WineBasket.com Donates 5% of Spa Basket Sales to Breast Cancer Research during October

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 new offer that we're pleased to pass on at this time.

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, WineBasket.com will donate 5% of all spa basket sales for the month of October will be donated to breast cancer research. There are many to choose from including a White Wine and Jasmine Shower Spa Gift Set, the Glorious Garden Gift Basket, or the Olive Spa Treasures Gift Basket.

Book a Wine Country Weekend at BedandBreakfast.com

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 new offer that we're pleased to pass on at this time.

Admittedly not specifically related to wine, but can you imagine booking that special bed-and-breakfast weekend and not enjoying a bottle of fine wine after you check in? BedandBreakfast.com is a comprehensive worldwide listing of bed and breakfasts, B&B homestays, country inns, urban bed and breakfasts, guest houses, lodges, cabins, historic hotels, small resorts, guest ranches, farmhouse accommodations, and working farm and ranch vacations. B&B database searches allow you to find the ideal bed and breakfast inn, whether you are looking by location, amenities, online bookings, recipes, special packages, or last-minute availability. We suggest you look for a wine country inn and enjoy the local cuisine and wine.

Sterling Pinot Grigio 2007

Wine: Sterling Pinot Grigio 2007
Origin: Sonoma County, California
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker (from the bottle's label): "Showcases vibrant fruit aromas of apricots, peaches and honeysuckle with pleasant floral notes and a refreshing, clean finish."

ABC Wines review: This wine exhibits a fragrance of ripe tropical fruit. The palate is ever so sweet initially but quickly unfolds into a blend of tropical fruit flavors of moderate body balanced with a mild acidity. The finish is undistinguished but is long and pleasing nonetheless. A nice wine to serve with chicken dishes (though we confess we had it with hamburgers topped with ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce). Our score: Above Average, just short of Excellent.

Winery website: None found.

Sawtooth Riesling 2006

Wine: Sawtooth Riesling 2006
Origin: Idaho
Blend: 100% Riesling
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A fruit salad of aroma’s, apricot, peach and pear give way to bright fruit flavors and crisp acidity with a hint of sweetness and a clean finish."

ABC Wines review: Aromas of guava nectar, pineapple, and even a little banana are exhibited by this wine. The palate is sweet but not overly so; it does lack sufficient acidity for balance. The finish brings out an unusual, slightly unpleasant flavor, almost a texture, that is completely at odds with the wine. Our Score: Better rieslings at lower prices are available from Idaho's neighbors to the west. Below Average.

Winery website: Sawtooth Winery.

Buffalo Grove Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Wine: Buffalo Grove Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Santa Rosa, California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $6.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: An herbal citrus aroma is exhibited by this yellow-gold colored wine. The fruit and spice flavors are rather strong on the palate but lack individual characteristics. The finish has some initial heat then becomes more rounded. The label implies, though does not specifically state, this sauvignon blanc was barrel aged. Our score: An inexpensive wine that tastes inexpensive. Below Average.

Winery website: None found.

Domaine La Hitaire White Wine 2007

Wine: Domaine La Hitaire White Wine 2007
Origin: Gascogne, France
Blend: 65% Ugni Blanc, 30% Colombard, 5% Gros Manseng
Alcohol content: 10.5%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Magnificent intensity of this “open wine” with floral and citrus aromas and beautiful nuances of exotic fruits. The taste is round, full of ripe fruits, rich in sensations, enhanced by a frank and citrusy finish. A perfect example of lightness and balance that makes this wine a real companion of thirst and pleasure."

ABC Wines review: Golden in color and very aromatic with a ripe tropical fruit and floral fragrance, this wine is slightly effervescent on the palate as the fruit flavors unfold. The body is light and crisp. The finish is unbalanced being initially rather too acidic before tapering off to a somewhat bitter end. Serve this wine with grilled or broiled fish. Our score: Priced high for just an Average wine.

Winery website: Domaine la Hitaire.

Lurton Torrontes 2007

Wine: Lurton Torrontes 2007
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: 100% Torrontes
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: Lightly scented with tropical fruit aromas that become alive on the palate. The flavors have a rich character to them and feel full on the palate. The finish is quite smooth though somewhat subdued. A terrific, food-friendly wine to serve with a wide variety of dishes. Our score: This is rapidly becoming one of our favorite varietals. Just shy of Excellent.

Winery website: Jacques & Francois Lurton.