Rock Rabbit Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Rock Rabbit Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Sonoma County, California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (90%), Gewurztraminer (10%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Very pale gold with greenish highlights, this wine has aromas of lemon, gooseberry, and tree fruit (mostly apricot). The fruit flavors are nicely balanced on the palate, with a slight increase in acidity developing in the finish, which is rather smooth and pleasant.

Our rating: There isn't much character in this wine, which works both to its advantage and disadvantage. On the plus side it is very food friendy; on the other hand, it's also not terribly memorable, thouth it's refreshing to enjoy a California sauvignon blanc without oak aging. This is a good picnic wine; We served our bottle with grilled chicken sandwiches, a nice choice. We rate it on the high side of Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Rock Rabbit Winery.

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.

Cortijo III Rioja Blanco 2008

Cortijo III Rioja Blanco 2008
Origin: Rioja, Spain
Blend: Viura (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Light gold in color, this wine has a bouquet of peaches and apricots with significant citrus notes. There is an initial burst of fruit flavors on the palate, which is followed quickly by a balancing acidity that builds into the moderately long finish.

Our rating: We very much enjoyed this wine, its character and overall flavor profile. We served our bottle with poultry, but it should pair nicely with most white meat or seafood dishes. Not a typical ABC wine, it's definitely one worth trying. We rate it Above Average, Nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker (from the label): "Medium full-bodied dry white wine; aromas of white flowers and white fruit, with a bit of spice and tropical fruit flavors on the finish."

Winery website: None found.

Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Pale yellow with distinct, almost sharp aromas of grapefruit and other citrus fruits. Tart on the palate, but not excessively so, with a bit of grassiness typical of this varietal. There is some residual acidity in the finish, which itself is rather brief but pleasant.

Our rating: This wine definitely will appeal to those who like their domestic sauvignon blancs citrusy with no oak. We've never had a pomelo, but suspect the label is aptly applied. Not a good aperitif or sipping wine, but it paired well with our Asian-inspired chicken appetizers. Comparable in style to Chilean wines, it seems priced a bit on the high side. We rate it about Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Wonderfully fragrant, floral and grapefruit nose with fig and peach aromas. Very full, round mouth with clean grapefruit flavors."

Winery website: Mason Cellar Napa Valley Wines.

Undone Dry Riesling 2007

Undone Dry Riesling 2007
Origin: Rheinhessen, Germany
Blend: Riesling (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $10.99

Our review: Greenish straw in color with aromas of green apples and hints of grass and spice. A very nice balance of sweetness and acidity is present on the palate, which leaves a slight tingling sensation on the tongue. The finish has considerable fruit character, is quite lengthy, marred just a bit by an off-note or two.

Our rating: This wine is deceptively complex, though not quite as dry as one might expect from a "dry riesling". Quite delicious, it is probably best served as an aperitif or with an appetizer or salad course. It would also work well as an afternoon sipping wine, while enjoying a good book. We rate it on the very high side of Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Crisp citrus notes, such as grapefruit and gooseberry, stand out on the palate. The wine is vibrant and finishes very clean. It is reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc. This Dry Riesling will pair well with seafood, sushi, and shellfish, as well as salads and white meats."

Winery website: Valckenberg Winery.

Chateau Lestrille White Bordeaux 2007

Chateau Lestrille White Bordeaux 2007
Origin: Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux, France
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (90%), Semillon (5%), Muscadelle (5%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Aromas of white peach and citrus blossoms with notes of honey are exhibited by this golden colored wine. Light and crisp on the palate, the tropical fruit-like flavors are subtle, accompanied by a slight spiciness. The finish is interesting and has some complexity and depth.

Our rating: This is a very nice wine, a perfect accompaniment to a vegetable dish or a risotto, or possibly a salad (though it seems a little rich for that). We enjoyed our bottle with a light and quick chicken dish, which also worked well. We rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Chateau Lestrille Vins de Bordeaux.

Francis Ford Coppola Bianco Pinot Grigio 2008

Francis Ford Coppola Bianco Pinot Grigio 2008
Origin: California
Blend: Pinot Grigio (89%), Sauvignon Blanc (6%), Chardonnay (5%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: January 2010
Purchase Price: $7.99

Our review: Pale yellow with gold highlights, this wine has aromas of citrus with slight apple and pear notes. On the palate, the profile is somewhat reversed, with an apple and pear flavors being balanced with a citrus tartness. There is a touch of smokiness (possibly spiciness) in the moderately long finish.

Our rating: A reasonably good, food-friendly wine, but not one to be served alone or even with a light meal. Consider pairing it with broiled fish or chicken and roasted potatoes. Overall, it rates about Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "It has intense floral aromas that mingle with cool melon and tropical fruit, and a light crisp mouthfeel, which is complemented by fresh peach, ripe pear, and pink grapefruit flavors."

Winery website: Francis Ford Coppola Winery.