Harvest Savings at My Wines Direct

Anything But Chardonnay ("ABC") Wine Reviews periodically provides our readers with current promotions that offer discounts or other incentives for purchasing wine or wine-related products and services through our partner websites. Below is a list of offers recently received that we're pleased to pass on at this time.

Usher in the harvest season with savings of 10% off plus $0 shipping on a hand-selected six pack of seasonal favorites from around the world at My Wines Direct. This wine pack is sure to please with a bold French Syrah and a spicy Spanish Temranillo. Customers can receive 10% off plus free shipping by using code HARVEST10 at checkout. This offer expires October 31st.

Stella Pinot Grigio 2007

Wine: Stella Pinot Grigio 2007
Origin: Umbria, Italy
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Pale yellow color with greenish reflections. Vibrant on the palate with fresh fruit and balanced acidity. Light and refreshing, recommended as an aperitif with antipasti, pasta courses and seafood."

ABC Wines review: Light aromas of fresh tropical and citrus fruits are evidenced by this wine. The palate has a significant mineral character that complements the mild fruit flavors and accompanying acidity. The finish is not memorable. A good wine to serve as an aperitif or with appetizers, or possibly with a light Caesar salad. Our score: About Average.

Winery website: None found.

Cottesbrook Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Wine: Cottesbrook Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: This exceedingly pale wine, virtually colorless with just the merest hint of green and gold, exhibits the fresh grassy and citrus aromas typical of this New Zealand varietal. The palate is crisp with considerable minerality balancing the citrus, primarily grapefruit, flavors. The finish is somewhat weak and but not disappointing. A good choice for an aperitif or with appetizers. Our score: Considering how expensive New Zealand sauvignon blancs have become recently, this isn't a bad choice for under $10. Above Average.

Winery website: None found.

Rene Barbier Catalunya White Wine NV

Wine: Rene Barbier Catalunya White Wine NV
Origin: Catalunya, Spain
Blend: 40% Xarello 30% Macabeo 30% Parellada
Alcohol content: 11.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $5.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Lemony yellow in colour with elegant, greenish tones. Intense aromas of mainly apple and pineapple with a light citrus background. In the mouth it is fresh and tasty with a light acidity and balance."

ABC Wines review: A greenish yellow in color, this wine has floral aromas of red and yellow apples with some mineral notes. A very slight initial sweetness on the palate quickly evolves into a citrus flavor with a balanced acidity. The finish isn't notable but does linger. Our score: Priced very attractively, this is a light, fun wine that can be enjoyed at parties. Above Average.

Winery website: René Barbier.

Cavia Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Wine: Cavia Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.2%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2008
Purchase Price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Color: Pale yellow with shades of green. Nose: Aromas typical of the varietal reminiscent of citrus fruit and soft herbaceous notes. Palate: Flavor is well-rounded, with strong acidity that is reminiscent of ripe citrus fruit."

ABC Wines review: This wine has a fresh, citrusy and grassy fragrance. Crisp on the palate, the fruit flavors are balanced with a brisk minerality and acidity. The cleansing finish is of moderate length. Our score: Serve this wine (as we did) with broiled chicken and roasted potatoes. Above Average.

Winery website: Bodega Antigal Winery and Estates.

Hermes Moschofilero 2005

Wine: Hermes Moschofilero 2005
Origin: Mantinia, Greece
Blend: 100% Moschofilero
Alcohol content: 11.0%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: September 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: Lightly scented with tree fruit aromas and notes of herbs and nuts. The palate is quite spicy and has a considerable amount of acidity. It also has a somewhat oily character to it. The finish initially seems brief, but is actually quite long with subtle flavors developing over time. Our score: An acquired taste, and certainly not one to be used as aperitif, foods paired with this wine need to have strong flavors to balance the boldness of the wine. Average, maybe a bit better.

Winery website: None found.

Conte Priola Pinot Grigio 2007

Wine: Conte Priola Pinot Grigio 2007
Origin: dell Veneto, Italy
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 11.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2008
Purchase Price: $6.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: This wine has a pleasant aroma of citrus and herb with a slight woodsy, possibly more nut-like, note. Of medium body on the palate, the fruit flavors are balanced with a nice acidity. The finish is weak, lacking depth and character. Our score: Certainly priced right, consider this Average wine for your next dish of pasta with red sauce.

Winery website: None found.