fresh salsa. Our score: A great value for this quality of wine. Above Average, just shy of Excellent.

Winery website: Familia Zuccardi.

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