Benziger Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Benziger Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: North Coast (Lake and Sonoma Counties), California
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Stainless steel fermentation preserves the bright, crisp character of our Sauvignon Blanc. Grassy aromas introduce flavors of lemon, melon and grapefruit. Generous fruit is enhanced by a refreshing acidic structure and harmonious mouthfeel. Enjoy with white fish, summer salads or fresh fruit."

ABC Wines review: A fresh grassy fragrance highlighted with strong citrus notes is displayed by this wine. The palate has a crisp, clean feel with flavors of lime and just a hint of tropical fruit. A slight mineral character develops into the finish which has a nice acidity though is not overly complex. Serve this wine with appetizers or lighter meals; we enjoyed it with a freshly made corn chowder. Our score: Above Average, nearly Excellent. We rated the Benziger Sauvignon Blanc 2004 just average.

Winery website: Benziger Family Wines.

Ti Point (Kirkland Signature) Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Ti Point (Kirkland Signature) Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The 2007 vintage is pale green in color with lemon shades. Aromas of white flowers, smoky gooseberry and red grapefruit notes. It has medium-high alcohol from the palate all the way through the finish. Light and refreshing, this vintage has intense depth and concentration of fresh-cut hay and tropical pineapple that move on to a slight mineral finish. A soft and round mid-palate evolves into a lovely, limey acid finish creating length and persistence."

ABC Wines review: This wine exhibits classic aromas of gooseberry and grass, typical of the sauvignon blancs from New Zealand. On the palate, citrus flavors come forth with a fine balance of acidity and a slight flinty character. Tropical fruit flavors can be discerned into the long, very smooth (though slightly overly astringent) finish. A fine example of this varietal at an exceptional price. Our score: Excellent.

Winery website: Costco.com.

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Cycles Gladiator Pinot Grigio 2007

Cycles Gladiator Pinot Grigio 2007
Origin: Central Coast, California
Blend: 100% Pinot Grigio
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "As bright and appealing to the eye as the wonderful array of fruit and floral characteristics are to the nose. The flavors are reminiscent of a blend of sweet grapefruit, lemon zest and a hint of honeydew melon. The acid provides structure and crispness that sustains the finish without overpowering the fruit with tartness."

ABC Wines review: Exceptionally pale in color, this wine has aromas of crisp apple and pear with a slight, but noticeable citrus note. Quite crisp on the palate, the fruit flavors initially come alive but dissipate into the finish that disappoints as it becomes rather watery, lacking body. Our score: We think this would be a good picnic wine to accompany cold sandwiches and a fresh fruit salad. Just Average though.

Winery website: Cycles Gladiator Winery.

Pacific Rim Chenin Blanc 2007

Pacific Rim Chenin Blanc 2007
Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington State
Blend: 100% Chenin Blanc
Alcohol content: 13.1%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The wine is vividly bright with flavors of pear, quince and grapefruit essence with an eruption of floral aromas. An inspired complement to shellfish, grilled fish, soft cheeses and Middle Eastern food."

ABC Wines review: A very pale yellow with greenish tones, this wine has aromas of citrus (grapefruit and lime) with some fresh grassy, maybe vegetal notes. The flavors on the palate are similar, though somewhat unbalanced, slightly sweet but lacking acidity. The finish is quite brief though a citric sensation does linger for a bit. Our score: A good wine to pair with mildly spicy Asian dishes; we served it with teriyaki meatball appetizers. Average, maybe a touch higher.

Winery website: Pacific Rim Winemakers.

Hey Mambo Swanky White 2007

Wine: Hey Mambo Swanky White 2007
Origin: California
Blend: Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Sauvignon Blanc (percentages not known)
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Zork
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The hue of brilliant canary diamonds, this wine bursts open with aromas of a summertime farmers market, with ripe apricots, peaches, lavender bouquets and orchid blossoms. Not to be taken lightly, this swanky white is passionately floral and delectably juicy. Its layers of crisp acidity unfold amid flavors of fresh lime, gala apples, grapefruit and lemongrass."

ABC Wines review: The zork is new to us, but is easy to open and has a nice cork-like "pop" to it when pulled. The wine is very fragrant with notes of tree fruit blossoms, peaches, and a little honey. An acidity rapidly develops on the palate slightly masking the fruit flavors of which green apple and lime are the most discernable. The finish is quite pleasant, long and smooth. This would be a very versatile wine on the dinner table, pairing well with a wide variety of dishes. Our score: Well Above Average.

Winery website: TOG Wines.

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